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Final 2017 NHL mock draft

Who will the Devils take first overall? Who will be the first draft pick in Vegas Golden Knights history? Get those questions answered and many more in our final projection of the first 31 picks of the 2017 NHL draft.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Dennis Smith Jr. on four PGs being picked before him: "I just use it as fuel to the fire. I've been underrated my whole life, and I'm perfectly fine with it. I'm accustomed to it. I'm going to go out and be Dennis Smith, and nothing can stop that."

ESPN Stats and Information  

Nets select Jarrett Allen No. 22. Allen is one of 2 players from the University of Texas to be drafted in the first round in the last 5 seasons (Myles Turner, 2015). He was 1 of 2 players in the Big 12 to average at least 13 points and 8 rebounds last season.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Donnie Nelson says Dennis Smith Jr. pick eliminates need for Mavs to target PG in free agency.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Dennis Smith Jr. compared himself to "Derrick Rose with a jump shot" during a pre-draft interview with the Mavs.

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Mavericks snag Smith with the ninth pick (0:48)

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Rick Carlisle leaves no doubt Mavs wanted Dennis Smith over Frank Ntilikina, saying there was "uproarious" applause when Knicks made pick.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Before question was even asked, Rick Carlisle said Mavs are projecting Dennis Smith Jr. to start as a rookie. Cites intelligence, maturity as well as athleticism. "We believe he's going to be a tremendous player for us and right away."

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Rick Carlisle says Mavs believe Dennis Smith Jr. is as good as any PG in the draft. "We're getting a guy that's an instant-impact guy."

ESPN Stats and Information  

Mavericks select Dennis Smith No. 9 overall. He's the highest-drafted player from NC State since Tom Gugliotta in 1992 (6th).

Kevin Pelton ESPN Staff Writer 

Love the fit of Dennis Smith, my most underrated prospect in the lottery, in Dallas. He should thrive in Rick Carlisle's spread pick-and-roll.

Ben Alamar ESPN Analytics 

Top Dennis Smith top comparable players according to ESPN's analytic draft model are: John Wall Derrick Rose Jrue Holiday CJ McCollum Tyreke Evans

Adam Reisinger ESPN.com 

With the No. 9 overall pick, the Mavericks selected Dennis Smith Jr. (G, NC State). In the past 20 years, three No. 9 picks have played for Dallas: Amar'e Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Dirk Nowitzki.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

The Mavs were wowed by Dennis Smith Jr.'s athleticism in his workout and believe he can contribute immediately.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Mavs GM Donnie Nelson: "This is a building-block opportunity that we won't miss on."

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Mavs GM Donnie Nelson: "Don't look for a lot of movement. ... 9 is a very solid area where there's a group of players we really like."

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Gomez admires two homers with flair (0:47)
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Napoli blast extends Rangers' lead (0:22)