The top half of the 2017 NBA Draft is set. The NBA has conducted the Draft Lottery. This sets the stage for the draft, as teams finally know where they stand. And if anyone is looking to strike it rich during the annual draft, look no further than Luke Kennard.
Coming out of Duke, Kennard might not have the press of teammate, Jayson Tatum, but he’s definitely every bit as good. The 6’5 guard had an outstanding 2016-17 season for the Blue Devils, leading them on and off the court.
On the season, Kennard averaged a team-high 19.5 points per game. He’s extremely effective scoring the ball and can do so from just about anywhere on the court. He’s got a very similar game to that of Kyle Korver.
Kennard shares a lot of Korver’s traits. He’s effective at coming off the screen. With over 5 threes attempted during his sophomore season, Kennard loves to shoot the tree. And just as Korver has made a living off this type of play, Kennard can too.
As of now, Kennard’s projection is mid-late first round. There were times during Duke’s NCAA Tournament run that many thought of him as a lottery selection. The hype is dying down a little bit from March. However, there is still enough intrigue from teams that if they take him in the top-15 it wouldn’t be a surprise.
A lot of NBA teams will want Kennard because he’s only played two seasons at Duke. A sophomore in 2016-17, his game still has plenty of growing to do. NBA teams thrive on players they can develop into superstars or solid role players, and Kennard fills the latter role perfectly.
The selection of Luke Kennard will be in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. The only thing we don’t know is when. Could it be the lottery, or will it be with a later pick?
There are so many questions going into draft night, and Luke Kennard’s place among the other draftees is one of them.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on twitter @dgentleman9288