2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

Now that the NCAA Tournament has come and gone, here is the third edition of this year's mock draft.

Now that the NCAA Tournament has come and gone, here is the third edition of this year's mock draft.

College basketball is officially over. Some players had a strong tournament that elevated their stock while others were let downs. We are officially in the time where players commit to another year of school or declare for the draft. With no more games, all that these prospects can do to increase their stock is perform well during workouts. Now that the college season has officially wrapped up, here is the third installment of the mock draft. 

1. Phoenix Suns - Luca Doncic PG Real Madrid

Doncic remains my top prospect as he continues to dominate Euroleague and has the potential to be a generational talent. As a 6’6” point guard he provides the size and versatility that Phoenix’s backcourt has lacked. He possesses a maturity and feel for the game that isn't just rare at his age, but essentially unheard of. He will be able to easily get his teammates involved from the start and frequently find Booker spotting up. He can score from all three levels and creates shooting space with pro-level moves and great body control. His size allows him to guard positions 1-4 but is best as the team’s primary ball handler. Doncic's biggest weakness though is his lack of explosiveness and lateral speed. This results in shots being more difficult to create as well as individual defensive issues. He isn’t a bad athlete, just not a great one. He will be able to slide in nicely as the primary ball handler in the backcourt next to Booker. Booker will be able to work more off the ball and will have a major offensive load taken off his shoulders.

2. Memphis Grizzlies - DeAndre Ayton C Arizona

This may seem like an odd pick with Gasol already in place but I think it could be an incredible fit. Fit aside, there is no way that you can pass on a talent like Ayton. He has a nice jump shot that allows him to stretch the floor when needed. As the season progressed he showed his ability and increasing comfort with shooting from behind the arc. His size and ability often lead to him getting doubled in the post but his vision and passing ability allow him to pass out of these and set up his teammates for easy scoring opportunities. He doesn’t do well when matched up against strong defenders. He is happy to bully smaller, weaker defenders in the post but when matched up against a stronger defender he often avoids contact and resorts to facing up. Not a huge issue but something he will need to get over as he will be going up against much stronger defenders in the NBA. The biggest concern is his lack of defensive ability. He is a poor communicator, doesn’t have great awareness, and his low defensive IQ leads to him missing and being late on rotations. He does have good footwork and lateral speed so he can guard opponents on the perimeter. Ayton reminds me of Karl-Anthony Towns as he has an incredible offensive skill set but has far too many weaknesses and concerns on defense. This will allow the Grizzlies to have two massive, versatile big men on the floor that can both score from anywhere. Gasol will be able to help cover up Ayton’s defensive lapses and if Memphis decides to move on from Gasol, they will already have their franchise center to replace him.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Jaren Jackson Jr PF/C Michigan St

Jackson’s game is one that will easily transfer to the NBA. He has proven this year that he is one of the most versatile players in the country. His athleticism, coordination, and fluidity allow him to finish with both hands around the rim. He is a very good rebounder and does a great job of protecting the rim. He has an extremely high defensive IQ so he almost always makes the right rotation at the right time to disrupt the opponent. His ability in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop will immediately translate. He is able to stretch the floor but doesn't force or rely on it. He needs to work on handling contact as the physicality will only increase as he progresses. He has shown some ability to put the ball on the floor but needs to continue to improve his ball security. The Hawks have a lot of holes in their roster and Jackson will be a great building block as a versatile rim protector. Collins, last year’s first-round pick, showed a lot of promise but will not be able to protect the rim at all. Jackson will be able to cover this up while also providing offensive support.

4. Orlando Magic – Marvin Bagley III PF Duke

Bagley fits the prototype of players John Hammond has been proven to lean towards during the draft. Bagley has a long frame with the ability to play multiple positions. He has a versatile offensive skill set that allows him to take defenders off the dribble, score from outside, and finish with crafty post moves. His jumper has a lot of work to do but he has shown flashes of success from outside. He is able to initiate the fast break on his own and is very good at finishing around the rim. He is a great rebounder due to his instincts, athleticism, and ability to box out successfully. He isn’t a great defender as he can struggle with bigger opponents or when run through a series of screens. He does do a good job when one-on-one on the perimeter though and is able to use his length and athleticism to recover when he does get beat off the dribble. Bagley has the tools to develop into a very nice player but if certain things don’t fall the right way he could end up as a Michael Beasley type of player.

5. Dallas Mavericks – Mohamed Bamba C Texas

After the Noel experiment has failed and the Mavs have struggled to find that rim protector since Tyson Chandler, Bamba makes a lot of sense here. Bamba is an elite rim protector and rebounder with a 7’9” wingspan. Offensively Bamba has shown some potential but is a giant question mark. His shooting percentages aren’t great but his form is solid. He shouldn’t spend too much time on the perimeter anyways as he should be used mostly as a rim-runner. He has a slight frame which will lead to him getting pushed around in the NBA. He will need to add some muscle in order to contend in the post. He has very good mobility on defense as he can keep up on the perimeter. He also rarely bites on fakes and is able to stay grounded to contest and block shots. His offensive impact from the start will come from running the pick-and-roll with Dennis Smith and offensive put-backs. Bamba will likely end up as an elite rim protector and defender in the NBA. For him to become an All-Star talent he will need to put a lot of work in on the offensive end.

6. Sacramento Kings – Michael Porter Jr SF Missouri

After sitting out the entire season, Porter was cleared from his back injury and was able to play in the team’s final two games. While we did see moments from Porter on what he could do, they still were not impressive games for him. To be fair the only thing that should be taken away from those games is the fact that Porter is healthy. Porter has a very smooth shot that lets him score from all three levels, is a very good athlete and plays with a smoothness and sense of maturity that is rare at this age. His size will let him play and guard multiple positions. His shooting form often leads to him resorting to shooting over defenders instead of working to get an open shot. His ball handling needs work as he is often a straight-line driver and lacks the creativity and ball security to be a consistent primary ball handler. Porter’s true ability will start to show more this summer during workouts as he gets in shape.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers via Nets – Wendell Carter Jr C Duke

The Cavs center position has been a constant thorn in their side. Carter has a nice offensive game and is a good athlete who is one of the most mobile big men in this draft. His post-game is very developed for his age and shows a lot of versatility in his moves and ways he can finish. The ability to stretch the floor is there but isn’t forced. As he continues to develop his jumper I could see that becoming a bigger part of his game but not something he will end up relying on. He is also a strong rebounder on both ends displaying his natural instincts to hunt down the ball. In transition, he doesn't run the floor as hard as he could and needs a lot of work on defense. He struggles to close out on the shooter and often loses his man due to ball watching. His lack of footspeed often leads to him getting beat off the dribble. As the season progressed, his rim protection improved and turned into a reliable asset. Carter will help stabilize the Cavs rotation as he compliments their roster while having the potential to turn into a longtime starter.

8. Chicago Bulls – Mikal Bridges SF Villanova

Bridges is one of the most mature and dynamic players in the country. After being patient and developing the last three years at Villanova, he has been able to develop a strong offensive game and become one of the best wing defenders in the country. His elite footwork lets him keep up with smaller guards, his strength and instincts let him battle with bigger opponents, and his length lets him suffocate all of the above. His shot has consistently developed and he has always had a high free throw percentage so he has a solid foundation with his form. He struggles at creating his own shot but given his work ethic and improvement over the last few years, I expect this is something he will be able to develop. Bridges showed his dominance in the tournament as he shut down opponents top players while continuously scoring from three. Bridges will help provide a sense of maturity, defense, shooting, and poise to a young Bulls core. I fully expect Bridges to have a long career and could easily become the steal of the draft.

9. New York Knicks – Trae Young PG Oklahoma

This pick could easily enrage Knick fans but to be fair, when was the last time they were happy about anything anyways. Despite taking a point guard last year, Frank Ntilikina, Young makes a lot of sense. Ntilikina had a nice year but struggles as the primary ball handler and main offensive weapon. Young will be able to take over that role while Ntlikina can focus on continuing to be a stud defender while slowly developing his offensive game. Young’s range has no bounds and he has an extremely quick shot release which makes him extremely dangerous off the dribble. The defender's need to guard him tightly so far from the basket creates the openings for Young to beat them off the dribble. He isn't an explosive athlete but his high-level ball handling and soft touch around the rim make him a threat inside as well. Defensively, Young will be essentially useless. After leading the country in scoring and assists, Young could turn out to be the next version of Steph Curry or turn into Aaron Brooks.

10. Philadelphia 76ers via Lakers (goes to Celtics if 2-5) – Kevin Knox SF Kentucky

Knox doesn’t help the 76ers’ need for shooting right away but has a lot of potential to develop into that role. Knox has a very fluid game for his size. He has a nice jump shot but needs to continue to develop his outside shooting. He does a great job of creating his own scoring opportunities whether off catch-and-shoot opportunities or attacking off the dribble. He is a solid passer and rebounder which allow him to constantly push the ball. He isn't great at finishing through contact but isn't afraid of it when he attacks the rim. As he gets stronger this ability should improve as well as his trips to the free throw line. His footwork, length, and lateral quickness give him all the tools to be a good defender. He does tend to disappear when he isn't the focal point of the offense and needs to improve his off-ball movement as he frequently becomes stagnant and easy to guard.

11. Charlotte Hornets – Collin Sexton PG Alabama

Sexton is one of the most explosive and dynamic guards in the country. When he combines his speed, strength, change of pace, and creativity there are few that can stop him. He is able to pull-up in the mid-range and isn't scared of finishing through contact at the rim despite his smaller size. He isn't afraid of the spotlight and can easily take over the game. His athleticism and competitive mindset make him a pesky defender. He plays with an extremely high level of effort and intensity at both ends of the floor every game. His shooting can be sporadic and he often takes ill-advised shots. His playmaking for others and decision making also need work as his assist to turnover ratio is less than ideal for a primary ball handler. This year Kemba Walker became the Hornets all-time leading scorer but there were trade rumors up through the deadline. It is looking like the Hornets could move on from Walker sooner rather than later and Sexton could be a nice replacement as they look to rebuild.

12. Los Angeles Clippers via Pistons (top 4 protected) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander PG Kentucky

Gilgeous-Alexander consistently improved all season and earned a lottery draft grade after starting the year coming off the bench. He is just an average shooter, struggles from outside, but is an unselfish playmaker. His athleticism shines when he is changing direction and speed to get to the rim where he can use his length and touch to finish. He has a big upside on the defensive end where his size can guard multiple positions and he does a great job off the ball by jumping passing lanes for steals and deflections. He has a very high basketball IQ and does a great job of setting his teammates up for success. Gilgeous-Alexander reminds me of Rondo when he was on the Celtics. The Clippers could use help at point and Gilgeous-Alexander could provide a skillset template that Doc Rivers has seen before and can help foster.

13. Los Angeles Clippers – Lonnie Walker IV SG Miami

For years the Clippers have needed help on the wing as they have had lesser talent or injury prone players in those spots. Walker has a lot of upside and has shown the ability to lead a team. He is a good shooter from outside and does a great job of getting to the rim. His strong frame allows him to get to the rim, finish through contact, and use both sides of the rim. He has looked more comfortable shooting off the dribble instead of catch-and-shoot situations. He has the tools to be a good defender but the effort level comes and goes. He can disappear when playing off the ball and struggles to get involved. There are some concerns with his consistency but hopefully, that will improve as he continues to mature.

14. Denver Nuggets – Robert Williams C Texas A&M

The Nuggets have gotten a lot of production out of their young backcourt but still have one of the worst defenses in the league and struggle with interior defense. Williams is a great athlete with impressive length who excels at rim running and protecting the rim. During the tournament, he showed this off with multiple high flying dunks and devastating blocks. He is also a very strong rebounder and even though his post-game is raw, he has shown improvement. He isn't a good shooter but has shown some potential from 15 ft and in. He lacks a great feel for the game and can be a step late when sealing his opponent or rotating, but his pure athleticism often makes up for it. Williams will be a nice energy guy off the bench to pair with Jokic or Millsap as they can both play make and stretch the floor.

15. Phoenix Suns via Milwaukee (goes to Suns if 11-16) – Miles Bridges SF Michigan St

The Suns will be able to add to their young, athletic core with Bridges. Bridges is arguably the best athlete in this draft. His explosiveness leads to incredible dunks, effective rebounding, and consistent shot blocking. He is very good at getting to and finishing at the rim with floaters, off-balance layups, and spectacular dunks. His shooting has improved but still needs work as the consistency isn’t there and should not be relied upon. His ball handling and playmaking need a lot of work as well. He will need to work on his creativity and off-ball movement as he strictly focuses on using his athleticism to gain an advantage which will be much harder to do in the NBA. He is a solid defender, especially with weak-side help. Bridges was forced to play out of position as a small forward all year and will be able to make more of an impact at the four in the NBA. He reminds me a lot of Josh Smith as a pure athlete that can occasionally do damage from outside.

16. Phoenix Suns via Heat (1-7 protected) – Dzanan Musa SF Cedvita

With Jackson and Bridges as their two young forwards, the Suns will need help with outside shooting. Despite his young age, he is still producing at some of the highest European levels. He has a great shooting range and is able to utilize his quick first step to drive past defenders who close out too hard. He is very comfortable shooting off the dribble and finish creatively around the rim which is a necessity due to his lack of explosiveness. He isn't a great playmaker but is more than happy to get his teammates involved and is very unselfish. He will likely do most of his work off the ball while running through screens and sliding to open spots on drive-and-kick opportunities. His lack of athleticism and length will hurt on the defensive end but his awareness and instincts will help.

17. Washington Wizards - Troy Brown SG/SF Oregon

With the health issues of the Wizard’s backcourt, adding depth there needs to be a priority. Brown has great size and length. He is a good playmaker who sees the floor well, often makes the right play, and consistently shows his high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. He lacks the raw athleticism and explosiveness that is often seen at this position but still succeeds as a rebounder and defender. His shooting needs a lot of work still as this has limited him from fully breaking out but he has shown flashes of how good he could be. Brown doesn't turn 18 until July so there is plenty of room to improve and would be a nice piece to continue to build around.

18. Chicago Bulls via Pelicans (top 5 protected) – Chandler Hutchison SG/SF Boise St

This year’s shallow pool of wings will help Hutchison be a solid first-round pick. Hutchison has displayed his incredible work ethic by adding muscle and drastically improving his skill set since his freshman year. He has developed more of a perimeter game as his three-point percentage has improved every year. He is a very good rebounder and is more than capable of initiating the fast break on his own. His long strides and great footwork allow him to find creative alleys to the rim. His playmaking has improved but often ends up forcing it and turning it over too much throughout the game. His defense needs some work as he doesn't contest many shots but has the ability to turn into a solid two-way wing. The Bulls could also use help with rim protection at this spot, but the remaining rim protectors would be a reach at this spot.

19. Atlanta Hawks via Timberwolves (lottery protected) - Aaron Holiday PG UCLA

The Hawks don’t seem convinced that Dennis Schroder is the long-term solution at point guard. Holiday has had a very good year with UCLA as he carried them into the tournament, became a leader, and increased his averages in points, assists, and rebounds while shooting at a higher percentage across the board. Holiday is the definition of a heat-check player as he can explode for big scoring nights. His scoring has gotten more consistent this year compared to the sporadic scoring outbursts in previous years. He has a high level of playmaking but needs to improve his decision making as he can commit far too many turnovers. When he isn’t the best player though, he may be more patient and not force the issue as much.

20. Utah Jazz – Keita Bates-Diop SF Ohio St

Bates-Diop has had a break out year cycling through all wing/forward positions and showing his ability to shoot from the outside and play strong defense. His size will allow him to guard multiple positions and has a very smooth style of play with a strong feel for the game. His outside shooting will need to continue to improve and he will need to get stronger to guard bigger opponents. When the Jazz are healthy they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. Bates-Diop will be able to make an impact in the rotation from day one on both ends of the floor and help the Jazz continue to build for contention.

21. Minnesota Timberwolves via Thunder (lottery protected) – Khyri Thomas SG Creighton

The two biggest issues with the Timberwolves this season have been their defense and outside shooting. There are few perimeter defenders in the country better than Thomas. His size and 6’11 wingspan allow him to cover multiple positions. He is good at moving the ball to get his teammates involved and has shown flashes of being a very good spot-up shooter. He struggles to create scoring opportunities for himself but plays with a very unselfish mentality. Thomas has the potential to be a really solid role player as he will be able to defend at a high level immediately while he continues to develop his offensive game. The Timberwolves need versatile wing depth and assuming that Thibs lets anyone besides the starters play next season, Thomas will be able to help their rotation.

22. San Antonio Spurs – Zhaire Smith SG Texas Tech

Smith will earn his playing time by performing on the defensive end. His superior athleticism and defensive instincts allow him to essentially shut down whoever he is guarding. His leaping ability makes him a strong rebounder and when he jumps it seems like he may never come down. His offensive game is limited but he succeeds when he is attacking the rim on cuts or put-back opportunities. His shooting form leaves a lot to be desired but the Spurs have some of the best shooting coaches in the world. Smith will give the Spurs a very young, athletic backcourt that teams will really struggle to score against.

23. Indiana Pacers – Jalen Brunson PG Villanova

After a very strong tournament and winning player of the year, Brunson likely worked his way into the late first round. The Pacers have a solid young core that has outperformed expectations this year but they still need help at the point guard position. Brunson is a mature player that makes very few mistakes. His high basketball IQ and unselfishness with the ball allow him to see the entire floor and move the ball to the open teammate. He also has the ability to score from outside or in the post using his old-man post moves. What he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in effort. His lack of explosiveness and speed will make it very difficult for him to score off the dribble and keep up when chasing shooters off the ball.

24. Philadelphia 76ers - Grayson Allen SG Duke

Allen has been a polarizing player his entire college career but is still a very good player whose skill set fits nicely with the 76ers. Allen has a great shooting stroke and explosive athleticism. He can easily finish above the rim but doesn’t have a great first step to beat defenders off the dribble. His ball handling and distribution have improved as he’s had to take over more of the primary ball-handling role but still often makes really poor decisions when passing. He isn’t great at creating his own shot but does a good job when coming off screens. This pick makes more sense besides just swapping one hated, white Duke player for another. The 76ers have plenty of ball-handlers and need help with outside shooting. Allen won’t be forced into that primary ball handler role but will instead thrive when being run off screens and making backdoor cuts.

25. Los Angeles Lakers via Cavaliers (top 3 protected) – Mitchel Robinson C N/A

The Lakers need to add a lot of athleticism to their frontcourt and Robinson could easily help with that. They have seen an exceptional level of improvement with Julius Randle but it isn’t a guarantee that he returns next season. Robinson is essentially a lottery ticket and after deciding to not play college basketball this year, he is one of the least NBA ready prospects in the draft. He is, however, one of the most physically impressive. He has great length, leaping ability, and rim protecting instincts. Robinson is very raw and will be a project but regardless of what moves the Lakers make this offseason, they need a lot of help with interior defense which Robinson will be able to provide. There are a lot of question marks around Robinson after his decision to skip college and some worry about his attitude. This summer will show how serious he is, how much he has developed, and if he is anywhere close to being able to crack an NBA rotation.

26. Portland Trail Blazers – Vince Edwards SF Purdue

The Trail Blazers may be one of the biggest surprises this year as they are much higher in the standings and have developed a much better defense than most expected this year. They still have some really bad contracts and a lack of depth on the wing though. Edwards will be able to supply serviceable minutes off the bench right away. He is a very good finisher inside as he can easily beat mismatches by using his strength or high-level footwork. When shooting, he is at his best off the catch and does a great job of moving to the right spot off the ball. He rarely makes silly mistakes and plays within himself. He will need to get more consistent on defense but his size suggests that he will have the ability to guard multiple positions.

27. Boston Celtics – Rawle Alkins SG Arizona

With the uncertainty of Marcus Smart’s contract next year, Alkins will be able to slide into that role. He is a strong, burly wing who will be able to guard multiple positions. He doesn’t force the issue on offense but has shown improved shooting mechanics and flashes of being able to score consistently off the dribble. His movement off the ball needs to improve as well as his rebounding considering how good of an athlete he is. His effort level on defense is always very high and will fit nicely with the culture that the Celtics have developed.

28. Brooklyn Nets via Raptors (lottery protected) – Moritz Wagner PF Michigan

Few teams shoot as many threes as the Nets do and Wagner will give them a big man who will do that for them. Wagner has the ability to shine on offense. He is best on catch-and-shoot opportunities but has also shown the ability to beat bigger defenders off the dribble or find the cutting teammate. He struggles keeping opponents in front of him on the perimeter so switching on screens won’t be an option. He isn’t a true rim protector but does a good job of contesting without fouling. His game is similar to Kelly Olynyk and pairing him with Jarrett Allen could be a nice fit.

29. Golden State Warriors – Jontay Porter PF Missouri

The Warriors haven’t gotten ideal minutes out of their big men this year. Jordan Bell was a nice addition but Zaza, West, and McGee are all free agents after this season. Porter had a very strong year at Missouri this year which may earn him a first-round grade on a lot of team’s boards. He has the ability to score from outside but his slow release makes it a tool that shouldn’t be relied upon. More importantly though is his comfort with the ball in his hands. He has the tools to score off the dribble, posting up, and while spotting up. He can easily find his teammates which will fit nicely into Golden State's high ball movement offense. His strength and quick leaping ability make him a tough defender in the post and a surprisingly good shot blocker. His perimeter defense still needs work as he struggles to keep up with quicker opponents. He also needs to speed up his shot release or he will be easy to block.

30. Atlanta Hawks via Rockets (top 3 protected) – Anfernee Simons SG N/A

Simons is a high ceiling, low floor prospect. He will be a project and a few years from contributing but the Hawks have plenty of time before they can even think about contending. Simons is a great athlete who will frequently throw down ferocious dunks. He is able to easily create space off the dribble and is a score first guard. His shooting mechanics are inconsistent and will need work as he tries to develop into a much more efficient scorer.

College basketball is officially over. Some players had a strong tournament that elevated their stock while others were let downs. We are officially in the time where players commit to another year of school or declare for the draft. With no more games, all that these prospects can do to increase their stock is perform well during workouts. Now that the college season has officially wrapped up, here is the third installment of the mock draft. 

1. Phoenix Suns - Luca Doncic PG Real Madrid

Doncic remains my top prospect as he continues to dominate Euroleague and has the potential to be a generational talent. As a 6’6” point guard he provides the size and versatility that Phoenix’s backcourt has lacked. He possesses a maturity and feel for the game that isn't just rare at his age, but essentially unheard of. He will be able to easily get his teammates involved from the start and frequently find Booker spotting up. He can score from all three levels and creates shooting space with pro-level moves and great body control. His size allows him to guard positions 1-4 but is best as the team’s primary ball handler. Doncic's biggest weakness though is his lack of explosiveness and lateral speed. This results in shots being more difficult to create as well as individual defensive issues. He isn’t a bad athlete, just not a great one. He will be able to slide in nicely as the primary ball handler in the backcourt next to Booker. Booker will be able to work more off the ball and will have a major offensive load taken off his shoulders.

2. Memphis Grizzlies - DeAndre Ayton C Arizona

This may seem like an odd pick with Gasol already in place but I think it could be an incredible fit. Fit aside, there is no way that you can pass on a talent like Ayton. He has a nice jump shot that allows him to stretch the floor when needed. As the season progressed he showed his ability and increasing comfort with shooting from behind the arc. His size and ability often lead to him getting doubled in the post but his vision and passing ability allow him to pass out of these and set up his teammates for easy scoring opportunities. He doesn’t do well when matched up against strong defenders. He is happy to bully smaller, weaker defenders in the post but when matched up against a stronger defender he often avoids contact and resorts to facing up. Not a huge issue but something he will need to get over as he will be going up against much stronger defenders in the NBA. The biggest concern is his lack of defensive ability. He is a poor communicator, doesn’t have great awareness, and his low defensive IQ leads to him missing and being late on rotations. He does have good footwork and lateral speed so he can guard opponents on the perimeter. Ayton reminds me of Karl-Anthony Towns as he has an incredible offensive skill set but has far too many weaknesses and concerns on defense. This will allow the Grizzlies to have two massive, versatile big men on the floor that can both score from anywhere. Gasol will be able to help cover up Ayton’s defensive lapses and if Memphis decides to move on from Gasol, they will already have their franchise center to replace him.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Jaren Jackson Jr PF/C Michigan St

Jackson’s game is one that will easily transfer to the NBA. He has proven this year that he is one of the most versatile players in the country. His athleticism, coordination, and fluidity allow him to finish with both hands around the rim. He is a very good rebounder and does a great job of protecting the rim. He has an extremely high defensive IQ so he almost always makes the right rotation at the right time to disrupt the opponent. His ability in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop will immediately translate. He is able to stretch the floor but doesn't force or rely on it. He needs to work on handling contact as the physicality will only increase as he progresses. He has shown some ability to put the ball on the floor but needs to continue to improve his ball security. The Hawks have a lot of holes in their roster and Jackson will be a great building block as a versatile rim protector. Collins, last year’s first-round pick, showed a lot of promise but will not be able to protect the rim at all. Jackson will be able to cover this up while also providing offensive support.

4. Orlando Magic – Marvin Bagley III PF Duke

Bagley fits the prototype of players John Hammond has been proven to lean towards during the draft. Bagley has a long frame with the ability to play multiple positions. He has a versatile offensive skill set that allows him to take defenders off the dribble, score from outside, and finish with crafty post moves. His jumper has a lot of work to do but he has shown flashes of success from outside. He is able to initiate the fast break on his own and is very good at finishing around the rim. He is a great rebounder due to his instincts, athleticism, and ability to box out successfully. He isn’t a great defender as he can struggle with bigger opponents or when run through a series of screens. He does do a good job when one-on-one on the perimeter though and is able to use his length and athleticism to recover when he does get beat off the dribble. Bagley has the tools to develop into a very nice player but if certain things don’t fall the right way he could end up as a Michael Beasley type of player.

5. Dallas Mavericks – Mohamed Bamba C Texas

After the Noel experiment has failed and the Mavs have struggled to find that rim protector since Tyson Chandler, Bamba makes a lot of sense here. Bamba is an elite rim protector and rebounder with a 7’9” wingspan. Offensively Bamba has shown some potential but is a giant question mark. His shooting percentages aren’t great but his form is solid. He shouldn’t spend too much time on the perimeter anyways as he should be used mostly as a rim-runner. He has a slight frame which will lead to him getting pushed around in the NBA. He will need to add some muscle in order to contend in the post. He has very good mobility on defense as he can keep up on the perimeter. He also rarely bites on fakes and is able to stay grounded to contest and block shots. His offensive impact from the start will come from running the pick-and-roll with Dennis Smith and offensive put-backs. Bamba will likely end up as an elite rim protector and defender in the NBA. For him to become an All-Star talent he will need to put a lot of work in on the offensive end.

6. Sacramento Kings – Michael Porter Jr SF Missouri

After sitting out the entire season, Porter was cleared from his back injury and was able to play in the team’s final two games. While we did see moments from Porter on what he could do, they still were not impressive games for him. To be fair the only thing that should be taken away from those games is the fact that Porter is healthy. Porter has a very smooth shot that lets him score from all three levels, is a very good athlete and plays with a smoothness and sense of maturity that is rare at this age. His size will let him play and guard multiple positions. His shooting form often leads to him resorting to shooting over defenders instead of working to get an open shot. His ball handling needs work as he is often a straight-line driver and lacks the creativity and ball security to be a consistent primary ball handler. Porter’s true ability will start to show more this summer during workouts as he gets in shape.

7. Cleveland Cavaliers via Nets – Wendell Carter Jr C Duke

The Cavs center position has been a constant thorn in their side. Carter has a nice offensive game and is a good athlete who is one of the most mobile big men in this draft. His post-game is very developed for his age and shows a lot of versatility in his moves and ways he can finish. The ability to stretch the floor is there but isn’t forced. As he continues to develop his jumper I could see that becoming a bigger part of his game but not something he will end up relying on. He is also a strong rebounder on both ends displaying his natural instincts to hunt down the ball. In transition, he doesn't run the floor as hard as he could and needs a lot of work on defense. He struggles to close out on the shooter and often loses his man due to ball watching. His lack of footspeed often leads to him getting beat off the dribble. As the season progressed, his rim protection improved and turned into a reliable asset. Carter will help stabilize the Cavs rotation as he compliments their roster while having the potential to turn into a longtime starter.

8. Chicago Bulls – Mikal Bridges SF Villanova

Bridges is one of the most mature and dynamic players in the country. After being patient and developing the last three years at Villanova, he has been able to develop a strong offensive game and become one of the best wing defenders in the country. His elite footwork lets him keep up with smaller guards, his strength and instincts let him battle with bigger opponents, and his length lets him suffocate all of the above. His shot has consistently developed and he has always had a high free throw percentage so he has a solid foundation with his form. He struggles at creating his own shot but given his work ethic and improvement over the last few years, I expect this is something he will be able to develop. Bridges showed his dominance in the tournament as he shut down opponents top players while continuously scoring from three. Bridges will help provide a sense of maturity, defense, shooting, and poise to a young Bulls core. I fully expect Bridges to have a long career and could easily become the steal of the draft.

9. New York Knicks – Trae Young PG Oklahoma

This pick could easily enrage Knick fans but to be fair, when was the last time they were happy about anything anyways. Despite taking a point guard last year, Frank Ntilikina, Young makes a lot of sense. Ntilikina had a nice year but struggles as the primary ball handler and main offensive weapon. Young will be able to take over that role while Ntlikina can focus on continuing to be a stud defender while slowly developing his offensive game. Young’s range has no bounds and he has an extremely quick shot release which makes him extremely dangerous off the dribble. The defender's need to guard him tightly so far from the basket creates the openings for Young to beat them off the dribble. He isn't an explosive athlete but his high-level ball handling and soft touch around the rim make him a threat inside as well. Defensively, Young will be essentially useless. After leading the country in scoring and assists, Young could turn out to be the next version of Steph Curry or turn into Aaron Brooks.

10. Philadelphia 76ers via Lakers (goes to Celtics if 2-5) – Kevin Knox SF Kentucky

Knox doesn’t help the 76ers’ need for shooting right away but has a lot of potential to develop into that role. Knox has a very fluid game for his size. He has a nice jump shot but needs to continue to develop his outside shooting. He does a great job of creating his own scoring opportunities whether off catch-and-shoot opportunities or attacking off the dribble. He is a solid passer and rebounder which allow him to constantly push the ball. He isn't great at finishing through contact but isn't afraid of it when he attacks the rim. As he gets stronger this ability should improve as well as his trips to the free throw line. His footwork, length, and lateral quickness give him all the tools to be a good defender. He does tend to disappear when he isn't the focal point of the offense and needs to improve his off-ball movement as he frequently becomes stagnant and easy to guard.

11. Charlotte Hornets – Collin Sexton PG Alabama

Sexton is one of the most explosive and dynamic guards in the country. When he combines his speed, strength, change of pace, and creativity there are few that can stop him. He is able to pull-up in the mid-range and isn't scared of finishing through contact at the rim despite his smaller size. He isn't afraid of the spotlight and can easily take over the game. His athleticism and competitive mindset make him a pesky defender. He plays with an extremely high level of effort and intensity at both ends of the floor every game. His shooting can be sporadic and he often takes ill-advised shots. His playmaking for others and decision making also need work as his assist to turnover ratio is less than ideal for a primary ball handler. This year Kemba Walker became the Hornets all-time leading scorer but there were trade rumors up through the deadline. It is looking like the Hornets could move on from Walker sooner rather than later and Sexton could be a nice replacement as they look to rebuild.

12. Los Angeles Clippers via Pistons (top 4 protected) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander PG Kentucky

Gilgeous-Alexander consistently improved all season and earned a lottery draft grade after starting the year coming off the bench. He is just an average shooter, struggles from outside, but is an unselfish playmaker. His athleticism shines when he is changing direction and speed to get to the rim where he can use his length and touch to finish. He has a big upside on the defensive end where his size can guard multiple positions and he does a great job off the ball by jumping passing lanes for steals and deflections. He has a very high basketball IQ and does a great job of setting his teammates up for success. Gilgeous-Alexander reminds me of Rondo when he was on the Celtics. The Clippers could use help at point and Gilgeous-Alexander could provide a skillset template that Doc Rivers has seen before and can help foster.

13. Los Angeles Clippers – Lonnie Walker IV SG Miami

For years the Clippers have needed help on the wing as they have had lesser talent or injury prone players in those spots. Walker has a lot of upside and has shown the ability to lead a team. He is a good shooter from outside and does a great job of getting to the rim. His strong frame allows him to get to the rim, finish through contact, and use both sides of the rim. He has looked more comfortable shooting off the dribble instead of catch-and-shoot situations. He has the tools to be a good defender but the effort level comes and goes. He can disappear when playing off the ball and struggles to get involved. There are some concerns with his consistency but hopefully, that will improve as he continues to mature.

14. Denver Nuggets – Robert Williams C Texas A&M

The Nuggets have gotten a lot of production out of their young backcourt but still have one of the worst defenses in the league and struggle with interior defense. Williams is a great athlete with impressive length who excels at rim running and protecting the rim. During the tournament, he showed this off with multiple high flying dunks and devastating blocks. He is also a very strong rebounder and even though his post-game is raw, he has shown improvement. He isn't a good shooter but has shown some potential from 15 ft and in. He lacks a great feel for the game and can be a step late when sealing his opponent or rotating, but his pure athleticism often makes up for it. Williams will be a nice energy guy off the bench to pair with Jokic or Millsap as they can both play make and stretch the floor.

15. Phoenix Suns via Milwaukee (goes to Suns if 11-16) – Miles Bridges SF Michigan St

The Suns will be able to add to their young, athletic core with Bridges. Bridges is arguably the best athlete in this draft. His explosiveness leads to incredible dunks, effective rebounding, and consistent shot blocking. He is very good at getting to and finishing at the rim with floaters, off-balance layups, and spectacular dunks. His shooting has improved but still needs work as the consistency isn’t there and should not be relied upon. His ball handling and playmaking need a lot of work as well. He will need to work on his creativity and off-ball movement as he strictly focuses on using his athleticism to gain an advantage which will be much harder to do in the NBA. He is a solid defender, especially with weak-side help. Bridges was forced to play out of position as a small forward all year and will be able to make more of an impact at the four in the NBA. He reminds me a lot of Josh Smith as a pure athlete that can occasionally do damage from outside.

16. Phoenix Suns via Heat (1-7 protected) – Dzanan Musa SF Cedvita

With Jackson and Bridges as their two young forwards, the Suns will need help with outside shooting. Despite his young age, he is still producing at some of the highest European levels. He has a great shooting range and is able to utilize his quick first step to drive past defenders who close out too hard. He is very comfortable shooting off the dribble and finish creatively around the rim which is a necessity due to his lack of explosiveness. He isn't a great playmaker but is more than happy to get his teammates involved and is very unselfish. He will likely do most of his work off the ball while running through screens and sliding to open spots on drive-and-kick opportunities. His lack of athleticism and length will hurt on the defensive end but his awareness and instincts will help.

17. Washington Wizards - Troy Brown SG/SF Oregon

With the health issues of the Wizard’s backcourt, adding depth there needs to be a priority. Brown has great size and length. He is a good playmaker who sees the floor well, often makes the right play, and consistently shows his high basketball IQ on both ends of the floor. He lacks the raw athleticism and explosiveness that is often seen at this position but still succeeds as a rebounder and defender. His shooting needs a lot of work still as this has limited him from fully breaking out but he has shown flashes of how good he could be. Brown doesn't turn 18 until July so there is plenty of room to improve and would be a nice piece to continue to build around.

18. Chicago Bulls via Pelicans (top 5 protected) – Chandler Hutchison SG/SF Boise St

This year’s shallow pool of wings will help Hutchison be a solid first-round pick. Hutchison has displayed his incredible work ethic by adding muscle and drastically improving his skill set since his freshman year. He has developed more of a perimeter game as his three-point percentage has improved every year. He is a very good rebounder and is more than capable of initiating the fast break on his own. His long strides and great footwork allow him to find creative alleys to the rim. His playmaking has improved but often ends up forcing it and turning it over too much throughout the game. His defense needs some work as he doesn't contest many shots but has the ability to turn into a solid two-way wing. The Bulls could also use help with rim protection at this spot, but the remaining rim protectors would be a reach at this spot.

19. Atlanta Hawks via Timberwolves (lottery protected) - Aaron Holiday PG UCLA

The Hawks don’t seem convinced that Dennis Schroder is the long-term solution at point guard. Holiday has had a very good year with UCLA as he carried them into the tournament, became a leader, and increased his averages in points, assists, and rebounds while shooting at a higher percentage across the board. Holiday is the definition of a heat-check player as he can explode for big scoring nights. His scoring has gotten more consistent this year compared to the sporadic scoring outbursts in previous years. He has a high level of playmaking but needs to improve his decision making as he can commit far too many turnovers. When he isn’t the best player though, he may be more patient and not force the issue as much.

20. Utah Jazz – Keita Bates-Diop SF Ohio St

Bates-Diop has had a break out year cycling through all wing/forward positions and showing his ability to shoot from the outside and play strong defense. His size will allow him to guard multiple positions and has a very smooth style of play with a strong feel for the game. His outside shooting will need to continue to improve and he will need to get stronger to guard bigger opponents. When the Jazz are healthy they are one of the best defensive teams in the league. Bates-Diop will be able to make an impact in the rotation from day one on both ends of the floor and help the Jazz continue to build for contention.

21. Minnesota Timberwolves via Thunder (lottery protected) – Khyri Thomas SG Creighton

The two biggest issues with the Timberwolves this season have been their defense and outside shooting. There are few perimeter defenders in the country better than Thomas. His size and 6’11 wingspan allow him to cover multiple positions. He is good at moving the ball to get his teammates involved and has shown flashes of being a very good spot-up shooter. He struggles to create scoring opportunities for himself but plays with a very unselfish mentality. Thomas has the potential to be a really solid role player as he will be able to defend at a high level immediately while he continues to develop his offensive game. The Timberwolves need versatile wing depth and assuming that Thibs lets anyone besides the starters play next season, Thomas will be able to help their rotation.

22. San Antonio Spurs – Zhaire Smith SG Texas Tech

Smith will earn his playing time by performing on the defensive end. His superior athleticism and defensive instincts allow him to essentially shut down whoever he is guarding. His leaping ability makes him a strong rebounder and when he jumps it seems like he may never come down. His offensive game is limited but he succeeds when he is attacking the rim on cuts or put-back opportunities. His shooting form leaves a lot to be desired but the Spurs have some of the best shooting coaches in the world. Smith will give the Spurs a very young, athletic backcourt that teams will really struggle to score against.

23. Indiana Pacers – Jalen Brunson PG Villanova

After a very strong tournament and winning player of the year, Brunson likely worked his way into the late first round. The Pacers have a solid young core that has outperformed expectations this year but they still need help at the point guard position. Brunson is a mature player that makes very few mistakes. His high basketball IQ and unselfishness with the ball allow him to see the entire floor and move the ball to the open teammate. He also has the ability to score from outside or in the post using his old-man post moves. What he lacks in athleticism he makes up for in effort. His lack of explosiveness and speed will make it very difficult for him to score off the dribble and keep up when chasing shooters off the ball.

24. Philadelphia 76ers - Grayson Allen SG Duke

Allen has been a polarizing player his entire college career but is still a very good player whose skill set fits nicely with the 76ers. Allen has a great shooting stroke and explosive athleticism. He can easily finish above the rim but doesn’t have a great first step to beat defenders off the dribble. His ball handling and distribution have improved as he’s had to take over more of the primary ball-handling role but still often makes really poor decisions when passing. He isn’t great at creating his own shot but does a good job when coming off screens. This pick makes more sense besides just swapping one hated, white Duke player for another. The 76ers have plenty of ball-handlers and need help with outside shooting. Allen won’t be forced into that primary ball handler role but will instead thrive when being run off screens and making backdoor cuts.

25. Los Angeles Lakers via Cavaliers (top 3 protected) – Mitchel Robinson C N/A

The Lakers need to add a lot of athleticism to their frontcourt and Robinson could easily help with that. They have seen an exceptional level of improvement with Julius Randle but it isn’t a guarantee that he returns next season. Robinson is essentially a lottery ticket and after deciding to not play college basketball this year, he is one of the least NBA ready prospects in the draft. He is, however, one of the most physically impressive. He has great length, leaping ability, and rim protecting instincts. Robinson is very raw and will be a project but regardless of what moves the Lakers make this offseason, they need a lot of help with interior defense which Robinson will be able to provide. There are a lot of question marks around Robinson after his decision to skip college and some worry about his attitude. This summer will show how serious he is, how much he has developed, and if he is anywhere close to being able to crack an NBA rotation.

26. Portland Trail Blazers – Vince Edwards SF Purdue

The Trail Blazers may be one of the biggest surprises this year as they are much higher in the standings and have developed a much better defense than most expected this year. They still have some really bad contracts and a lack of depth on the wing though. Edwards will be able to supply serviceable minutes off the bench right away. He is a very good finisher inside as he can easily beat mismatches by using his strength or high-level footwork. When shooting, he is at his best off the catch and does a great job of moving to the right spot off the ball. He rarely makes silly mistakes and plays within himself. He will need to get more consistent on defense but his size suggests that he will have the ability to guard multiple positions.

27. Boston Celtics – Rawle Alkins SG Arizona

With the uncertainty of Marcus Smart’s contract next year, Alkins will be able to slide into that role. He is a strong, burly wing who will be able to guard multiple positions. He doesn’t force the issue on offense but has shown improved shooting mechanics and flashes of being able to score consistently off the dribble. His movement off the ball needs to improve as well as his rebounding considering how good of an athlete he is. His effort level on defense is always very high and will fit nicely with the culture that the Celtics have developed.

28. Brooklyn Nets via Raptors (lottery protected) – Moritz Wagner PF Michigan

Few teams shoot as many threes as the Nets do and Wagner will give them a big man who will do that for them. Wagner has the ability to shine on offense. He is best on catch-and-shoot opportunities but has also shown the ability to beat bigger defenders off the dribble or find the cutting teammate. He struggles keeping opponents in front of him on the perimeter so switching on screens won’t be an option. He isn’t a true rim protector but does a good job of contesting without fouling. His game is similar to Kelly Olynyk and pairing him with Jarrett Allen could be a nice fit.

29. Golden State Warriors – Jontay Porter PF Missouri

The Warriors haven’t gotten ideal minutes out of their big men this year. Jordan Bell was a nice addition but Zaza, West, and McGee are all free agents after this season. Porter had a very strong year at Missouri this year which may earn him a first-round grade on a lot of team’s boards. He has the ability to score from outside but his slow release makes it a tool that shouldn’t be relied upon. More importantly though is his comfort with the ball in his hands. He has the tools to score off the dribble, posting up, and while spotting up. He can easily find his teammates which will fit nicely into Golden State's high ball movement offense. His strength and quick leaping ability make him a tough defender in the post and a surprisingly good shot blocker. His perimeter defense still needs work as he struggles to keep up with quicker opponents. He also needs to speed up his shot release or he will be easy to block.

30. Atlanta Hawks via Rockets (top 3 protected) – Anfernee Simons SG N/A

Simons is a high ceiling, low floor prospect. He will be a project and a few years from contributing but the Hawks have plenty of time before they can even think about contending. Simons is a great athlete who will frequently throw down ferocious dunks. He is able to easily create space off the dribble and is a score first guard. His shooting mechanics are inconsistent and will need work as he tries to develop into a much more efficient scorer.

Premium Yahoo, ESPN & Fantrax Tools

Unlock our premium Yahoo, ESPN and Fantrax league tools with an active Patreon subscription for $2/mo and get access to the following tools using data from Yahoo, ESPN and Fantrax leagues:

  • Premium Schedule Grid
  • Waiver Wire Rankings
  • Draft Tracker
  • Matchup Planner
  • Trade Machine
  • Waiver Machine
  • League Scouting Report
  • Team Scouting Report
  • Beast Mode

Learn about our premium tools