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2017 NBA Draft: Best fits for former Iowa State Cyclones

By Doug Winkey

Feb 28, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones senior guard Matt Thomas (21), guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15), guard Monte Morris (11) and guard Deonte Burton (30) watch the post game video after beating the Oklahoma State Cowboys at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Cowboys 86 to 83. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones senior guard Matt Thomas (21), guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15), guard Monte Morris (11) and guard Deonte Burton (30) watch the post game video after beating the Oklahoma State Cowboys at James H. Hilton Coliseum. The Cyclones beat the Cowboys 86 to 83. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15) works the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Neil Stevenson (10) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Nazareth Mitrou-Long (15) works the ball against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Neil Stevenson (10) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Naz Mitrou-Long

Fifth-year senior Naz Mitrou-Long ended his career on a high note. He averaged career-high numbers across the board with 15.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals. He also made it to second all-time on Iowa State’s career three-pointers made while hitting 38% of his deep bombs.

Mitrou-Long was always known for his prowess from outside, but he showed an increased ability to finish at the hoop. He shot more 2-point attempts than any in any other year and hit 64% inside the arc. He was clearly at full strength after double hip surgury as he helped Iowa State reach its sixth NCAA Tournament in a row. Mitrou-Long’s senior development has me thinking he could be a surprise selection similar to Abdel Nader in 2016.

The Jazz, Kings, Magic, and Pacers have all worked out the former Cyclone, but the best spot could be with Chicago. The Bulls desperately need a gunner, and Mitrou-Long could back up star Jimmy Butler or let him shift to point guard. Former Cyclone head coach Fred Hoiberg also roams the sidelines and would have immediately knowledge how to integrate his former player.

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