Positivity is always a theme heading into an NBA draft, even with a few games left before the regular season expires.Why not' The majority of eliminated teams already know the fate awaiting them. It's better to turn a positive eye to the June 22 draftand especially this year given the wealth of talent set to take the Association by storm.Maybe this isn't a class hyped for years and years set to produce Hall of Famers, but the three or four top players certainly have the upside to carry franchises on their backs for years while competing for titles.While the process is just beginning, let's take a look at a mock based on team need and prospect value.2017 NBA Mock Draft1. Boston Celtics (via Nets): Josh Jackson, F, KansasFor now, this seems like a guard-heavy class and many would debate the Boston Celtics need to take the best player available with the top pick.But it's time the Celtics start aggressively attacking needs before it's too late. And Josh Jackson might end up the best player in classanyway.Jackson is the best two-way player in the draft, a high-energy defender at 6'8" and 207 pounds who averaged 16.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game as a freshman while shooting 51.3 percent from the floor.This efficiency, size and proven film explains why Sporting News' Sean Deveney wrote the following about how fit will come into play at the top of the order: "Jackson has been getting a lot of buzz as a potential No. 1 lately, especially if a team that doesn't need a point guard lands with the top pick."The Celtics had three picks in last year's draft and took a bit of an odd path, though they did land Jaylen Brown. That shouldn't stop the front office from adding Jackson, who can help along a deep backcourt led by Isaiah Thomas.Another guy who can lead and score even off the ball is nothing short of a good thing for a Celtics team getting richer while also battling atop the Eastern Conference.3. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, G, UCLAThis isn't just a cool story for the sake of a cool storythe Los Angeles Lakers could use a guard like Lonzo Ball.Ball is a California kid at heart, which is good news for the Lakers as they won't have any problems snatching him out of a slight fall.And even Ball himself has openly campaigned about the Lakers, as captured by ESPN Los Angeles:Ball is something of a hybrid player, though many couldn't fault someone for labeling him as a pass-first guard. He's big with great vision, coming in at 6'6" and 190 pounds and having averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game at UCLA.Players like Ball simply don't come around often, so the Lakerseverything else asideshould be more than happy to throw him in a backcourt with D'Angelo Russell and let the two get the most out of a budding roster also featuring Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram.Maybe Ball is or isn't the final piece helping lure a big-name free agent to town. But he's the perfect fit on the court and in terms of the long-term rebuilding plan the Lakers have stuck with, so it's currently one of the smarter moves that could happen on draft day. 5. Orlando Magic: De'Aaron Fox, G, KentuckyFans of the Orlando Magic might groan about another pass-first guard who struggles with his jump shot.Sorry. Kentucky's De'Aaron Fox is too valuable of a project to pass up in the top five, even if the Elfrid Payton plan hasn't worked out. Let's not forget Orlando's approach to rebuilding hasn't made much sense over the past few years, anyway, so adding another player to the backcourt is in no way out of the question.Besides, Fox is no Payton. He seems like a collegiate John Wall clone at 6'3" and 187 pounds and averaged 16.7 points, 45.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists as a freshman.Look at what an NBA executive told Bleacher Report's Reid Forgrave: "He's really raw, but he's already figured out how to impact the game in multiple ways. Of anybody who is off the beaten path right now, he could end up as the best player in this draft. He's the one who has the most potential to do it."Fox doesn't uplift an entire Magic team on his own, especially not while he's still working on his shot. But he should be surrounded by quality shooters like Evan Fournier and Mario Hezonja while running the court with the likes of Aaron Gordon.The vibe around Fox is simplehe has the upside, provided he rounds off his already strong two-way game well, to wind up as the best player in the class.For a Magic team struggling to rebuild, it's the best possible scenario.All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
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