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Now that the draft order is set, we can take a look into the crystal ball to see what NBA teams will do to officially kick off the offseason. With that in mind, we need to start looking at what may happen in the NBA Draft. Here is a the first look at the full NBA Mock Draft for 2018:
First Round-
1) Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona-This was an easy choice for the Suns. He is a player this franchise desperately needs. Ayton is a load in the post and can face up, rebound and defend. He has all the tools to be a top player in the NBA. A core of Ayton, Booker and Josh Jackson is a foundation they can build on. Let their ‘Process’ begin.
2) Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley, PF, Duke-The Kings have a choice to make, Luka Doncic or Bagley? With Fox, Hield and Justin Jackson in the fold already, why not add a multi skilled big? Bagley can play inside or out, rebounds and scores at a high rate. He has the talent to change the trajectory of this franchise.
3) Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, G/F, Slovenia-Doncic is a rare European player: he not only has a tool box of skills but also a flare for the game that exudes confidence. Very good handle, great court vision and yes, he can shoot the ball. That’s too much to pass up.
4) Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr, PF, Michigan State-With Marc Gasol in the middle and a healthy Mike Conley running the point, Jackson has the skills to compliment those two and help them get back to winning. He’s a Swiss Army knife who can handle the ball, rebound, score and defend.
5) Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas-Bamba will immediately bring defense and much needed rim protection. He can erase a lot of defensive mistakes. He runs the floor like a gazelle and will gobble up rebounds. His offense is coming along. With Dennis Smith running the offense, this could be a dominant dynamic duo they can build on.
6) Orlando Magic: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma-They need some much needed excitement injected into this franchise. The fan base is starving for a player to bring some juice into the arena. Young is just what the doctor ordered. His deep range will open up the floor and his passing will get everyone else involved. The last point guard to do that here was Penny. They should be so lucky.
7) Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr, F, Missouri-With a clean bill of health from doctors, Porter is ready to show his vast skill set. He can fill in the holes wherever needed. He can handle the ball, score, pass, rebound and defend. He’ll fit in nicely with the young pieces the Bulls have accumulated. At the very least, they should be fun to watch. This could be the steal of the draft.
8) Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama-Whether LeBron is here or not, Cleveland needs to add talented playmakers to this roster. Sexton has great quickness, can score, a creative finisher and will defend his position. He can also make plays for others. This team is filled with too many one dimensional players.
9) New York Knicks: Kevin Knox, SF, Kentucky-The Knicks need to add talent to their roster, especially on the wing. Knox has the potential to be a high level 3 & D player. He offers great size on the wing, a capable scorer and defensive potential. New York has not had good wing play since Bernard King.
10) Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, G/F, Villanova-After being eliminated from the playoffs, it’s clear that the Sixers process is not done yet. It’s all about adding the right pieces around the foundation of Embiid and Simmons. Bridges is such a player. He can knock down open shots and play defense. A perfect fit. The process continues.
11) Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State-The Michael Kidd -Gilchrist experiment has failed. Another wasted pick. It’s time for a replacement. Bridges is that player. He brings above the rim athleticism and hustle along with a junkyard dog attitude. His jumper is improving and will add range. He’ll defend and rebound with aggression. He fits nicely with Kemba Walker and Nicolas Batum.
12) LA Clippers: Wendell Carter, F/C, Duke-With back to back picks, the Clippers have a chance to get two cornerstone pieces. At Duke, he never had a chance to fully showcase his talents. Now healthy, Carter will put his talent on full display. He is a big with can run the floor, finish around the basket and play post defense. He has a knack for blocking shots and rebounds well. He’ll surprise some with his offense.
13) LA Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky-They next address the point position with Alexander. He has great size for the position. He’s a good rebounder and solid defender. Alexander has great poise and never seems rushed. His court vision and passing are underrated. He just manages to make plays.
14) Denver Nuggets: Troy Brown, G/F, Oregon-With Galinari gone and Wilson Chandler aging, the wing position needs to be addressed. The core is set with Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Nikola Jokic. Brown is offensively gifted with athleticism to match. His size and length helps on defense. He excels in the open court. He will be a positive addition to this team.
15) Washington Wizards: Mitchell Robinson, C, USA-Center Marcin Gortat has been solid for them but a younger, more athletic center is needed with their core. Mitchell will be a defensive presence immediately and offer quality depth up front. Wall will find a way to get him easy baskets, whether it be lobs, finding him in transition or for catch and dunks.
16) Phoenix Suns: Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami(FL)-The plan continues with this pick. Another player in Walker who is multi skilled. He is gifted offensively and gets after it defensively. He’s a high energy player with a toughness to match. He’ll add quality depth off the bench.
17) Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV-The Bucks have a nice array of perimeter players but lack a true center and depth up front. McCoy will give them rim protection and post defense but more importantly, a much needed post presence on offense. The Bucks are looking for pieces to take them to the next level, they hope McCoy is one of them.
18) San Antonio Spurs: Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M-Williams will add much needed youth, athleticism and depth to a thin frontcourt. He has a ton of potential but does not always play hard. If Coach Gregg Popovich can’t get it out of him, no one can. Bet on Popovich to help him realize his potential.
19) Atlanta Hawks: Jontay Porter, PF/C, Missouri Tigers-After taking Doncic early, they address the front court. After an injury to a teammate last season, the door opened for Jontay to blossom into a well rounded player. He took full advantage of the situation and played well. He had the opportunity to show his scoring and rebounding prowess. He surprised many with his playmaking ability and passing.
20) Minnesota Timberwolves: Gary Trent, SG, Duke-The Timberwolves made the playoffs and want to build on that. They need to strengthen their bench and find guys who can knock down shots. You can never have enough shooting and that’s Trent’s strength. He can provide depth for a team that will lose some players in free agency.
21) Utah Jazz: Austin Wiley, C, Auburn-Wiley is a throwback center with a true post, back to the basket game. He has a nice array of post moves. He’ll protect the rim and defend the post. He runs the floor well. He’ll add quality depth up front.
22) Chicago Bulls: Dzanan Musa, SF, Bosnia & Herzegovina-The Bulls add another nice piece to the puzzle. Musa can handle the ball and shoot it. He has great size for the wing and will stick his nose in around the basket to rebound as well. He’ll add depth to this young, up and coming team.
23) Indiana Pacers: Chimezie Metu, PF/C, USC-The Pacers are thin up front after Turner and Sabonas. Metu is all about effort and hustle. For a player his size, he has a sneaky handle, is very athletic and rebounds well. He gets up the floor quickly. Not a big scorer but very capable of keeping defenses honest.
24) Portland Trail Blazers: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, SF, Kansas-Portland needs more wing players who can compliment Lillard and McCollum. Mykhailiuk certainly fits that profile because of his shooting stroke.He can also put the ball on the floor and moves well without the ball.
25) LA Lakers: Moritz Wagner, PF/C, Michigan-Wagner has a more than adequate post game, he also has the ability to step away from the basket and knock down shots. His value is his versatility. He has a sneaky handle and rebounds.
26) Philadelphia 76ers: Grayson Allen, SG, Duke-The Sixers need to add as many shooters as possible. Allen can flat out shoot but he’s not limited to just that. He showed the ability to handle the ball and attack the basket. They will most likely lose JJ Redick in free agency so this is a great value pick.
27) Boston Celtics: Felipe Dos Anjos, C, Brazil-This should be a draft and stash player. Anjos has great size and wingspan. He can develop into a real defensive menace and rebounder. Offense will come with some work. Potential is there but he’s a year or two away. This could also be a trade pick as well.
28) Golden State Warriors: Caleb Martin, G/F, Nevada-The Warriors value versatility and Martin can certainly provide that. He can handle, create for himself or others, rebound and defend. You’re looking at Andre Iguodala’s eventual replacement. Golden State keeps striking gold in the late first round and early second.
29) Brooklyn Nets: Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State-The Nets need to continue to add talent in the front court. Especially with so many contracts expiring. Diop offers versatility, can play inside and out depending on the match up. He’ll rebound and be a solid defender.
30) Atlanta Hawks: Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton-Knockdown shooter who can create off the dribble. Has good vision and playmaking ability. Love his toughness and grit- he just makes plays. Great wingspan for creating havoc on defense. High basketball IQ and very composed game.
Second Round
31) Phoenix Suns: Landry Shamet, G, Wichita State-Heady player with exceptional range on his shot. Can put it on the floor as well. Solid defender.
32) Memphis Grizzlies: Chandler Hutchison, G/F, Boise State-Hutchison offers some versatility. He’s shown the ability to score and rebound. Has the athleticism and length to be a good defender.
33) Dallas Mavericks: Anfernee Simons, G, IMG Academy-He is freakishly athletic with a smooth offensive game. He can shoot it and create off the dribble.
34) Atlanta Hawks: Arnoldas Kulboka, PF, Lithuania-A prototypical stretch four. Raw talent with 3 point range, a promising post game and an adept passer.
35) Orlando Magic: Goga Bitadze, C, Republic of Georgia-Solid post game and footwork. Good mobility and very strong. Rebounding is a strength.
36) New York Knicks: Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia-Kurucs has great upside who has deep range on his shot. He can slash to the basket as well.
37) Sacramento Kings: Jerome Robinson, G, Boston College-Versatility is his strength. A combo guard with good quickness. Has the length and lateral movement to be a good defender.
38) Philadelphia 76ers: Kenrich Williams, SF, TCU-Made his name as a defender. Showed flashes of offense.
39) Philadelphia 76ers: Alize Johnson, PF, Missouri State-Deceptive handle, rebounds well and has a high motor. Three point range and playmaking ability.
40) Brooklyn Nets: Yante Maten, PF, Georgia-Won’t wow you but will do all the little things that don’t show up in the box score. Will rebound and defend.
41) Orlando Magic: Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova-High IQ, composed, never in a rush, solid game. A leader and winner.
42) Detroit Pistons: Kevin Hervey, SF, Texas Arlington– A potential 3 and D player. Has three point range. Very good rebounder.
43) Denver Nuggets: Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA-Quick player, very good penetrator getting to the basket. Strong finisher and ball handler.
44) Washington Wizards: Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky-Super athletic with a mid range game and strong finisher. Has foundation to be a good defender.
45) Brooklyn Nets: Ray Spalding, PF, Louisville-Very athletic, quick leaper and shot blocker. Offense is a work in progress but vast potential.
46) Houston Rockets: Elie Okobo, PG, France-Versatile with explosive athleticism. Good size and length. Good shooting stroke.
47) LA Lakers: Angel Delgado, PF, Seton Hall-A high level rebounder and effective low post game. Strong frame with long arms.
48) Minnesota Timberwolves: Jacob Evans, PF, Cincinnati-Potential 3 and D player. Loaded skill set.
49) San Antonio Spurs: Shake Milton, G, SMU-Combo guard who plays under control. Efficient game with good range on his shot. Shows his defensive presence.
50) Indiana Pacers: Vincent Edwards, SF, Purdue-Very good ball skills and offensive output. Can rebound and willing defender.
51) New Orleans Pelicans: Isaac Bonga, SF, Germany-An athletic specimen with ball handling and playmaking ability. Jumper is a work in progress.
52) Utah Jazz: Gary Clark, PF, Cincinnati-Undersized but never overmatched. He plays tough and has a high IQ. He’s all about defense.
53) OKC Thunder: Jonathan Williams, PF, Gonzaga-High energy player who will rebound and defend. Not the prettiest game but effective.
54) Dallas Mavericks: Theo Pinson, G/F, UNC-Can do a little of everything. A glue guy who understands strengths and weaknesses.
55) Charlotte Hornets: De’Anthony Melton, G, USC-Offensively gifted with defensive potential. Good athlete with court vision. A lot of skills at his disposal.
56) Philadelphia 76ers: Melvin Frazier, SG, Tulane-Very athletic, attacks the basket and underrated handle. He’s a natural scorer.
57) OKC Thunder: Tony Carr, PG, Penn State-Good shooter with three point range. Has good size for position, solid mid range game and is a capable playmaker.
58) Denver Nuggets: Justin Jackson, SF, Maryland-NBA ready body, athletically gifted and good rebounder. Potential 3 and D player.
59) Phoenix Suns: Bonzi Colson, SF, Notre Dame-Good shooter and solid rebounder. High basketball IQ.
60) Philadelphia 76ers: Tryggvi Hlinason, C, Iceland-Draft and stash player. Good potential with nice size, moves well and uncanny passing ability. Very raw but solid foundation to build on.
