2018 NBA Mock Draft (lottery edition): Ayton, Doncic in play at No. 1
June is far away, but that shouldn't stop us from predicting what the 2018 NBA Draft may look like. Here, we go through the potential lottery selections (draft order as of Dec. 12, 2017):
1. Hawks - Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
The Hawks will be looking for a generational talent at No. 1, and in a draft with several potential superstars at the top, there are few wrong directions to take. That being said, Arizona big man Deandre Ayton stands out as perhaps a once-in-a-decade prospect who'd be a perfect fit for a franchise with no legitimate post threat.
Plugging Ayton next to Dennis Schroder wouldn't be a bad way to start building. Ayton possesses a soft mid-range touch, 3-point potential, and a dominant game around the basket. You can't teach size, and the 7-footer has lots of it.
2. Bulls - Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Slovenia
The Bulls have options if Ayton is drafted first. But it would be hard to pass up an NBA-ready, 6-foot-8 point guard like Luka Doncic, who's been on a tear in Europe. Scouts have been watching the 18-year-old for a while, but his summer performance during Eurobasket against top-flight NBA stars made league execs salivate.
Doncic then became the de facto leader of Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid this season after veteran Sergio Llull went down with an injury. In Llull's stead, Doncic leads the Euroleague in points (20.9), ranks sixth in rebounds (6.1), and sits 14th and assists (4.2) - amazing numbers for a teenager.
3. Mavericks - Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Ever wonder what the post-Dirk Nowitzki Mavericks will look like? Enter Marvin Bagley III. For a franchise that's generally shown an unwillingness to tank, this would be a terrific grand prize for finally becoming one of the league's worst teams. Bagley would be a great addition next to current Mavs rookie Dennis Smith Jr.
The traditional post player has largely disappeared overnight, but Bagley is so versatile that he should be a low-risk pick for whoever drafts him. The freshman is arguably putting up the best season in college basketball thus far.
4. Grizzlies - Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Missouri
Two minutes. That's all we got to see from Michael Porter Jr. this season. Porter left with a back injury almost immediately in his freshman debut, and will miss the rest of the season following surgery.
Regardless, few possess Porter's scoring ability and length. His jump shot is ready for the NBA, and so is his top-level athleticism. Once he adds some strength, the Grizzlies will have themselves a steal with the fourth pick.
5. Kings - Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
This may sound crazy, but despite all the talent on the board, it's possible no other player possesses a specific elite skill quite like Mohamed Bamba. His rim protection will make him a force in the NBA, regardless of how raw his offensive game is.
The big man can become an absolute force in the middle. Nobody will try shooting over him, or even want to approach him in the paint. He's also showing some potential with his shooting mechanics and runs the floor like a guard. His explosiveness and length are hard to come by.
6. Suns - Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
If the Suns get Collin Sexton as their future point guard, they'll quickly forget about the Eric Bledsoe debacle. Sexton's quickness and ability to draw fouls would make him an easy fit next to Devin Booker, and that duo in the Suns' up-tempo offense would give fans reason to be excited.
7. Hornets - Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
The Hornets have drafted a lot of size lately, but those players don't have the potential to give them something special next to Kemba Walker like Jaren Jackson Jr. does. The MSU forward can be plugged in as a small-ball five to space the floor, while his combination of size, reach, and excellent athleticism makes him an easy pick here.
8. Magic - Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State
Miles Bridges is one of the top forwards in the nation and is putting together a solid season for the Spartans. The Magic are desperate for a roster shake-up, while Bridges' NBA-ready build and his ability to shoot from deep could get that going.
9. Cavaliers (via Nets) - Robert Williams, C, Texas A&M
This isn't where the Cavaliers were hoping their Nets pick would land, but they'll be happy if Robert Williams falls to them. Outside the top five, Williams may have the highest ceiling in the draft. With a 7-foot-5 wingspan, he can become a dominant shot-blocker once he gets up to speed in the NBA.
10. 76ers (via Lakers) - Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky
The 76ers keep finding ways into the lottery, even if it's not their own pick. Kevin Knox would be an ideal fit as a four next to Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Robert Covington. He has the potential to become a 3-point specialist who runs the floor with Simmons and plays the pick-and-pop with Embiid.
11. Clippers - Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
By going from a rotation player for the national champion as a freshman to the No. 1 option this year, Mikal Bridges has proven he's fully capable of taking over an offense. He could become a prototypical 3-and-D player in the NBA, as he's currently hitting 48.1 percent from distance while averaging 2.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
12. Thunder - Lonnie Walker IV, SG/SF, Miami
It's hard to predict what Oklahoma City will do, especially if it somehow misses the playoffs. A good place to start would be taking a chance on someone who would be a good fit next to Russell Westbrook. Lonnie Walker IV is a big guard who would help shore up defensive deficiencies, and if he can continue shooting the ball well, would be a great fit in OKC.
13. 76ers - Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
There's no reason to miss an opportunity to draft a Stephen Curry-like talent, and Trae Young can score from anywhere. If the Markelle Fultz experiment doesn't work out, Philadelphia can always lean on the scoring and playmaking of Young. And if he can learn to defend at the next level, the point guard is a safe bet to have a long NBA career.
14. Suns (via Heat) - Wendell Carter Jr., C, Duke
If the Suns take Sexton with their first pick, their second should net them a legitimate center of the future. Wendell Carter Jr. has the size to become a very serviceable long-term option in the NBA. He's an excellent rebounder, finds ways to score in the paint, and even has a soft touch on his jump shot.