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Big Board 8.0: Final rankings for top 30 NBA draft prospects

Chad Ford gives his final rankings for the 2017 NBA draft. Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The NBA draft is almost here and teams are now finalizing their big boards in preparation for Thursday night.

Here's the latest intel on the top 30 prospects after consulting NBA scouts and general managers.

Remember, these rankings aren't based on my opinion. They are based on conversations with numerous NBA front offices. Of course, each team has its own rankings. However, this is the closest thing to a consensus of the NBA's thinking.

After we get past pick No. 11, the consensus is a little looser. Teams are all over the place on the next 20 to 25 players.

2017 Big Boards: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0


1. Markelle Fultz

Previous rank: No. 1
Washington
Freshman
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 7

Big Board history: Fultz started at No. 3 on Big Board 1.0 in August. He moved up to No. 1 on Big Board 2.0, our first after the college season began, and has stayed there ever since.

Why he'll hit his ceiling: He's the most complete player in the draft. There really isn't anything he doesn't do well. He can shoot, handle, pass and defend. He also has great size, length and sneaky athleticism for his position. He has some Brandon Roy and James Harden in his game.

Why he won't surpass his floor: While Fultz doesn't have any major holes in his game, he hasn't always shown an aggressiveness or drive to win that other top prospects have displayed. His effort on the defensive end was lacking at times, and he seemed to give up during his freshman season at Washington.

Draft range: Nos. 1-2

Potential destination: Sixers


2. Lonzo Ball

Previous rank: No. 2
UCLA
Freshman
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 4

Big Board history: Ball started at No. 6 in our first Big Board 1.0 in August. He moved up to No. 2 in Big Board 2.0 and hasn't moved from that position.

Ceiling: He's the best passer in the draft. In fact, he might be the best passer to come out of the draft in the last decade. His court vision and ability to anticipate plays before they develop is uncanny. He also has deep range on his jump shot and is a very good finisher at the rim. While it's not a perfect comp, he sees the game a lot like Jason Kidd did.

Floor: Not an elite athlete. His defense was porous. His jump shot is unorthodox and his release is slow. He's not going to fit in every system. The scouts who don't love him think he's the second coming of Shaun Livingston.

Draft range: Nos. 2-4

Potential destinations: Lakers, Suns


3. Josh Jackson

Previous rank: No. 3
Kansas
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 2

Big Board history: Jackson was ranked No. 1 in Big Board 1.0, moved to No. 3 in Big Board 2.0 and stayed at No. 3 the rest of the year.

Ceiling: He has a Kevin Garnett-like intensity to the way he plays the game. He's the best two-way player in the draft and has elite court vision for a wing, along with great length and athleticism. He's also a creative scorer at the rim and deeply cares about winning. There's some Kawhi Leonard to his game.

Floor: His jumper has a hitch in it and he's a terrible free throw shooter. He needs to add strength. At 20, he's old for his class. Off-court incidents his freshman year raise questions about his character. He can get too emotional on the court. If his jumper doesn't get fixed, he could be Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Draft range: Nos. 2-4

Potential destinations: Lakers, Celtics, Suns


4. Jayson Tatum

Previous rank: No. 4
Duke
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 3

Big Board history: Tatum began the year ranked No. 7 in Big Board 1.0. He moved up to No. 6 in Big Board 2.0 and to No. 4 in Big Board 5.0 in April, and he has been there ever since.

Ceiling: Tatum is the best wing scorer in the draft, a sophisticated offensive player who can get his shot off from anywhere on the floor. He has polished moves off the bounce and good size for his position. Extremely hard worker. Reminds scouts of a young Rudy Gay.

Floor: He's just a so-so athlete. His 3-point shot is still a work in progress. He's a bit one-dimensional. Not a plus as a defender, rebounder or passer. Can play selfishly. Could be closer to TJ Warren.

Draft range: Nos. 3-6

Potential destinations: Celtics, Suns, Kings, Magic


5. Jonathan Isaac

Previous rank: No. 6
FSU
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 12

Big Board history: Isaac started at No. 8 in Big Board 1.0, moved up to No. 5 in Big Board 3.0, slid back to No. 6 on version 5.0 and finishes at No. 5.

Ceiling: Versatile forward who can defend three or four spots on the floor. Has great size and length for his position. Can score the ball inside and outside. Plays hard and is a willing defender. Shows a high basketball IQ. He has some Paul George-like qualities to his game.

Floor: He needs to add a lot of strength. He can sometimes be a bit passive on the offensive end. Is he a 3 or a 4? He could end up showing a lot of the same growing pains that Brandon Ingram did as a rookie.

Draft range: Nos. 3-7

Potential destinations: Celtics, Suns, Magic, Wolves


6. De'Aaron Fox

Previous rank: No. 5
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 6

Big Board history: Fox was initially ranked No. 9 on Big Board 1.0, moved up to No. 5 in Big Board 5.0 and slides to No. 6 in our final Big Board.

Ceiling: The fastest player in the draft. Super quick with the ball. Explosive athlete. Excellent ball handler. Good court vision. A tough leader. Smart, high-character player. A leader on the floor. Fearless. Reminds a lot of scouts of a young John Wall.

Floor: He really struggled as a shooter, shooting just 25 percent from 3. He has a slight frame and needs to add strength. He's left-hand dominant and needs to learn how to create more with his right hand.

Draft range: Nos. 4-5

Potential destinations: Suns, Kings


7. Dennis Smith

Previous rank: No. 8
NC State
Freshman
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: N/A

Big Board history: Smith began the season ranked No. 4 in Big Board 1.0. He slid to No. 5 in 2.0, moved back up to No. 4 in Big Boards 3.0 and 4.0, slid to No. 8 in Big Board 5.0 and moves up one spot in our final Big Board.

Ceiling: One of the most explosive players in the draft, Smith is an elite athlete and finisher at the rim. He showed an improved jump shot in college. He's very quick off the bounce. He's a good passer who uses his scoring to set up other players. Has an NBA body. Shows a lot of similarities to a young Steve Francis.

Floor: His NC State team was a major disappointment, and scouts really hated his body language on the court. He's coming off a torn ACL during his senior season of high school. Shot just 30 percent on his 2-point jumpers.

Draft range: Nos. 6-10

Potential destinations: Magic, Knicks, Mavericks, Kings


8. Malik Monk

Previous rank: No. 7
Kentucky
Freshman
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 9

Big Board history: Monk was ranked No. 15 in Big Board 1.0, made a huge jump up to No. 4 in Big Board 2.0, slipped to No. 6 in Big Board 3.0, slid to No. 7 in Big Board 5.0 and drops one spot to No. 8 in our final Big Board.

Ceiling: The most explosive scorer in the draft. Excellent shooter with deep range. Elite athlete with quickness and explosive leaping ability. Excellent finisher above the rim. When he gets hot, he can drop 30 points on anyone. He draws a lot of comps to a young Lou Williams.

Floor: He's undersized for his position. He lacks strength and a midrange game. He's a bit one-dimensional. His defense was inconsistent all year. He's streaky as a shooter.

Draft range: Nos. 6-12

Potential destinations: Magic, Wolves, Knicks, Hornets, Pistons


9. Zach Collins

Previous rank: No. 9
Gonzaga
Freshman
Center

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 37

Big Board history: Collins wasn't ranked in the top 30 in Big Board 1.0. He made his Big Board debut at No. 21 in 3.0 in February, moved up to No. 14 in 4.0, bumped up to No. 11 in 5.0 and moved up to No. 9 in 6.0.

Ceiling: Collins is a skilled big man who can score both inside and outside. He's a good rebounder and rim-protector. He's a bouncy athlete. He can shoot the NBA 3 and plays with a scrappiness in the paint. There's an edge to him. He has some Serge Ibaka in him.

Floor: He needs to add a lot of strength if he's going to play center in the NBA. He played a more limited role at Gonzaga as a freshman.

Draft range: Nos. 9-14

Potential destinations: Mavericks, Kings, Hornets, Pistons, Heat


10. Lauri Markkanen

Previous rank: No. 10
Arizona
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: N/A

Big Board history: Markkanen started at No. 17 in Big Board 1.0. He moved up to No. 11 in 2.0, went up to No. 9 in 3.0, got as high as No. 7 in 4.0 and slid back to No. 10 in 6.0.

Ceiling: He might be the best 3-point shooter in the draft. Has great size for his position. Very mobile for a big man and a very good shooter from midrange as well. Excellent free throw shooter for a big man, too. He's not nearly as good as the Mavs legend, but there is some Dirk Nowitzki to his game.

Floor: He was a poor rebounder and shot-blocker for his size. Doesn't really like to play physically in the paint. A bit one-dimensional. He gets this year's annual Channing Frye comp.

Draft range: Nos. 7-12

Potential destinations: Wolves, Mavericks, Kings, Hornets, Pistons


11. Frank Ntilikina

Previous rank: No. 11
France
Age: 18
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: N/A

Big Board history: Ntilikina began at No. 5 in Big Board 1.0, dropped to No. 12 in 2.0, moved up to No. 11 in 3.0 and has stayed there the rest of the year.

Ceiling: Ntilikina has great size, length and poise for his position. He has a nice feel for the game and leadership qualities. He's unselfish, works hard and cares about winning. He can defend multiple positions. He improved throughout the season. Has great experience playing significant minutes in France. A better-passing version of George Hill.

Floor: He's still emerging as a shooter. He lacks elite quickness or explosiveness. He's the youngest player in the draft. He's bit of a project.

Draft range: Nos. 8-9

Potential destinations: Knicks, Mavericks


12. Harry Giles

Previous rank: No. 12
Duke
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 1

Big Board history: Giles started at No. 2 on our Big Board 1.0. He slid to No. 7 in 2.0, dropped to No. 8 in 3.0, dropped again to No. 13 in 4.0, moved to No. 12 in 5.0 and has stayed there the rest of the year.

Ceiling: He has as much potential as anyone in the draft. Before he tore his ACL at the start of his senior year, many NBA scouts said he was the best high school prospect since LeBron James. He has great size, athleticism and motor for his position. He plays with a high basketball IQ. He's an elite rebounder. High character and work ethic. The Kevin Garnett comps are legitimate.

Floor: He has torn an ACL in both knees. He had another minor knee surgery at the start of his freshman season at Duke. He didn't play well most of the time in college. He looked hesitant to play with full intensity. Will he overcome a fear of injuring his knee again? Has he missed too much critical developmental time as a prospect? He feels like he's one more major injury away from being Greg Oden.

Draft range: Nos. 10-16

Potential destinations: Kings, Hornets, Pistons, Nuggets, Heat, Blazers, Bulls


13. OG Anunoby

Previous rank: No. 13
Indiana
Sophomore
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 1

Big Board history: Anunoby began the season at No. 16, moved up to No. 13 in 2.0, slid to No. 17 after tearing his ACL in 3.0, dropped to No. 20 in 4.0, moved back up to No. 13 in 5.0 and has remained there the rest of the year.

Ceiling: Anunoby is an elite athlete with an NBA body, plus a 7-foot-2 wingspan. He plays hard on both ends of the floor and can defend four positions. He's a good shooter with range, has a good feel for the game and works hard. He's the prototypical 3-and-D prospect. Had he not gotten hurt, he would probably have been a top-10 prospect. He's a bigger, better-shooting version of Jaylen Brown.

Floor: He tore his ACL in January and might not be ready to play again until midseason. His 3-point shooting dipped as a sophomore.

Draft range: Nos. 8-15

Potential destinations: Knicks, Kings, Nuggets, Blazers


14. Donovan Mitchell

Previous rank: No. 15
Louisville
Sophomore
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 43

Big Board history: Mitchell wasn't in the top 30 in Big Board 1.0. He cracked Big Board 3.0 at No. 26, dropped back out of our Big Board in 5.0, moved up to No. 22 in 6.0, jumped up to No. 15 in 7.0 and finishes one spot higher at No. 14 in our final Big board.

Ceiling: He has a ridiculous 6-10 wingspan. Elite athlete. Plays hard on both ends of the court. Can defend the 1 and the 2. Very aggressive. Good body. Proved he could play off the ball at Louisville. Improving shooter with 3-point range. Reminds scouts a bit of Gary Harris.

Floor: He's a bit of a tweener. NBA teams aren't sure where he fits in offensively. Still a bit streaky as a shooter.

Draft range: Nos. 9-16

Potential destinations: Mavericks, Hornets, Pistons, Heat, Bulls


15. Luke Kennard

Previous rank: No. 14
Duke
Sophomore
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 24

Big Board history: Kennard made his Big Board debut at No. 30 in 2.0. He moved up to No. 28 in Big Board 3.0, then No. 15 in Big Board 6.0 and finishes the season there.

Ceiling: One of the two or three best shooters in the draft. High basketball IQ. Excellent toughness. Can play both the 1 and 2 offensively. Excellent in the pick-and-roll. He could end up playing a lot like Rookie of the Year candidate Malcolm Brogdon did for the Bucks this year.

Floor: Good but not elite athlete. Tries hard but not a very effective defender.

Draft range: Nos. 8-14

Potential destinations: Knicks, Kings, Hornets, Pistons, Heat


16. John Collins

Previous rank: No. 16
Wake Forest
Sophomore
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: NR

Big Board history: He made his Big Board debut at No. 24 in 3.0, moved to No. 18 in Big Board 4.0, slid to No. 21 in Big Board 5.0 and moved up to No. 16 in Big Board 7.0.

Ceiling: At 19, very young for a sophomore. Younger than some of the freshmen on this list. Super efficient post player with a number of moves in the paint. Very strong sophomore season at Wake. Good rebounder and shot-blocker. Emerging shooter. Good athlete.

Floor: Needs to continue to develop a 3-point game. Didn't attempt one 3-pointer in college. Lacks great length for his position.

Draft range: Nos. 10-18

Potential destinations: Kings, Hornets, Pistons, Heat, Blazers, Bulls, Pacers


17. Ike Anigbogu

Previous rank: No. 19
UCLA
Freshman
Center

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 60

Big Board history: Anigbogu made his Big Board debut at No. 29 in 4.0, moved up to No. 19 in Big Board 5.0, moved up another spot to No. 18 in 6.0 and moves up one more spot to No. 17 in our final Big Board.

Ceiling: He has a 7-6 wingspan. He's built like a tank and is an aggressive rebounder and shot-blocker. Has good athleticism vertically and reliable hands.

Floor: Very raw offensively. Doesn't move particularly well laterally. He missed the first five games of the season for UCLA with a torn meniscus, an injury that makes some teams wary.

Draft range: Nos. 14-23

Potential destinations: Heat, Bulls, Pacers, Hawks, Nets, Raptors


18. Edrice Adebayo

Previous rank: No. 23
Kentucky
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 5

Big Board history: Adebayo started at No. 12 in Big Board 1.0, slid to No. 18 in 2.0, dropped to No. 27 in 3.0, moved back up to No. 25 in 4.0, back up to No. 20 in 5.0, slid to No. 23 in 6.0 and jumps back up to No. 18 in our final Big Board.

Ceiling: He's a freaky athlete for his size, explosive vertically and laterally. He's built like Dwight Howard. Has the ability to guard in the paint and on the perimeter. Finishes above the rim. Can be a good rebounder when he's motivated to be. Hard worker in practice. Didn't flash it at Kentucky, but scouts say he has shown a nice perimeter game in workouts.

Floor: He was unimpressive early on for Kentucky. For a player with his size, athleticism and strength he was just an average rebounder and shot-blocker. There are questions about his overall feel for the game.

Draft range: Nos. 15-22

Potential destinations: Blazers, Bulls, Bucks, Pacers, Nets


19. Justin Patton

Previous rank: No. 21
Creighton
Freshman
Center

ESPN 100 HS ranking: NR

Big Board history: Patton started at No. 13 in Big Board 3.0, dropped to No. 15 in 4.0, slid to No. 19 in 6.0 and finishes the season there.

Ceiling: He shows lots of potential. Was super efficient early for Creighton until the Bluejays' point guard went down with an injury. Has great size for his position. Soft touch from the perimeter. He's a solid rebounder and shot-blocker. Has some range on his jumper.

Floor: He's still very raw. Feel for the game is still developing. Lacks elite lateral speed. A project.

Draft range: Nos. 15-22

Potential destinations: Blazers, Bulls, Bucks, Hawks, Nets


20. Jarrett Allen

Previous rank: No. 18
Texas
Freshman
Center

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 15

Big Board history: Allen began the season at No. 11 in Big Board 1.0, slid to No. 19 in 2.0, moved up to No. 16 in 4.0, went up to No. 14 in 5.0, slid back to No. 18 in 7.0 and finishes at No. 20

Ceiling: Long, athletic big man. Has a huge 7-5 wingspan. Runs the floor very well. Was a good rebounder and solid shot-blocker. Lots of defensive upside. Has the ability to step away from the basket.

Floor: Needs to add a lot of strength. Offensive game still a work in progress.

Draft range: Nos. 16-25

Potential destinations: Bulls, Hawks, Nets, Raptors, Jazz, Magic


21. Tony Bradley

Previous rank: No. 22
UNC
Freshman
Center

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 17

Big Board history: Bradley started at No. 22 in Big Board 2.0, slipped to 30 in 3.0, moved back up to No. 22 in 5.0 and moves up one spot to No. 21 in our final Big Board.

Ceiling: One of the best defensive rebounders in the draft. He has great length and size for his position. Has soft hands. Can carve out space in the lane. Scores very well in various analytics models.

Floor: Is not an elite athlete. Has heavy legs that affect his lateral and vertical explosiveness. Has fought conditioning issues in the past.

Draft range: Nos. 19-24

Potential destinations: Hawks, Blazers, Nets, Raptors, Jazz


22. TJ Leaf

Previous rank: No. 20
UCLA
Freshman
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 13

Big Board history: Leaf started at No. 14 in Big Board 2.0, slipped to No. 15 in 3.0, dropped to No. 17 in 4.0, slid to No. 20 in 7.0 and drops two more spots to No. 22 in on our final Big Board

Ceiling: One of the best pure scorers in the draft. Has a great feel for the game. Can score in the paint or on the perimeter. High basketball IQ. Can handle contact.

Floor: Lacks elite length for his position. Needs to add a lot of strength. Can struggle to score over length. Below-average defender.

Draft range: Nos. 17-26

Potential destinations: Bucks, Pacers, Hawks, Blazers, Thunder, Jazz, Magic


23. Terrance Ferguson

Previous rank: No. 17
Australia
Age: 19
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 9

Big Board history: Ferguson's stock has been super volatile. He began at No. 9 in Big Board 1.0. He slid to No. 17 in Big Board 2.0 after deciding to skip college to play pro ball in Australia, slid to No. 20 in 3.0, dropped to No. 22 in 4.0, moved back up to No. 18 in 5.0, back up to No. 16 in 6.0, slid to No. 17 in 7.0 and drops back down to No. 23 in our final ranking.

Ceiling: Excellent shooter with deep range. Explosive athlete who can finish above the rim. Good size for his position.

Floor: Streaky. No real midrange game. Not a great defender. Lacks experience.

Draft range: Nos. 17-27

Potential destinations: Bucks, Pacers, Hawks, Thunder, Nets, Raptors, Jazz


24. Anzejs Pasecniks

Previous rank: No. 26
Latvia
Age: 21
Center

ESPN 100 HS ranking: N/A

Big Board history: Pasecniks made his Big Board debut at No. 26 in 7.0.

Ceiling: Skilled big man who's comfortable in the paint or on the perimeter offensively. Good shooter with range. Nice touch around the basket. Great size for his position. Productive season in Europe.

Floor: Needs to get stronger. Not a good rebounder or shot-blocker. Might lack toughness.

Draft range: Nos. 19-29

Potential destinations: Hawks, Blazers, Thunder, Nets, Raptors, Jazz, Spurs


25. Jonah Bolden

Previous rank: N/A
Australia
Age: 21
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: N/A

Big Board history: Big Board 8.0 is the first time Bolden has cracked the top 30 this season.

Ceiling: Versatile forward who can do a little of everything. Good athlete. Long. Plays above the rim. Good ball handler and playmaker for his size. Shot 42 percent from 3 in the Adriatic league this year on the way to winning rookie of the year honors in Serbia.

Floor: Streaky. His confidence waxes and wanes. Doesn't like physicality in the paint. Needs to add strength and toughness. Didn't play well during his one season at UCLA.

Draft range: Nos. 21-35

Potential destinations: Thunder, Nets, Jazz, Magic, Lakers, Spurs, Hawks


26. Justin Jackson

Previous rank: No. 25
UNC
Junior
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 8

Big Board history: Jackson cracked several Big Boards during his freshman and sophomore years but didn't break into this year's Big Board until 5.0 when he came in at No. 25. He has stayed steady there the rest of the year before falling one spot in the final Big Board.

Ceiling: Jackson has one of the best midrange games in college basketball. Has a lethal floater. Much improved as a 3-point shooter as a junior. Has good length and size for his position. Good feel for the game.

Floor: He's not a great athlete, especially laterally. Can still be very streaky from 3-point range. Doesn't always play with a great motor. Scouts are worried his shooting might regress back to the mean.

Draft range: Nos. 17-29

Potential destinations: Bucks, Pacers, Hawks, Thunder, Jazz, Magic, Lakers, Spurs


27. Frank Jackson

Previous rank: No. 27
Duke
Freshman
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 10

Big Board history: Jackson made his Big Board debut at No. 27 in 7.0.

Ceiling: One of the best athletes in the draft. Explosive leaper. Good scorer who can get his shot off anywhere. Good 3-point shooter. Good length. Reminds teams of a young Jerryd Bayless.

Floor: Lacks great size for his position. Not a true point guard.

Draft range: Nos. 24-31

Potential destinations: Jazz, Magic, Lakers, Spurs, Hawks,


28. D.J. Wilson

Previous rank: No. 28
Michigan
Junior
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: NR

Big Board history: Wilson landed on his first Big Board in 5.0 at No. 26.

Ceiling: Excellent athlete. Runs the floor like a guard. Explosive leaper. Good shooter with 3-point range. Solid shot-blocker. Good size and length for his position.

Floor: Can play soft. Doesn't like contact in the paint. Below-average rebounder for his size. Very inconsistent.

Draft range: Nos. 24-35

Potential destinations: Jazz, Magic, Blazers, Lakers, Spurs, Hawks


29. Tyler Lydon

Previous rank: N/A
Syracuse
Sophomore
Forward

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 76

Big Board history: Lydon started at No. 22 in Big Board 1.0. He slid to No. 23 in 2.0, fell to No. 26 in Big Board 4.0 and then dropped out of the Big Board until cracking it again in our Final Big Board 8.0

Ceiling: Good athlete. Can really shoot. Good rebounder and shot-blocker. Solid passer.

Floor: Stuck in between the 3 and the 4. Didn't develop the way scouts hoped he would. Needs to add strength. Questions about him defensively. Wasn't as aggressive hunting for his shot as scouts wanted.

Draft range: Nos. 23-35

Potential destinations: Raptors, Jazz, Magic, Blazers, Lakers, Spurs, Hawks, Suns


30. Josh Hart

Previous rank: N/A
Villanova
Senior
Guard

ESPN 100 HS ranking: No. 92

Big Board history: Hart makes his first Big Board appearance in 8.0.

Ceiling: Jack of all trades. Above average at just about everything -- shooting, ballhandling, defense and passing. Has had two very impressive years at Villanova.

Floor: Master of none. He's not an elite athlete. Lacks great size for position. Doesn't do any one thing at an elite level.

Draft range: Nos. 24-35

Potential destinations: Jazz, Magic, Lakers, Spurs, Hawks


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