Top 3 Performers from the 2017 NBA draft this season

The 2017 NBA draft saw Markelle Fultz drafted as the #1 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted their point guard of the future in Lonzo Ball. However, these two sophomores are yet to really establish themselves for their teams.

Fultz has been suffering from a shoulder injury since getting drafted and has lost the feel for his shot. He has an awkward looking shot and has failed to deliver for the 76ers. Ball has been good for the Lakers on the defensive end but has not shown much aggression on the offensive end. He needs to step up and provide support to LeBron James and the Lakers.

But there are also some players who are playing at a very high level for their teams. The Celtics got Jason Tatum at #3. The Kings acquired De'Aaron Fox with the #5 pick and the Utah Jazz got Donovan Mitchell at #13.

Kyle Kuzma was arguably the steal of the draft showing huge NBA scoring potential. Dennis Smith Jr. and Jonathan Isaac also seem to be good finds. Here are the top three performers from the 2017 NBA draft this season.

#3 Jayson Tatum:

Jayson Tatum has actually not lived up to the hype of his rookie season and that speaks volumes about the expectations that we had from him this season. Tatum has been averaging 16.4 PPG, 6.6 rebounds per game for the Celtics, who are at #6 in the Eastern Conference standings with an 11-10 record.

Tatum's greatest ability lies in scoring the basketball. He is also a very good shooter and is shooting 41% from the 3 PT line this season.

The Celtics are expected to challenge for the Eastern Conference championship this season and Tatum's development is going to be pivotal in their quest.

#2 Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has become the best offensive player for the Jazz

Donovan Mitchell has become the most important player for the Jazz in his sophomore year only. The Utah Jazz will go as far as Mitchell will take them.

Mitchell has been averaging 20.6 PPG this season and has become the Jazz most potent offensive threat. Mitchell had a terrific rookie season where he led the Jazz to a playoff series victory over Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was arguably the Rookie of the Year last season according to most people.

Mitchell has continued his scoring onslaught this season. But his percentages have dipped a bit. He is shooting 41.8% from the field and only 29.2% from the 3PT line. He has become the priority on defense for the opposition teams and they are continuously double-teaming him.

The Jazz are struggling at the moment with a 9-12 record in the deep Western Conference and will be relying on Mitchell to guide them to the playoffs.

#1 De'Aaron Fox

De'Aaron Fox has been the leader for the Kings

The Sacramento Kings have been one of the pleasantly surprising teams of this season currently lying in the 8th playoff spot with a 10-10 record in the Western Conference. They have their sophomore De'Aaron Fox to thank for that.

Fox has provided tremendous leadership to this young core of Kings and has become their most pivotal player. His speed and playmaking makes the entire team better. The Kings are one of the teams that are playing with the fastest pace this season.

Fox is averaging 17.5 PPG and 7.5 assists per game this season. He has also surprised many by his consistent shooting from the 3PT line this season. Viewed as a non-shooter, Fox is still averaging an above league average 38.1% from the 3PT line. This improvement from outside the box has made Fox even more lethal and he is able to find his teammates in more open spaces.

The Sacramento Kings may not reach the playoffs this year but Fox's development into a star will be highly critical for them.