2018 NBA Mock Draft – Projected Lottery Picks: The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery is in the books, and now that the first 14 picks in the draft are set in stone, it is time to take my first crack and predicting this year’s lottery selections. There isn’t that can’t-miss star in this year’s class, but there is a good chance that this draft could end up producing several solid NBA players and maybe a star or two. Let’s check out the top picks.
- Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
He’s got the size, athleticism and offensive promise to be franchise-changing player. Ayton is the most physically imposing prospect to come along in a while.
- Sacramento Kings: Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid
His size and scoring versatility will make him an offensive force at the next level. He could be scoring 20-plus points per game for a long time, which is exactly what a team with the worst scoring attack in the NBA needs.
- Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke
Atlanta’s roster has a lot of holes, and a double-double machine with an NBA-ready offensive game and enough athleticism will be a welcome addition.
- Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State
Jackson needs time to develop his body and harness his offensive potential, but his length, athleticism and shot blocking give him All-NBA upside on the defensive end.
- Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
He’s a high-risk, high-reward prospect, but Bamba has a chance to be a game-changing rim protector and defensive anchor. He could help jumpstart Dallas’ rebuild.
- Orlando Magic: Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri
He has some similarities with Aaron Gordon, but Porter has a much higher ceiling on the offensive end and has the athleticism to be a two-away impact player. Orlando isn’t in position to pass up someone with Porter’s potential.
- Chicago Bulls: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
The Bulls have some intriguing young pieces, but the explosive scoring and perimeter firepower that Young provides will be a plus. Young could play point alongside Zach LaVine or off the ball with Kris Dunn.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Mikal Bridges, SF, Villanova
Assuming LeBron James decides to stick around, Bridges will be an ideal addition. He will provide a much-needed boost to Cleveland’s atrocious defense, and he can knock down open looks from the perimeter when defenses collapse on James.
- New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr., PF, Duke
New York needs more talent wherever it can find it, and Carter seems like a safe bet in this spot. He probably won’t be a star, but he can score and rebound well enough to be starting NBA big man.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State
The 76ers are one of the up-and-coming teams in the NBA, and Bridges provides them with another perimeter weapon with excellent athleticism and the potential to be a two-way force.
- Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
Kemba Walker seems destined to leave sooner rather than later, and Gilgeous-Alexander can take the reins of the backcourt. He has elite size for a point guard and the attacking style teams look for these days.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Sexton needs to develop an outside shot, but his speed and physical tools give him a chance to develop into something special. He’s well worth the gamble at this stage in the draft.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Robert Williams, C, Texas A&M
You have to figure DeAndre Jordan will be gone sooner rather than later, and Williams offers a similar combination of size and athleticism. At worst, he should be a high-energy big man off the bench.
- Denver Nuggets: Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech
Smith flashed just enough offensive promise to go with his motor and defensive instincts to warrant a look in the lottery, especially for a Nuggets team that needs someone to play lockdown defense and do the little things.
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