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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 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Markis McDuffie (32) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wichita State Shockers forward Markis McDuffie (32) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Markis McDuffie

SF, Wichita State

Wichita State’s Markis McDuffie is another wing prospect who fits the 3-and-D bill. It’s looking like the 2018 NBA Draft will have plenty returning college players in that mold, which is great news for NBA teams looking to build out their wing depth.

McDuffie improved significantly as a shooter in his sophomore season, converting 35.5 percent of his 3-point attempts while hoisting 4.1 3s per 40 minutes. He also drastically improved his free throw shooting, becoming an 81.9 percent shooter from the foul line. McDuffie ranked in the 87th percentile nationally as a sophomore in spot up situations, averaging 1.140 points per possession, per Synergy Sports. He is still trying to figure out how to play with the ball in his hands, though, and unfortunately we may not get to see much improvement in that area during his time with the Shockers as the team has a pair of ball-handlers at the guard spots already.

At 6-foot-8, McDuffie has NBA size for the wing position even if he needs to fill out his frame a bit more. He is strong on the defensive glass and created 1.8 steals per 40 minutes in his sophomore season. The tape also shows McDuffie to be a strong defender who can cut off penetration and force his man to move the ball.