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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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Jan 7, 2017; Arlington, TN, USA; Hamilton Heights Hawks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander guard (2) goes to the basket against Arlington Tigers Luke Wiseman guard (13) during the game at Arlington High School. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; Arlington, TN, USA; Hamilton Heights Hawks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander guard (2) goes to the basket against Arlington Tigers Luke Wiseman guard (13) during the game at Arlington High School. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

PG/SG, Kentucky

The end of the first round is always a bit of a crap shoot, so why not take a shot on one of the bigger potential point guards in the 2018 draft class? Kentucky’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fits the profile of a combo guard at this stage, but he has the ability to create offense at some level. Gilgeous-Alexander has a strong handle and good passing instincts, but his lack of elite athleticism limits his upside a bit as a creator because he can’t explode past defenders. He may ultimately be best in a secondary role where he can beat rotating defenses with drives to the basket. He has also consistently produced solid results as a jump shooter, giving his offensive game another dimension.

GIlgeous-Alexander is most intriguing because of his frame, though. The 18-year old measures in at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan meaning he has the potential to be a versatile defender at the next level.

The key to Gilgeous-Alexander’s NBA future in the short-term may be how much time he gets on the floor at Kentucky. Both Quade Green and Hamidou Diallo project to play in front of him in the backcourt, but he could thrive in a sixth man role for the Wildcats.