2018 NBA Lottery Mock Draft 1.0
We’re about a month into the NBA season, and that means College Basketball has returned as well. And with a top-heavy draft class featuring many potentially franchise-altering players, this year’s NBA Draft will be the most important in a long time for some teams. So as the NCAA season gets underway, let’s take a look at our first 2018 NBA Mock Draft.
#1: Dallas Mavericks select Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Looking at the construction of Dallas’ roster, their biggest need is inside, as Dirk Nowitzki is on his way out and Nerlens Noel doesn’t seem to fit into their future plans. And while Bagley is certainly the most well-known big-man in this draft, he isn’t necessarily the best prospect. There is a slew of high-caliber interior prospects who can be ranked in any order. But in Bagley III, the Mavericks will get a freak athlete who will be an elite rim protector and rebounder from the moment he steps foot in the league.
#2: Atlanta Hawks select Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid
Luka Doncic is easily the best NBA Draft prospect in at least two years, and it seems that hardly anybody knows about him. Playing at just barely 18 years old against tougher competition that any NCAA players will face this season, he is averaging just over 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. His ability to take on such a large role with success in a league that is so advanced is truly remarkable. He has it all: shooting, scoring, rebounding, passing, and the ability to play both guard positions.
#3: Sacramento Kings select Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri
At three, Sacramento lands a player in Porter who is a lock to become one of the league’s better scorers, if not an elite one. He can put the ball in the basket from all three levels- his 6'10 frame makes him a matchup nightmare, and enables him to play both forward positions.
#4: Chicago Bulls select DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
In Ayton, the Bulls are getting an absolute freak. I mean, look at how huge this guy is:
He isn’t just a big body, though. He possesses top-tier athleticism for his size and has all of the makings to become an elite rim protecter and defender. He is already a great alley-oop target with decent inside scoring ability, but his offensive game (specifically his jumper) will only improve. By the time June comes and teams have a clear vision of what they want to do, Ayton may very well be in contention for the top overall spot.
#5: Phoenix Suns select Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Rounding out the group of five possibly superstar prospects, Bamba has all of the potential to be one of the league’s very best bigs. He’s seven feet tall and very athletic, but his most impressive physical attribute is easily his massive 7'9 wingspan. The good news is: he’s only getting better. As he becomes a more polished offensive player, he will become increasingly more valuable to a Suns team that could use some stability right now.
#6: Los Angeles Clippers select Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State
In Bridges, the Clippers get what they have been desperate for for the entire decade: a two-way wing. He gets after it on both ends, has an improving jumpshot, and can play multiple positions. He shocked the basketball world when he announced he would be returning to school this season, but has a chance to improve his stock with the chance of winning National Player of the Year for a great Michigan State team.
#7: Charlotte Hornets select Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
Jackson Jr. may end up being the highest riser over the next few months when it comes to how they are perceived by more casual fans. A 6'10 freshman with an impressive 7'4 wingspan, he has the ability to score both inside and out. He may serve best as a power forward right away, but has all of the makings to be a very impactful stretch five.
#8: Utah Jazz select Wendell Carter Jr., PF, Duke
In Carter Jr., Utah gets what they desperately need: a reliable scorer who can create points for himself. They have good defenders, good shooters and good passers, but without Gordon Hayward they lack a go-to scorer. And while Carter’s interior defense is questionable, he will be just fine playing alongside Rudy Gobert.
#9: Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers) select Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
Bridges is the epitome of an all-around 3&D player. He shot close to 40% from deep last season, and further proved his shooting ability by making over 90% (!) of his free throws. In his most recent game, he took 6 three-pointers and made every single one of them. In the game before that, he had 5 steals and 4 blocks on top of his 23 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. This kid will be a two-way stud for a long time, a perfect fit with Philly’s young and promising core group of young players.
#10: Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets) select Kevin Knox, SF, Kentucky
In Knox, Cleveland adds much-needed scoring and playmaking on the wing. And if LeBron James does what many expect of him and depart for a new team this summer, the Cavs will need somebody to fill in as they transition into a youth-centric rebuild.
#11: Oklahoma City Thunder select Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M
In Williams, OKC gets a returning sophomore who was a lock to get picked in the lottery last year before he surprisingly returned to school with hopes of increasing his draft stock. He’s a great athlete and impressive rebounder who may be more of a project than a player you can plug in right away and give a big role to, but the upside is undeniable.
#12: Phoenix Suns (via Heat) select Trevon Duval, PG, Duke
For a freshman, Duval has already displayed incredibly impressive court vision and awareness. He makes great passes and can get to the basket and score. His jumper is not quite there and he has some room for improvement on defense, but his playmaking and athleticism make him the perfect fit next to Devin Booker in Phoenix.
#13: Indiana Pacers select Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Collin Sexton is simply a stud on the offensive end. Thanks to a high motor and reliable jumper, he can score relentlessly at all three levels. He is a great athlete who makes his teammates better. If he falls to the end of the lottery, whoever gets him will have an absolute steal on their hands. He may not be as much of a sure thing as Duval due to poor decision making among other weaknesses, but he likely has a higher upside when it comes to becoming a truly great NBA player.
#14: New York Knicks select Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
Many Knicks fans are still upset that Phil Jackson passed on Dennis Smith Jr. last June. And there is a reason from that other than just his points, assists and rebounds- Smith Jr. is so athletic and fun to watch that his actual production almost plays second fiddle to his highlight reel.
But any athleticism that was lost with the passing on Smith Jr. will be regained if the Knicks grab Hamidou Diallo. He is a phenomenal athlete on the wing who can get to the rim and finish through contact. His athleticism also provides him the tools to be an elite defender. However, there is one caveat: he can’t shoot. He’s only 19, so not all hope is lost, but as of now he is a non-threat from deep. A positive, though, is that he has the green light to try threes at Kentucky- more reps very may well lead to more effectiveness in the future.
