2018 NBA Mock Draft: Time for the Final Four

As covered in this space last week, Young will leave his hometown Sooners and declare for the draft, meaning the Season of Trae in college basketball is officially over. Brilliant highs to begin the season, followed by ugly lows in conference play and ending with All-American honors in the NCAA’s first-ever three-freshman First Team alongside Deandre Ayton and Marvin Bagley.

Young will have an interesting next three months, beginning with the combine in the middle of May, where he will have to prove to scouts that his 6-4 wingspan and subpar athleticism are qualities he can overcome in the NBA. Young is too smart to truly be an awful defender, and as much as the lack of talent around him at Oklahoma affected his offensive performance, it was a part of his defensive failures as well. There was no rim protection or smart switching comparable to what he’ll have in the NBA, regardless of which team drafts him.

In Orlando, Young would join a team with considerable defensive upside depending on the development of Jonathan Isaac and what the Magic do with the rest of their roster and coaching staff. The new front office prioritized defense and athleticism last summer and will do it again this year, but Young gives them the offensive centerpiece necessary for any rebuild.

There is also very little pressure to excel in Orlando, where hope has been beaten out of a fanbase thirsty for the first playoff appearance since 2012.