2018 NBA Mock Draft

#TeamPlayerUpdated 6/21/18 7:00pm ESTComp
1SunsDeAndre AytonC – HT: 7-1 – WT: 260 – WING: 7-5 – FROM: Arizona
Ayton appears to be a lock for the no.1 pick and the Suns would be making the smart move taking him in this spot. He’s the most physically dominant center we’ve seen in many years and he’s got an advanced skill level to go along with his great size/athleticism. Although the League is going more towards small-ball line ups, finding a dominant center is rare and Ayton’s promise and potential will be too much to pass up. The Suns are forming a nice young nucleus with Booker, Jackson, Warren and potentially Ayton.
Boogie
2
Kings
Marvin Bagley III PF – HT: 6-11 – WT: 235 – WING: 7-1 – FROM: Duke
Bagley is far from a finished product at this stage of his career but he’s an incredible athlete who runs the court like a deer and is still only 19 years old with plenty of room to develop. The Kings have some young talent at the power forward position but Bagley is a special talent who would give them a potential star in the frontcourt. His ability to run the floor would fit well with the up-tempo Fox and his offensive rebounding and all-out hustle would be welcomed additions. Hopefully his defensive awareness develops, as he has all the physical tools to be a solid defender.
Kevin Garnett, Beasley
3
Hawks
Luka DoncicPG – HT: 6-8 – WT: 225 – WING: 6-11 – FROM: Slovenia
Doncic is the most hyped draft prospect to come out of Europe in many years, with many draftniks ranking him no.1 overall on their board. If the Hawks stay at no. 3 they could add Doncic to their rebuilding roster, or this pick could be moved, with the Hawks trading back a few spots for Trae or one of the bigs. With Doncic there are questions about his foot-steed and his three point shooting but it’s also clear that he has all the tools needed to excel in today’s League plus a killer instinct that you just can’t teach. But for those who view him as a no.1 overall type of player then there’s some bust potential, as he could be more of a second best player on his team type of guy, rather than a superstar talent.
Rubio, Mike Miller
4GrizzliesMohamed BambaC – HT: 7-1 – WT: 220 – WING: 7-10 – FROM: Texas
This pick could be on the move but whether it’s the Grizzlies or a different team selecting at no.4 Bamba would be a big time addition to any frontline. His insane length and shot blocking prowess remind of a young Rudy Gobert and he’s got a chance to be a special defender at the next level. He’s also shown a vastly improved shooting stroke with range out to 3, making him a versatile player who impacts both ends of the floor.
a more mobile Rudy Gobert
5
Mavs
Jaren Jackson Jr. C – HT: 6-11 – WT: 240 – WING: 7-5 1/4 – FROM: Michigan St.
Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a great selection here. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft and has as much upside as any prospect available. He’s a defensive menace who excels at protecting the rim, while also showing a lot of promise on the offensive end. The Mavs are desperate for talent up front and JJJ would give them a stud center to develop next to DSJ.
Mourning, Myles Turner
6
Magic
Shai Gilgeous- AlexanderPG – HT: 6-6 – WT: 180 – WING: 6-11 – FROM: Kentucky
Shai lacks a consistent jumper but his ability to penetrate and score in the lane puts a lot of pressure on the defense. He’s got length, creativity with the ball and good upside as a defender. He’s versatile enough to play on or off the ball but could takeover the primary ball handling duties for the Magic.
Tyreke Evans
7
Bulls
Wendell Carter Jr.PF – HT: 6-10 – WT: 260 – WING: 7-4 1/2 FROM: Duke
Carter Jr. gets overshadowed by Bagley but he’s a top 10 talent who can play either front court position. His shooting, passing, rim protection and heady play will make him an attractive prospect, even if he doesn’t project as a star at the next level. The Bulls would do well to add the versatile WCJ next to Lauri, giving them a nice combination of size, skill and spacing on the frontline.
Greg Monroe, Al Horford
8
Cavs (from Nets)
Trae YoungPG – HT: 6-2 – WT: 177 – WING: 6-3 – FROM: Oklahoma
Trae Young comes in with a ton of hype and an incredible 1-season college resume but he could get a rude awakening when he matches up against NBA defensive talent. Getting into the right system could be the key to his eventual success or struggles. The Cavs could be looking for a new face of the franchise and Young would bring a lot of attention and keep fans in the seats.
Tyus Jones +, Steve Nash
9
Knicks
Kevin KnoxSF – HT: 6-9 – WT: 215 – WING: 7-0 – FROM: Kentucky
Knox has a ton of natural ability and a lot of upside but he’s young and still learning to put it all together on the court. He’s getting a lot of interest from teams in the top 12 of the draft, suggesting that he’s a near lock for the lottery. The Knicks need help on the wing and Knox brings a lot of upside and fits with the rebuilding timeline. There could be a lot of movement at this point in the draft so a trade might be in the works.
Paul George
10
76ers (from Lakers)
SF – HT: 6-8 – WT: 210 – WING: 7-1 – FROM: Villanova
Mikal is the top 3 and D prospect in the draft and should have a very clear role at the next level. He’s an efficient offensive player with a sweet shooting stroke and an emerging dribble-drive game. While we have Lonnie Walker rated higher, the pick of Bridges would be a safe bet and a solid addition to a Sixers team that is in win-now mode.
Otto Porter
11
Hornets
Michael Porter Jr.SF – HT: 6-11 – WT: 215 – WING: 7-0 – FROM: Missouri
The rumors and smokescreens are flying with MPJ and the concerns about his back aren’t going away. He’s got the talent to be a top 3 pick but if his back doesn’t check out (or if he doesn’t give his medicals to certain teams) he could slide a bit on draft day. The Hornets could swing for the fences here.
stronger Brandon Ingram
12Clippers (from Pistons)SG – HT: 6-4 – WT: 200 – WING: 6-10 – FROM: Miami
Walker is not yet consistent and his game is raw but the upside is undeniable. He can hang in the air and make plays at the rim that few players can make. He’s got very good handles and shows some promise as a primary ball handler, not just a wing. The draft is about upside and Walker has a lot of that. The Clippers are reloading the roster with talent and could start with the dynamic Walker who would bring a lot of athleticism and excitement to the Staples Center. If Walker falls to no.12 this could be a major steal. We have him top 10 on our Big Board.
Brandon Roy
13
Clippers
Collin SextonPG – HT: 6-3 – WT: 185 – WING: 6-6 – FROM: Alabama
Sexton wasn’t the most consistent player during his Freshman season but when he’s on his game he looks like a top 5 pick. The Clippers could use an influx of talent at the PG position and Sexton would land in a nice situation with veterans to learn from but also the chance to get immediate playing time. He’d form an exciting young backcourt with Lonnie Walker.
better Beverley, Chauncey Billups
14
Nuggets
C – HT: 6-9 – WT: 240 – WING: 7-4 – FROM: Texas A&M
A very long and powerful PF/C with a lot of natural talent but has shown slower than expected development. Williams is a force on the defensive end who can guard at the rim but has a limited offensive game. Has big time leaping ability and is a great dunker. Would give the Nuggets depth at center or this pick could be moved in a trade.
Antonio Davis, Chris Wilcox
15Wizards Jerome RobinsonSG – HT: 6-5 – WT: 191 – WING: 6-7 1/4 – FROM: Boston College
A lights out shooter with deep range and good shot selection. Hits a high percentage from deep and from the ft line. After a last minute workout with the Wizards he could be the leading candidate to go to D.C. at no.15.
Spencer Dinwiddie
16
Suns (from Heat)
Zhaire SmithSG – HT: 6-4 – WT: 198 – WING: 6-9 3/4 – FROM: Texas Tech
A big time athlete with a high motor who fills up the stat sheet. Has big defensive upside, a great understanding of the game and has shown an improved three point shot. Smith would bring a ton of defense and athleticism to the Suns second unit with a chance to develop into a starter down the road.
John Starks
17
Bucks
Miles BridgesSF – HT: 6-7 – WT: 225 – WING: 6-9 1/2 – FROM: Michigan St.
A powerful wing player with good elevation and an NBA body but an unrefined game. Seems destined to be a third scorer and glue guy at the next level. Bridges would be a nice addition to the Bucks roster, bringing defense, rebounding and above the rim play.
Justise Winslow
18SpursKevin Huerter SG –
HT: 6-7 – WT: 190 – WING: 6-7 1/2- FROM: Maryland A lethal three point shooter with deep range who would fit the Spurs system well and could eventually takeover the small forward position. Kawhi who? Out until late summer with a hand injury.
Klay-lite, Stauskas
19
Hawks (from T-Wolves)
Elie OkoboPG – HT: 6-3 – WT: 194 – WING: 6-8 – FROM: France
A dynamic PG with good length who can really fill it up. Has been on fire recently and is moving up draft boards. A prolific scorer and solid shooter. Can be a bit turnover prone and needs to learn to harness his talents. A similar player to current Hawk Dennis Schroder but would be on a rookie deal and would allow the Hawks to move on from the Schroder experiment.
Dennis Schroder
20
T-Wolves (from Thunder)
Chandler HutchisonSF – HT: 6-7 – WT: 195 – WING: 7-1 – FROM: Boise State
A long, athletic wing who has developed a nice three point shot and plays an efficient game. A defensive menace who can guard multiple positions, would be a nice addition on the wing for the Wolves, especially considering Wiggins inconsistent and uninspired play.
Devean George
21
Jazz
Anfernee SimonsSG – HT: 6-3 1/4 – WT: 183 – WING: 6-9 1/4 – FM: Altamonte Sp., FL
A lethal shooting combo guard who has improved athleticism and might be the best three point shooter in his HS class. Has good handles and is quick with the ball. If the Jazz hit on back to back combo guards they could be looking at a very bright future.
D’Angelo
22Bulls (from Pelicans)Aaron HolidayPG – HT: 6-1 – WT: 190 – WING: 6-7 1/2 – FROM: UCLA
A strong and quick guard who is at his best playing off the ball and being used as a scorer. A lights out FT shooter who can hit the 3 pt shot. Isn’t a pure point guard and often fails to find the open man. The Bulls would do well to add another PG, giving them a lot of options and depth at the position.
Tyronn Lue
23PacersDonte DiVincenzoSG – HT: 6-5 – WT: 205 – WING: 6-3 – FROM: Villanova
A big time shot maker who can take over a game with his scoring ability. Has good size and athleticism and plays a hard-nosed game. Projects as a solid rotation guy at the next level, who could be a 6th man, scorer off the bench. The Pacers could use some more firepower on the wing.
Courtney Lee
24BlazersJalen BrunsonPG – HT: 6-2 – WT: 195 – WING: 6-3 – FROM: Villanova
A rock solid PG with great basketball instincts and high skill level, Brunson took his game to a new level and became dominant in college. Would give the Blazers a lot of flexibility with the guards on their roster, possibly moving one of their two stars.
Andre Miller
25
Lakers (from Cavs)
Dzanan MusaSF – HT: 6-9 – WT: 195 – WING: 6-8 – FROM: Bosnia
A skilled offensive talent who can light it up from three and has good open court speed. Lacks length and is limited on defense but is young and talented. Lakers could be looking for a draft and stash player to keep their cap space open.
Gordon Hayward, Sam Dekker
2676ersSG – HT: 6-4 – WT: 190 – WING: 6-6 – FROM: Duke
A hard working and gutsy player who can score the ball in a variety of ways. Versatile but doesn’t have big upside. Would be a nice addition at SG for the Sixers, giving them a fierce competitor with some play-making and shot-making ability. Plus they’d love to take a player the Celtics want at no.27.
Bob Sura
27CelticsOmari SpellmanPF – HT: 6-9 – WT: 250 – WING: 7-2 – FROM: Villanova
A bruiser who controls the paint with his strength and can also step out and make plays on the perimeter. Has a nice mid range game and a lethal three point shot. The Celtics like versatile players and Omari comes from a winning program with a team first attitude and the ability to play multiple positions.
Kris Humphries
28
Warriors
Melvin FrazierSF – HT: 6-6 – WT: 200 – WING: 7-2 – FROM: Tulane
Frazier is a defensive menace who can really guard in space. Prototypical 3 and D prospect who would bring depth to the Warriors and could eventually replace AI.
Ronnie Brewer
29Nets (from Raptors)SG – HT: 6-6 – WT: 210 – WING: 6-9 1/4 – FROM: Cincinnati
An efficient offensive player and outstanding defender with good size for the SG position. A gamer who plays with intensity and makes good basketball decisions. Evans is a college Junior who is the same age as some Freshman. The Nets continue to make slow progress towards respectability.
Eric Gordon
30
Hawks (from Rockets)
SG – HT: 6-5 3/4 – WT: 215 – WING: 6-8 3/4 – FROM: Duke
A talented scorer with good feel for the game and enough athleticism to get by. Isn’t a big upside type of prospect and isn’t likely to be a star at the next level but his three point shooting is special. Trent Jr. would help space the floor for the Hawks.
Wesley Mathews

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