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NBA Mock Draft: Are Lonzo to LA and Jackson to Boston locks?

By Nathan Beighle

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Troy Trojans forward Alex Hicks (30) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Troy Trojans forward Alex Hicks (30) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick No. 5: Jayson Tatum

The Sacramento Kings are in a tricky spot. They could take Dennis Smith or Malik Monk with this pick if they are looking for a guard, but they also have Darren Collison as their starter. My bet is they take Tatum, because it is likely they will need a small forward with Rudy Gay possibly leaving.

Tyreke Evans in their only other small forward, and he could play point guard if needed. The Kings also have the 10th pick in the draft where they could pick another quality draftee. The Kings might be in a spot where they just take the best player available, and Tatum would be an obvious choice.

Tatum, who is 6-foot-8, 205 pounds, is one of the most powerful players in this draft. He should be coveted because of his strength and shooting abilities. Tatum could easily play the power forward position with a shot-blocker like Willie Cauley-Stein behind him. While at Duke, he averaged 16.8 points per game and made 1.4 threes per game.

Along with his rebounding ability and 85% free throw percentage, Tatum should be a top 5 selection in this draft. There is a lot to like about Tatum, and Sacramento should see that.