2018 NBA Mock Draft: The lottery is done and the order is set

Alkins is back in the first round this week based on how I believe he will impress scouts this weekend in Chicago. He enters the combine projected as one of the strongest and most aggressive defensive players in the draft. Watching during these playoffs how players without an obvious NBA role, such as P.J. Tucker or Tristan Thompson, have survived by becoming relentless and physically overwhelming defenders gives one hope for Alkins. The Nets always seem to get the most out of limited players, and I think Alkins could blossom if he ends up in a situation like the one in Brooklyn.

At 6-foot-5, 220 pounts, Alkins stands out as someone who at the NBA level could defend guards, wings and bigs. Playing next to Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Allonzo Trier at Arizona, Alkins was frequently asked to lock down perimeter players. Sean Miller plays a conservative defensive scheme and really never tried anything as creative as switching with Alkins and Deandre Ayton, leading to questions about the defensive potential of both players.

This is one problem with college wing defenders overall– they play a different role than they will at the next level. But Alkins also brings a translatable jumper and decent offensive rebounding instincts. If we project shooting growth that comes for nearly every Brooklyn player when they join the team, plus minutes to develop on defense, Alkins could become a valuable player in a short time for the Nets.