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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Way too early edition

By Chris Stone

Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) dribbles the ball during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Jarred Vanderbilt (2) dribbles the ball during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
17

Jarred Vanderbilt

SF/PF, Kentucky

In addition to the litany of big men in the 2018 draft class, there also seem to be a good number of playmaking wings or combo forwards. Kentucky’s Jarred Vanderbilt has the potential to fill that role nicely once he makes it to the NBA.

The 6-foot-9 forward projects to most likely end up as a small ball power forward given his lack of elite athleticism, but he can handle initiating the offense regardless of his position. Vanderbilt has a good handle, nice vision and is comfortable making plays on the move. It’s not clear how much he’ll get to do that at Kentucky, but if he’s allowed to handle the ball a bit, he could impress NBA teams quickly. Vanderbilt’s size will also make him a candidate to be a pretty versatile defender, although his lack of foot speed could make it tougher for him to defend on the perimeter.

The swing skill for Vanderbilt will likely be his jump shot. Like much of the Wildcats’ 2017-18 roster, he struggles to knock down outside shots, which obviously hinders his offensive value. If he can’t hit jumpers, he’ll be more reliant on a team’s willingness to put he ball in his hands to let him run the offense. It’s important to have the shooting as a fallback plan.