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2017 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round

By Michael Saenz

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) dunks the ball against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) dunks the ball against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Indiana Pacers – T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA

This is actually the typical Indiana Pacers pick. They don’t take the flashy guy, but they do take Lonzo Ball’s running mate, who in his own right had his moments during his time with the UCLA Bruins.

Leaf can do a little big of everything, but nothing at an elite level. And that’s probably the biggest reason why he’s being taken at 18 and not in the top 14.

Leaf is a pick-and-pop guy that can post up a bit, if needed. He can move and will run the lanes. As he said on ESPN, he likes to play basketball the way it’s supposed to be played. Whatever that means.

Grade: C+