With the NBA Finals over, it’s time to turn our attention towards the 2018 NBA Draft. Here we present our mock draft. A lot can still happen over the next couple of days, but here’s our best guess for how the first round will unfold.
2018 NBA Mock Draft
1.Phoenix Suns – Deandre Ayton, Arizona
The name of the game in the NBA draft is upside, and that’s what the 7’1’’ Ayton will bring to the suns. After averaging 20 points and 11 rebounds per game at Arizona last season, Ayton has the upside to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor.
2. Sacramento Kings – Luka Doncic, Slovenia
Doncic could end up going first overall, but if not, Kings GM Vlade Divac will snatch him up without a second thought. He’s accomplished more playing in Europe that almost every other draft prospect has in college, and his skill-set combined with basketball IQ is too good to pass up.
3. Atlanta Hawks – Marvin Bagley III, Duke
Bagley is a fairly polished scorer for a young big man, helping him stand out among the other options Atlanta will have with this pick. His ability to score will help him start from Day One while giving the Hawks a player they can build around.
4. Memphis Grizzlies – Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State
The Grizzlies are going to take whatever player has the highest upside, and assuming the other three guys are off the board, that’ll lead them to take Jackson. He’s not a lock to reach his full potential, so don’t be surprised to see him turn into a bust. But Memphis needs to take a chance on someone with his potential.
5. Dallas Mavericks – Wendell Carter Jr., Duke
Much like Bagley, his former Duke teammate, Carter is an advanced scorer for his age. He has a well-balanced skill set, including the ability to make jump shots from deep, making him a solid pick up for the Mavericks at fifth overall.
6. Orlando Magic – Mohamed Bomba, Texas
The Magic are rebuilding, so they could go just about anywhere with this pick. However, they’ll end up with Bomba, who will immediately be a difference maker on the defensive end with his 6’11’’ game and 7’9’’ wingspan. The upside is also there with Bomba if he can continue to develop the offensive part of his game.
7. Chicago Bulls – Michael Porter, Jr., Missouri
Porter’s health makes him too risky in to take in the top-5, but the Bulls will take a chance on him at no. 7. He only played three college games because of spinal surgery, but if he’s healthy, the sky is the limit with him.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers – Trae Young, Oklahoma
Whether LeBron James stays in Cleveland or not, the Cavs need a point guard, and it’ll be tough to pass on Young, assuming he’s available. He has some drawbacks, but he’s an elite passer and playmaker, not to mention an excellent shooter, averaging 27 points per game at Oklahoma last season.
9. New York Knicks – Collin Sexton, Alabama
The Knicks would love someone with Young’s name recognition and moxie, but they’ll settle for Sexton to fill their need at point guard. He won’t put butts in the seats like Young, at least not at first, but he has the talent to be just as good of a scorer and playmaker from the point guard position.
