2018 NBA MOCK DRAFT

FIRST ROUND 

1. PHOENIX SUNS 
DeAndre Ayton-C-Arizona 
7-1/250/9-3 standing reach 
Freshman/19.8 
20.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG 
NBA Comparison: Patrick Ewing/Shawn Kemp/Andrew Bynum
Role: Star Big Man will HOF Potential, at worst A Bynum type #3 option on a contender

Ayton has the size, skill set and feel for the game that very few big man have. He is similar in size and raw potential as Ewing at the same age. With Ayton and Devin Booker the Suns could potentially have the best shooting guard-center duo since Kobe and Shaq. Now they may not win 3 NBA titles but they should have the Suns in playoff contention within a few years. They just need to surround them with the right role players similar to what the 76ers have done with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. 



2. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Marvin Bagley-F/C-Duke 
6-11/234 
Fr./19.1 
21.2 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 61.4% 
NBA Comparison: Chris Webber/Chris Bosh/Zach Randolph
Role: Starting PF on a contender, small ball center

Bagley is as good as Bosh, Randolph and Webber coming out of college. He has some defensive liabilities but so did Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldrige and Randolph and all of those guys have had great careers. The Kings also have two good defensive bigs in Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere.  The Kings were title contenders in the early 2000's when Webber was leading them along with Peja Stojakovic and Mike Bibby. Bagley has all the tools to become another Webber. 

3. ATLANTA HAWKS 
Luka Doncic-G/F-Slovenia 
6-8/228 
International/19.2 
15.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.6 APG 
NBA Comparison: Peja Stojaković/Grant Hill 
Role: Star Wing, best or second best player on a playoff team 

The Hawks are in ideal position to trade down for the right deal as many teams are looking to trade up for Bagley, Doncic or another top prospect. Doncic is the most accomplished European player to enter the league since Toni Kukoc. He already has a NBA frame and has most versatile skill set of any player in this draft. He would fit perfectly next to last year's first round pick John Collins. The Hawks need more young scorers that play with energy. 



4. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 
Michael Porter-CF-Mizzou 
6-11/211/9-1 
Fr./19.9 
Injured in 2018 
NBA Comparison: Harrison Barnes/Robert Horry/Danillo Galinari
Role: Starting SF, #2/3 scoring option on a good team, can play some small ball stretch four as well. 

Memphis will try to trade this pick in hopes of unloading Chandler Parsons' contract along with it. If they are unable to make a deal, my guess is that they take Porter as an eventual replacement for Parsons. Porter missed last year but was the #1 prospect coming out of high school. He can develop into a go to scorer eventually If they go with one of the big men instead, it may be a sign that they do not see Marc Gasol in their long term plans and may try to unload him as well. 

5. DALLAS MAVERICKS 
Mohamed Bamba-C-Texas 
7-1/226/9-8 
Fr./20.0 
12.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.7 BPG 
NBA Comparison: Rudy Gobert/Clint Capela 
Role: Starting modern day Center, Elite Defender/Rim Protector.

The Mavs will have their choice of big men after getting their point guard of the future last year in Dennis Smith. Bamba has the longest wingspan and standing reach of any player EVER at the Draft Combine. He is already a great defender and is developing his offensive game. He could become the steal of this draft. 


6. ORLANDO MAGIC
Trae Young-PG-Oklahoma 
6-2/178/8-0 
Fr./19.6 
27.4 PPG, 8.7 apg, 36.1% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Chris Jackson (Mahmoud Abdul Rauf) coming out of college 
Role: Starting PG that is more of a scorer, #3/4 option on a good team 

The Magic need scoring, they need passing and they need a face of the franchise. Those are the things that Trae Young can give them. Young has drawn some unrealistic comparisons to Steph Curry but I see him being another Abdul Rauf. However, his lack of size may limit him to becoming another Trey Burke or Brandon Knight volume scoring small guard. 

7. CHICAGO BULLS 
Jaren Jackson-C-Michigan St.  
6-11/236/9-2 
Fr./18.7 
10.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 BPG 
NBA Comparison: Myles Turner/Marcus Camby
Role: Starting Big Man on a contender, Elite Defender/Rim Protector 

The Bulls could be the biggest winners of the night if Jackson or Bamba were to fall to #7. Jackson would be the ideal defensive big to pair with 2017 first round pick and sharpshootin stretch four Lauri Markkanen. Jackson could go as high as #3 but I think #7 is his floor. 


8. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 
Collin Sexton-PG-Alabama 
6-2/183/8-3 
Fr./19.4 
19.2 PPG, 3.6 APG, 33.6% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Terry Rozier/Eric Bledsoe 
Role: Starting PG on a good team, would be #3 best player on a contender

The Cavs need to prepare for life without LeBron James. Sexton is a dynamic athlete and competitor. He would instantly start at point guard in Cleveland. He can play alongside LeBron but also has proven that he can carry the load as a scorer. This pick may eventually get moved for a veteran in order to keep King James in Ohio. 



9. NEW YORK KNICKS
Kevin Knox-SF-UK 
6-9/213/9-0 
Fr./18.8 
15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 34.1% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Tobias Harris/Josh Howard
Role: Starting SF, small ball PF, #2/3 scoring option 

The Knicks need a scoring wing and Knox has a very versatile scoring skill set. The #9 pick has provided many great scoring wings historically from Gordon Hayward, DeMar DeRozan and Tracy McGrady. Knicks fans will be ecstatic if Knox develops into that type of talent. 


10. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Mikal Bridges-G/F-Villanova 
6-7/210 
Jr./21.7 
17.7 PPG , 5.3 RPG, 43.5% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Otto Porter/Eddie Jones
Role: Starting wing, Prototype 3 and D guy, #3/4 scoring option 

In 1994 a long, athletic defensive wing that played his college ball in Philly was drafted at the #10 spot. That man was Eddie Jones. Twenty four years later another great wing that played his college ball in Philly has a chance to go #10 and stay in Philly. This would be a home run for the 76ers in my opinion as Bridges is the ultimate glue guy and could be the final missing piece of a championship team (similar to Draymond Green in Golden State). 


11. CHARLOTTE HORNETS  
Wendell Carter-C/F-Duke 
6-10/251/9-1 
Fr./19.1 
13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG 
NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer/Enes Kanter
Role: Starting Big Man, Elite Rebounder, #2/3 scoring option 

The Hornets need more physicality up front after trading Dwight Howard. Carter is the best player on the board. He compares similar to fellow Duke power forwards Boozer and Elton Brand. Carter has proven he can play alongside elite talent at Duke last year. 


12. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Robert Williams-F/C-Texas A&M 
6-10/241/9-3 
So./20.6 
10.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG 
NBA Comparison: DeAndre Jordan/Tyrus Thomas
Role: Starting Big Man, Elite Defender/Rim Protector and good rebounder

DeAndre Jordan has a chance to opt out of his contract and the Clippers may let him go as they are in full rebuild mode. Williams is similar in size and ability to Jordan. Both are freak athletes that struggle on offense. 

13. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
Lonnie Walker-SG-Miami 
6-5/196/8-4 
Fr./19.4 
11.5 PPG, 41.5% FG, 34.6% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: OJ Mayo/Dion Waiters 
Role: Starting SG/Elite 6th Man 

The Clippers get another powerful athlete after getting Williams at #12. Walker has a NBA body already and has really improved his stock in workouts. 


14. DENVER NUGGETS 
Zhaire Smith-SG-Texas Tech 
6-4/199/8-4 
Fr./18.9 
11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG 
NBA Comparison: Tony Allen/Danny Green
Role: Defensive Wing with All Defense potential 

The Nuggets get insurance in case Will Barton leaves in free agency. The Nuggets have a lot of good scorers, Smith provides them a great defender. 

15. WASHINGTON WIZARDS 
Jerome Robinson-SG-Boston College
6-5/188/8-2 
Jr./21.2 
20.7 PPG, 3.3 APG, 40.9% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Courtney Lee
Role: Great 6th man on a good team. 

The Wizards are said to be high on Robinson and may  try to trade current backup wing Kelly Oubre as he will be a Restricted Free Agent next summer. Robinson is a proven scorer at the college level and is NBA ready. 


16. PHOENIX SUNS 
Miles Bridges-CF-Michigan St. 
6-7/220/8-8 
So./20.2 
17.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 36.4% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: James Johnson
Role: Starting PF or SF, great role player that does the little things 

The Suns get a versatile role player in Bridges to help out Ayton and Booker. Bridges is also good friends and an AAU teammate of the Suns 2017 first round pick Josh Jackson. 

17. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Aaron Holiday-PG-UCLA 
6-1/187/8-1 
Jr./21.6 
20.3 PPG, 5.8 APG, 42.9% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Jordan Farmar
Role: Starting PG or high level backup

There is no guarantee that Eric Bledsoe will be in Milwaukee past this season and even if he does re-sign next year, Holiday would be a great backup with his High IQ and leadership skills. 


18. SAN ANTONIO SPURS 
Donte Divincenzo-SG-Villanova 
6-5/200/8-2 
So./21.3 
13.4 PPG, 3.5 APG, 40.1% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Brent Barry/Wayne Ellington  
Role: Starting SG or high end 6th/7th man 

Regardless of what happens with Kawhi Leonard, the Spurs need guys that can play right away. Donte is an ultimate team guy and is a proven winner. He sounds like an ideal fit in San Antonio to me. 


19. ATLANTA HAWKS 
Kevin Heuerter-SG-Maryland 
6-7/194/8-6 
So./19.8 
14.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 41.7% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Mike Dunleavy/Kevin Martin
Role: Sharpshooting wing, low end starter, high end backup  

The Hawks  get the sharpshooter they have lacked since Kyle Korver left a few years ago. 

20. MINNESOTA TIMEBERWOLVES
Troy Brown-SF-Oregon 
6-8/208/8-9 
Fr./18.7 
15.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 41.1% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Trevor Ariza/Ronnie Brewer
Role: Defensive wing that could become a solid offensive player 

The TWolves have their core set so they will go with a guy that plays defense. Brown's defensive skills with fit with Head Coach Tom Thibideau. 



21. UTAH JAZZ
Shai Gilgeous Aleander-PG-UK 
6-6/180/8-8 
Fr./19.8 
14.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.1 RPG
NBA Comparison: Shaun Livingston/Jamal Crawford 
Role: Big point guard that would be an ideal play making backup

The Jazz will hope that SGA can become everything that Dante Exum could of been if he had not been injured so much. Both are big guards that are excellent passers for their size. 

22. CHICAGO BULLS
Chandler Hutchinson-SF-Boise 
6-7/200 
Sr./22.1 
20.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.5 APG
NBA Comparison: Evan Turner
Role: 3 and D guy, #4/5 scoring option, great bench player 

The Bulls get a developing wing that can get minutes early in their young core. 



23. INDIANA PACERS
Elie Okobo-PG-France 
6-2/180 
Int./20.6 
French Pro A: 12.5 PPG, 4.3 APG 
NBA Comparison: Patty Mills
Role: High end backup PG

The Pacers need a young PG to develop with both Darren Collison and Cory Joseph's contracts expiring after next season. 



24. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Josh Okogie-SG-GA Tech 
6-4/211/8-6 
So./19.7 
18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 38% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Kent Bazemore/Dion Glover
Role: 3 and D guy, #4/5 scoring option, great bench player 

Okogie is a player that has his stock rising after many good workouts. 

25. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Moritz Wagner-C-Michigan 
6-11/241/9-0 
Jr./21.1 
14.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 39.4% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Kelly Olynyk
Role: Stretch 5/4 that needs others to create for him

Wagner would be an ideal big to play alongside LeBron and Kawhi. The Lakers will need role players if they are able to land both of them. 


26. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Dzanan Musa-SF-Bosnia 
6-9/185 
Int./19.0 
11.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 47.5% FG 
NBA Comparison: Will Barton/Alex Albrines
Role: Good role playing backup 

The 76ers may want to draft and stash Musa to save money to get a top free agent this summer. They had great success in Europe with Dario Saric and will hope to Musa develops his small frame before coming overseas. 

27. BOSTON CELTICS
Grayson Allen-SG-Duke 
6-4/198/8-1 
Sr./22.6 
15.5 PPG, 4.6 APG, 37.0% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Danny Ainge
Role: Bench scorer and dirty work combo guard

GM Danny Ainge has to see himself in Allen. I want to see this pick happen in the worst way. 


28. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 
Khyri Thomas-SG-Creighton 
6-4/199/8-5 
Jr./22.0 
15.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 41.1% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Raja Bell/Tony Snell
Role: Defensive wing that could become a solid offensive player 

The Warriors have enough offense on the wings, they could use another defender. Thomas is NBA ready similar to Jordan Bell last year. 

29. BROOKLYN NETS
Keita Bates Diop-CF-Ohio. St. 
6-8/224/8-11 
RS Jr./22.3 
19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 35.9% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Wilson Chandler/Julian Wright  
Role:  Good bench player that is an elite rebounder and athlete that can play both forward spots 

The Nets go with the best player on the board and get the versatile combo forward that is NBA ready. 

30. ATLANTA HAWKS
Anfernee Simmons-CG-USA 
6-3/183/8-4 
No College/18.9 
DNP in 2018 
NBA Comparison: Jerryd Bayless/Austin Rivers 
Role: Eventual starting combo guard 

The Hawks get a small guard to go along with the big and wing they drafted earlier 

SECOND ROUND 

31. PHOENIX SUNS 
Mitchell Robinson-PF-USA 
6-11/230/9-3 
No College/20.0 
DNP in 2018 
NBA Comparison: Amir Johnson
KEY TOOLS: Elite length and Rebounding

32. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
De'Anthony Melton-CG-USC 
6-3/193/8-4 
So./20.0 
(16–17): 8.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, 4.7 RPG 
NBA Comparison: Patrick Beverly
KEY TOOL: Defense

33. DALLAS MAVERICKS 
Melvin Frazier-G/F-Tulane 
6-6/198/8-9 
Jr./21.7 
15.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.1 SPG 
NBA Comparison: Gerald Green
KEY SKILL: 3 and D and freak athletic ability 

34. ATLANTA HAWKS 
Jalen Brunson-PG-Villanova 
6-2/198/8-0 
Jr./21.7 
18.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 40.8% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: 
KEY SKILL: Playmaking and leadership

35. ORLANDO MAGIC
Omari Spellman-C-Villanova 
6-9/254/8-11 
Fr./20.9 
10.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 43.3% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Montrezl Harrell
KEY SKILL: Length and Rebounding 

36. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Jacob Evans-G/F-Cincinnati 
6-6/200/8-7 
Jr./20.9 
13.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 37% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Josh Richardson
KEY SKILL: Defense and Toughness

37. NEW YORK KNICKS 

Bruce Brown-SG-Miami 
6-5/195/8-3 
So./21.7 
11.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.0 APG 
NBA Comparison: Corey Maggette
KEY SKILL: Athletic Ability and Slashing

38. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Gary Trent Jr.-SG-Duke 
6-6/209
Fr./19.3 
14.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 40.2% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Gerald Henderson
KEY SKILL: Shooting and Scoring

39. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Javon Carter-PG-WVU 
6-2/196/7-11 
Sr./22.7 
17.3 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.0 SPG 
NBA Comparison: Marcus Smart
KEY SKILL: Defense and Leadership 

40. BROOKLYN NETS
Rawle Atkins-G/F-Zona 
6-4/217/8-3 
So./20.5 
13.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 35.9% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Lance Stephenson
KEY SKILL: Defense and Power at SG 

41. ORLANDO MAGIC
Landry Shamet-PG-Wichita St. 
6-5/189/8-4 
So./21.1 
14.9 PPG, 5.2 APG, 44.2% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Jordan Clarkson 
KEY SKILL: Length at the PG position 

42. DETROIT PISTONS
Kevin Hervery-SF-UT Arlington 
6-8/212/8-11 
Sr./21.8 
20.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.2 APG
NBA Comparison: TJ Warren
KEY SKILL: Scoring and Length

43. DENVER NUGGETS 
Rodions Kurucs-SF-Latvia 
6-8/220 
Int./20.3 
(LEB Gold): 10.6 PPG, 43.8% FG
NBA Comparison: Jiri Welch
KEY SKILL: Shooting

44. WASHINGTON WIZARDS 

Chimeze Metu-F/C-USC 
6-10/220/9-0 
Jr./21.1 
15.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.7 BPG 
NBA Comparison: Taj Gibson
KEY SKILL: Size and Rebounding  

45. BROOKLYN NETS
Hamidou Diallo-SG-UK 
6-6/197/8-7 
RS Fr./19.8 
10.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 43.0% FG 
NBA Comparison: Fred Jones
KEY SKILL: Slashing and Freak Athletic Ability 

46. HOUSTON ROCKETS 
Devonte Graham-PG-Kansas 
6-2/186/8-0 
Sr./23.2 
17.3 PPG, 7.2 APG, 40.6% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Shabazz Napier
KEY SKILL: Playmaking and leadership

47. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Jared Vanderbilt-CF-UK 
6-9/215 
Fr./19.2 
5.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 42.6% FG 
NBA Comparison: Dante Cunningham
KEY SKILL: Rebounding and Length 

48. MINNESOTA TIMEBERWOLVES

Alize Johnson-CF-Missouri St. 
6-8/217/8-7 
Sr./22.1 
15.0 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 2.8 APG 

NBA Comparison: Mike Scott
KEY SKILL: Rebounding and Passing 

49. SAN ANTONIO SPURS 
Brandon McCoy-C-UNLV 
7-0/250/9-3 
Fr./19.9 
16.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG 
NBA Comparison: Kendrick Perkins
KEY SKILL: Size and Rebounding 

50. INDIANA PACERS
Shake Milton-CG-SMU 
6-5/207/8-4 
Jr./21.6 
18.0 PPG, 4.4 APG, 43.4% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Alonzo Gee
KEY SKILL: S 

51. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

Trevon Duval-CG-Duke 
6-3/191/8-2 
Fr./19.8 
10.3 PPG, 5.6 APG, 1.5 SPG 
NBA Comparison: Corey Joseph 
KEY SKILL: Playmaking and Athletic Ability

52. UTAH JAZZ

Malik Newman-SG-Kansas 
6-3/189/8-3 
So./21.2 
14.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 41.5% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Norris COle
KEY SKILL: S 

53. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Justin Jackson-CF-Maryland 
6-7/229/8-9 
So/21.2 
(2 yr AVG): 10.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG 
NBA Comparison: Matt Barnes
KEY SKILL: Defense and Length

54. DALLAS MAVERICKS 

Kenrich Williams-SF-TCU 
6-8/200/8-8 
Sr./23.5 
13.2 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.9 APG 
NBA Comparison: John Salmons
KEY SKILL: Slashing and Shooting 

55. CHARLOTTE HORNETS 
Tony Carr-PG-Penn St. 
6-5/199/8-4 
So./20.6 
19.6 PPG, 5.0 APG, 43.3% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Rodney Stuckey
KEY SKILL: Scoring and Shooting

56. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Issac Bonga-SF-Germany 
6-9/205 
Int./18.5  
(German BBL): 5.8 PPG, 40.6% FG 
NBA Comparison: Jeremy Evans
KEY SKILL: Length and Athletic Ability

57. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
57. Ray Spalding-PF-Louisville 
6-10/225 
Jr./21.2 
12.3 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.7 BPG 
NBA Comparison: Ed Davis
KEY SKILL: Size and Length  

58. DENVER NUGGETS  
Svi Mykhailuk-SG-Kansas 
6-8/212/8-4 
Sr./21.0 
14.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 44.4% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: J
KEY SKILL: Shooting 

59. PHOENIX SUNS 
Devin Hall-SG-Virginia 
6-6/206/8-6 
Sr./22.9 
11.7 PPG, 3.1 APG, 43.2% 3FG 
NBA Comparison: Morris Peterson
KEY SKILL: 3 and D 

60. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Gary Clark-PF-Cincinnati 
6-7/233 
Sr./23.5 
12.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG 
NBA Comparison: Ryan Gomes
KEY SKILL: Hustle and Rebounding









HONORABLE MENTION 


Vince Edwards-F-Purdue 
6-8/225 
Sr./22.2 
14.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.9 APG 

Arnoldis Kulboka-SF-Lithuania 
6-11/215 
Int./20.5 

George King-SG-Colorado 
6-6/215 
Sr./24.0 
21.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.7 APG 

Jaylen Barford-PG-Arkansas 
6-2/208/8-1 
Sr./22.4 
17.5 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.9 APG 

Thomas Welch-C-UCLA 
7-0/255 
Sr./22.4 
12.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG

Theo Pinson-SF-UNC 6-6/210 Sr./22.5 10.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.1 APG Allonzo Trier-SG-Arizona 6-5/200 Jr./22.4 18.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.2 APG