2018 NBA Mock Draft: Marvin Bagley could save the Cleveland Cavaliers

As we ramp up toward March Madness, the prospects in the draft are starting to separate themselves into tiers in the latest edition of our  2018 NBA mock draft.

The order for this mock draft is based upon 538’s CARM-Elo projections as of Jan. 26. For each pick, team needs are taken into consideration, as well as fit.

Carter is having a proper going-away party this year as a senior at West Virginia, helping lead the Hokies to a No. 15 ranking in the country.

He is their biggest catalyst on both ends of the floor, serving as the ignition for their full-court press defense as well as their drive-and-kick offense. Over the weekend, 26 points in a loss to Kentucky, making four of five from distance to bring his 3-point percentage to an enticing .405. Carter has become somewhat of a gunner this season for West Virginia, but scores in a variety of ways.

For Golden State, he would have the ball far less, spotting up for 3s and attacking closeouts off the bench. However, his real value will come on defense. Over the past month, Carter has put the clamps on two first-round prospects, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Trae Young. He is among the best you’ll see creating turnovers and stymying scorers without fouling.

That has value anywhere, but his intelligence, shooting and defense would be a perfect fit in the Warriors’ system.