The FanSided NBA Network lends their expertise to this combined mock draft, with team site experts picking for every team.
The NBA Draft is loaded with skill and talent of all sorts this season. We kind of feel the same way about our FanSided NBA Network, with 30 team sites (not to mention two general NBA sites and one devoted to covering women’s hoops).
With the NBA Draft fast approaching out pool of experts teamed up for a mock draft with site experts representing and making selections for each team. Check out how they’d pick for each team and make sure to follow the links at the bottom of each selection to get more great analysis for your favorite teams.
The second-straight steal in this draft for the Atlanta Hawks, Anfernee Simons is a high school prospect who eschewed college in order to declare for the draft as soon as his eligibility arose.
A fluid, natural athlete, Simons is expected to go in the mid-first round in the 2018 NBA Draft, so seeing him slide all the way to the final pick in the first round would be a tremendous boon for a Hawks franchise looking for as much upside as possible with their four selections in the first 34 picks of this draft.
Simons has a tremendous upside, though he decided not to pursue a collegiate basketball career, instead opting to play one year at IMG Academy in Florida, which is a private boarding school for players looking to pursue careers in professional sports. At the NBA Draft Combine as well as various pre-draft workouts, Simons has shown quick-twitch athleticism as well as latent scoring ability that should play up in the modern NBA.
Though he still has plenty of room for growth and added muscle on his 6-foot-3, 183-pound frame, Simons would fill a need for the Atlanta Hawks if (or when) current starting point guard Dennis Schröder departs the team. There were rumblings earlier this offseason about Schröder’s future with the team, and it’s never too early to find a future replacement for him.
Simons could simultaneously develop his body and game while serving as the future focal point of Atlanta’s offense.
Right now, however, it is unlikely that Simons would be able to come in and immediately take the keys to the offense, as he has been labeled as more of a 2-guard or combo guard in this class, as his playmaking and passing ability still needs work.
Still though, nabbing a mid-first round talent with the #30 overall pick would be a godsend for the Hawks, who, again, are looking for talent first and foremost – with little thought given to fit.
— Chris Guest
For more on the Atlanta Hawks read Soaring Down South and follow on Twitter.
The Nets are lacking in size and even more in skilled size. Twenty-year-old Mitchell Robinson, at 6-foot-11 and 230 pounds, could help resolve some of that. He’s a rim protector, something Brooklyn hasn’t had much of lately. He’s a risk in the first round, given he hasn’t played competitlvely in more than a year, but at 20 years old, the Nets get a big-bodied player with room to grow both physically and on the court. Superstar talents generally don’t fall to the penultimate pick of the first round, so a rebuilding club taking on a project is much more low-risk, potentially high-reward.
The Nets tried several centers in 2017-18, starting Tyler Zeller 33 times, rookie Jarrett Allen 31 times and Timofey Mozgov even for 13 starts. Zeller was part of Brooklyn’s most often-used and most successful five-man unit, a group with DeMarre Carroll, Allen Crabbe, Spencer Dinwiddie and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson that had a net rating of plus-7.9 points per 100 possessions. Allen was part of the only other five-man group to finish with a positive rating (plus 4.2) with Carreoll, Crabbe, Dinwiddie and D’Angelo Russell. The Nets were in the middle of the pack in blocks at 4.8 per game as a team and this is an area that Robinson can address at some point in his development.
The risk with Robinson is clear – the kid hasn’t played a competitive game since high school in 2017 and in his time away from the game has been focused on skill development, most notably working on his 3-point shooting. He did not participate in any activities at the NBA Combine last month, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express and his decision-making since leaving high school does leave some questions about both his maturity and commitment. But at No. 29, the Nets can afford to roll the dice and could come away with a stretch big with a big future.
— Phil Watson
For more on the Brooklyn Nets, read Nothin’ But Nets and follow on Twitter.
If there’s one thing the absences of Andre Iguodala and Patrick McCaw have made clear these past couple months, it’s that the Golden State Warriors are in serious need of depth at the wing. Should a potential lottery pick like Troy Brown Jr. fall onto their lap, then it’s no question he’s the guy they should take at No. 28.
The 6-foot-7, 18-year-old freshman out of Oregon proved extremely versatile over the course of 35 starts for the Ducks, averaging 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.0 steals per 40 minutes. With a solid handle on the ball and excellent floor vision, Brown is more than capable of running an offense as a secondary playmaker. As a matter of fact, the former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American actually grew up playing primarily as a point guard in Las Vegas before a growth spurt significantly enhanced his size. In addition to his increased height, his growth spurt resulted in a 6-foot-10 wingspan, giving him the ideal reach for a player in Golden State’s positionless, switch-heavy defense.
Although he may not have a reputation as a lockdown on-ball stopper, many experts have him pegged as a quality team defender due to his instincts, discipline and vocalness on that end of the floor. Additionally, he’s more than willing to do the dirty work on the glass, which could possibly help alleviate some of Golden State’s rebounding issues against bigger teams. Unfortunately, he’s not much of a floor spacer, having shot just 29.1 percent on 110 attempts.
Thanks to his crafty slashing ability, he did end up shooting 52.4 percent from everywhere inside the arc, and he’s extraordinarily comfortable with finishing through contact. He’ll have to continue to work on being much more accurate from the free throw line (74.3 percent), and his lack of explosiveness off the dribble certainly leaves something to be desired athletically. Shooting woes aside, the Warriors would no doubt consider themselves lucky to have a gifted playmaker like Brown fall this late into the first round.
— Angelo Mendoza
For more on the Golden State Warriors, read Blue Man Hoop and follow on Twitter.
The Boston Celtics are deep, almost beyond comprehension, especially on the wings. With Gordon Hayward returning and Guerschon Yabusele getting another year of his experience under his belt, that rotation is only going to get deeper. Still, going back to the wing pool is the best move for the Celtics here.
Musa is a 6-foot-8 forward who gets buckets. His 3-point shooting numbers haven’t been great but he’s been forced into a lot of bad attempts as a primary ball-handler and there’s every reason to think he can improve as a catch-and-shoot threat. He can also create his shot off the dribble and finished in the paint with a variety of crafty moves.
Musa can help provide depth in case injuries strike again, or in the event that a home run deal for someone like Anthony Davis emerges with the Celtics needing to trade someone like Yabusele or Jaylen Brown. In addition, it’s possible he could be coaxed into a stash year in Europe, preserving a roster spot but giving Boston another asset for the future.
— Ian Levy
For more on the Boston Celtics, read Hardwood Houdini and follow on Twitter.
The Sixers get to double down on perimeter depth with the 26th pick. Okogie has been shooting up draft boards after a strong showing at the combine, and for good reason. His defensive versatility and shot-making are valuable traits late in the first round. At Georgia Tech, Okogie was the offensive bell cow. They lacked reliable scoring, which in turn gave Okogie the green light. His handles could be tighter, but he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor and knocking down tough shots at all three levels. That’s promising. He also does nice work off the ball, especially as a cutter. Marco Belinelli and J.J. Redick brought a ton of value to the Sixers’ offense with their nifty cutting last season, with Ben Simmons often rewarding their efforts. Adding Okogie’s ability to find open pockets and make strong moves to the rim would be beneficial.
Where Okogie brings first-round value, though, is the defensive end. At 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s strong enough to defend three positions. He’s incredibly active on that side of the ball, using his athleticism to bother passes and make the occasional weak-side block. Okogie averaged 1.8 steals and one block per game last season. The Sixers, despite their elite defensive core, were exposed in the second unit during the playoffs. Belinelli was a fine reserve who was wildly effective upon joining the team in February, but he can’t be their only option against bad matchups in a seven-game series. Adding another versatile body like Okogie helps solve that problem. A complimentary piece who can create off the dribble in spurts, Okogie makes a lot of sense as a two-way wing off the bench. That, along with Gilgeous-Alexander’s creation skills, makes for a strong first round in Philly.
— Christopher Kline
For more on the Philadelphia 76ers, read Sixer Sense and follow on Twitter.
The Los Angeles Lakers roster could be in for a dramatic rebuild this season with potentially two max-level free agents joining the team and several key contributors from last year moving on in order to create space. The Lakers appear to be planning on quickly pivoting towards competitiveness with players like Paul George or LeBron James as their center pieces. Building around them, the Lakers will need solid young players with experience who are ready to contribute right away.
Jalen Brunson certainly fits the bill. He’s a two-time National Champion from his days at Villanova and was one of the most productive college players in the country last season. Brunson is not imposing physically or athletically but he has good strength and his shown that he’ll compete at the defensive end. On offense, he’s a capable floor-manager and a deadeye shooter who made 40.8 percent of his 3-pointers last season.
Brunson’s shooting means he could play alongside Lonzo Ball at times but his savvy and skill could also make him an extremely useful bench player and backup point guard.
— Ian Levy
For more on the Los Angeles Lakers, read Lake Show Life and follow on Twitter.
Jusuf Nurkic, Ed Davis, Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton are all free agents this summer. Depending on who leaves and who stays, the Portland Trail Blazers may need a guard or center from the draft. Judging from the playoff series versus New Orleans, the team also needs a consistent 3-point shooting wing. As a result, the Blazers have worked out prospects across all positions.
In my opinion, Napier is the most likely to leave this offseason. With Portland’s staggered lineup, Damian Lillard or CJ McCollum are always on the court — there’s no reason to break the bank on a point guard playing off the ball for less than 15 minutes per game. According to mock drafts, the best players available at No. 24 are guards. Like in this mock draft, 3-and-D wings Chandler Hutchison and Jacob Evans will be off the board by the time Portland selects.
With all this in mind, the Blazers should select a defensive-minded guard to fill in for Napier’s limited minutes. Khyri Thomas, a 6-foot-3 combo guard out of Creighton, fits the bill. In his third season at Creighton, Thomas averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals in 31.7 minutes per game. He shot 53.8 percent from the field, 41.1 percent from 3, and 78.8 percent from the free throw line. The Creighton guard won Big East Defensive Player of the Year his sophomore and junior season. With a 6-foot-10 wingspan, he can pickpocket smaller guards, intercept passing lanes, and switch onto wings.
For anyone doubting his defense, it even has its own nickname: Khyrifense. You know who else has a nickname for his defense? Kawhi Leonard. While the Blazers need a 3-and-D wing the most, it must select the best player available at No. 24. Mostly guards remain around then, and Khyri Thomas fits the best with Portland’s deficiencies.
— Nate Mann
For more on the Portland Trail Blazers, read Rip City Project and follow on Twitter.
Jacob Evans is the player architype that represents the way the league is going these days: 3-and-D wings. He shot 37.7 percent from deep at Cincinatti (and for those of you that believe that free throw percentage is a better barometer for professional shooting, 75 percent from the charity stripe) and locked down opposing teams to a completely wild 88.3 defensive rating. His steal percentage is nuts, he doesn’t foul or gamble often, and he has the foot speed to stay in front of whoever he is guarding. Even if the offense never comes around, his defense should be enough to mold him into a solid rotation player at his floor. We are stoked to grab Evans at 23.
— Tony East
For more on the Indiana Pacers, read Eight Points, Nine Seconds and follow on Twitter.
This selection was a little more difficult for me. Had I selected a center or a point guard with the No. 7 pick (Sexton or Carter Jr.), then this would’ve been the obvious choice.
Like I said earlier, the Bulls need wing depth and Chandler Hutchison definitely provides them with that. The tough part was choosing two small forwards in the first round of the same draft when the Bulls clearly need a younger center on their roster as well.
However, if there’s one thing the Chicago Bulls could take from the Boston Celtics this year, it was that you can never have too many guys who can play the forward position and stretch the floor. I mean, going forward the Celtics are likely to have Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Gordon Hayward all in their starting lineup. They’re also likely to be the best team in the Eastern Conference. Maybe the Bulls should follow their model?
Taking Chandler Hutchison along with Michael Porter Jr. provides the Bulls with the ability to roll out a small-ball lineup with Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Chandler Hutchison, Michael Porter Jr., and Lauri Markkanen.
That lineup would surely get scored on a whole lot (unless they surprise the NBA and improve drastically on defense) but they would also put the ball in the hoop at a high rate. The offensive upside of that lineup would be insane.
Another thing the Bulls would get by drafting Chandler Hutchison is insurance in case Michael Porter Jr. becomes more injury prone than we all are hoping.
— Luke Askew
For more on the Chicago Bulls, read Pippen Ain’t Easy and follow on Twitter.
In his latest mock draft, SI’s Jeremy Woo opined that the Utah Jazz may have given a first-round promise to Maryland wing Kevin Huerter. You would be well-advised to take this one with a grain of salt; the Jazz aren’t really in the business of making guarantees. Nevertheless, Huerter could make for a great fit in Utah.
At 19, he still has a lot of room to develop and evolve as a player, but he already has a high-level NBA skill as a shooter. Last season, Huerter knocked down 42 percent of his 5.5 3-point attempts per contest. And he showed an ability to get his shot off with a smooth release in a variety of situations — in the catch-and-shoot, coming off of screens, on spot-ups, as well as off the dribble.
I, for one, can envision him providing shooting off the bench from day one.
Huerter also performed well in athletic testing at the NBA Draft Combine with a 2.97-second shuttle run, 3.09-second three-quarter court sprint and a respectable 38-inch vertical.
With a wingspan of 6-foot-7.5, he’s lacking some length for a 6-foot-7 guy. However, he takes up enough space to check backcourt players. Also — he could add strength to help him body up on wings and bigger players at the next level.
It’s hard to hit home runs at this point in the draft, but Huerter’s potential for growth combined with an NBA-ready jumpshot could give Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey the ability to leg out a triple.
— Ryan Aston
For more on the Utah Jazz read The J Notes and follow on Twitter.
With Zhaire Smith and Lonnie Walker off the board, Keita Bates-Diop is the best-case scenario for the Timberwolves at No. 20, edging out the likes of Kevin Huerter and Chandler Hutchison. The four-year Ohio State alum should be able to step in and contribute immediately to a Wolves squad that has been cobbled together with the expressed goal of winning now.
While there isn’t a huge role ready to plug Bates-Diop into, there are bench minutes to be had behind Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins, and a long, versatile player who can play both wing spots and some power forward is the perfect match. Bates-Diop notably improved his all-around game as a senior. He shot 35.2 percent on 3-point attempts last year on the way to 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game and winning the Big Ten Player of the Year award. His role on offense with the Wolves will be as a spot-up shooter and cutter on a second unit whose identity is still largely known, with Jamal Crawford opting for free agency, but the opportunity for Bates-Diop to become a legitimate scoring threat and contribute on offense as a sixth-man is still there. The biggest attraction to Bates-Diop, however, is his defensive versatility and the switchability that is vital in today’s NBA.
His physical profile is starkly similar to that of Golden State’s Draymond Green, and while he’ll have work to do in the rebounding and passing department to reach Green’s All-Star level, the comparison isn’t too far off. And if there’s even a chance that he becomes something resembling Draymond Green, then that’s a chance the Timberwolves have to take.
— Ben Beecken
For more on the Minnesota Timberwolves read Dunking With Wolvesand follow on Twitter.
Since the Hawks will have no semblance of playoff contention during the 2018-19 season, they have the luxury of being able to select the “best player available” with no quibbling about the player’s fit on the Hawks team as a whole.
Such is the case with this selection, as GM Travis Schlenk and new coach Lloyd Pierce would be elated to select a late lottery-level talent like Kevin Knox with the No. 19 pick in the draft (much like Schlenk did in 2017 when he selected future Second Team All-Rookie member John Collins 19th overall).
Knox showcased a diverse offensive skill set in college and will only be 18 years old on draft day — meaning there is plenty of upside to this Kentucky product.
Clocking in at 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot wingspan, Knox has the size and touch to become an excellent post player (which is a part of his skill set that is sorely underrated), and his main source of offense during his lone college season came via spot up jump shots (33 percent of his possessions). He also shot 34.1 percent from downtown on an impressive 38.0 3-point attempt rate –- something the Hawks would gladly employ into their system.
Defensively, Knox did not put up big numbers in any major statistical indicators of defensive acumen, but his burly, solid frame and excellent length means that Knox should be able to stay on the court in high-stress, switch-everything minutes going forward in his career.
Again, many draft boards have Knox as a late lottery candidate, so if he were to slide down draft boards — like he did in ours — the Hawks would have to seriously consider taking him, even if his skill set overlaps with both Marvin Bagley’s and John Collins’s.
— Chris Guest
For more on the Atlanta Hawks read Soaring Down South and follow on Twitter.
At No. 18 overall, the San Antonio Spurs receive one of the draft’s most athletic players with intriguing upside at both ends of the court, Zhaire Smith, a guard from Texas Tech. It’s a fit that makes sense heading into the 2018 offseason.
Smith fills in depth at shooting guard, which will potentially be wiped out this offseason, with the unknown statuses of possible free agents, Danny Green and Bryn Forbes, and the looming retirement of Manu Ginobili. If all three depart, it leaves Derrick White, who spent most of the season in the G League, as the lone two guard.
The selection of Smith brings the aforementioned athletic upside to the table, making him an issue for opponents at both ends of the floor, particularly on defense. Add in a 6-foot-9.75 wingspan, a trait that gives him the length to play bigger, and it may make him an impact player on at least one part of the floor.
Smith’s offensive game is a work in progress, however. He did not showcase a consistent 3-point shot in college, something he likely will be asked to do in an outside-shooting league, especially at his shooting guard size. If he develops this with the Spurs, an organization that turned Kawhi Leonard from a questionable shooter into one of the best, then there’s hope they can do the same with the No. 18 overall pick.
Athleticism can’t be taught, but the Spurs can help Smith hone his offensive skills and make him into the next core piece of the team. It may take time but it’s a worthwhile pick for a team that needs the length to cover the Western Conference’s elite scorers.”
— Rob Wolkenbrod
For more on the San Antonio Spurs, read Air Alamo and follow on Twitter.
Despite making the high-profile addition of Eric Bledsoe three weeks into this season, the combination of the 28-year-old’s free agency next summer and his truly bizarre and underwhelming showing this postseason means the point guard position still stands unsettled in the long-term for the Bucks.
With Okobo, the Bucks have a chance to resolve that concern and with the overall skill set he brings at this point in time, he may end up being the ideal point guard prospect to form a dynamic trio between superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and the incredibly well-rounded Khris Middleton.
The Bucks are obviously no strangers to taking big swings in positions such as this one in the draft and while the Bucks may possess the most top-end talent they’ve had in some time, selecting someone of Okobo’s potential may be the key to help futher unlock their current foundation and potentially develop their next star-level player under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, should everything break their way.
— Jordan Treske
For more on the Milwaukee Bucks, read Behind the Buck Pass and follow on Twitter.
As you might guess from the last name, Holiday comes from an NBA pedigree — the brother of Justin and Jrue Holiday. The youngest of the trio is projected as a late first-rounder but he makes sense here for the Suns just outside the lottery because of his versatile offensive skill set.
Holiday is just 6-foot-1 but with a 6-foot-6 wingspan has the size to at least try and guard both backcourt spots. On offense he can similarly fill multiple roles. He was primarily a spot-up shooter early in his career (and made 42.2 percent of his 3s across three seasons at UCLA) but he progressively handled more and more shot creation duties over time. He’s probably not suited to being a full-time point guard, especially with his turnover issues. However, he would look great next to Devin Booker and Josh Jackson, two other players who are both going to be handling the ball plenty. This leaves Holiday free to attack mismatches and space the floor around Booker and new center Deandre Ayton.
It may be a lower-upside pick, but the Suns have plenty of upside on the roster. They could use a shooter who is experienced and able to make everyone’s jobs easier next season.
— Ian Levy
For more on the Phoenix Suns, read Valley of the Suns and follow on Twitter.
For the No. 15 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select Donte DiVincenzo from Villanova. He may not be the wildcat that some Wizards fans are miraculously hoping for — DeMarcus Cousins. But he fills a position that the team sorely needs — backup shooting guard for Bradley Beal. DiVincenzo lit up Michigan with 31 points, including five shots from 3-point range, to help Villanova secure the National Championship. He was also named the Final Four’s most outstanding player. DiVincenzo is a prime example of someone who never gave up and stayed ready. He had several starts over three seasons. Even after all his success in the Big Dance, he was willing to return to Villanova for another year. However, he did so well in the draft combine, that he’s decided to forgo his NCAA eligibility and remain in the draft.
DiVincenzo believes that he could play point. “I’m more than just a shooter,” DiVincenzo told Yahoo Sports during the combine. “I want to show teams that I can do more. Playing point guard is one big thing that teams want to see — if I can control the tempo, get into the offense, get shots and pocket passes.”
The Wizards may be getting a two-for-one with this guard, because he’s also athletic and can defend. But his role would be primary backup to Beal. Having John Wall and Beal as his mentors would help DiVincenzo tremendously his rookie year. Under their tutelage DiVincenzo can help the Wizards reach new heights next season. The Wizards need depth and a true scorer off the bench — DiVincenzo brings both.
— Jen Julie Smith
For more on the Washington Wizards, read Wiz of Awes and follow on Twitter.
The Denver Nuggets have a glaring hole on the wing. Despite having a terrific young core which looks to be taking the league by storm, they are still missing one more wing to really hold eveyrthing together. Wilson Chandler was much too inconsistent this past season for this Denver squad. It is only inevitable for the team to move on from him and go a different direction. Adding a young and promising wing in Lonnie Walker would be the finishing touch on this rebuild process. He needs to be a bit more polished, but the raw talent is something the Nuggets should be intrigued by, especially when you possess a facilitator in the post with an insane skill set (Nikola Jokic.) Walker would be a solid “glue,” guy who can fill in nicely at his role for the Nuggets and would not need the ball all the time to be effective. With Denver being all the way down at No. 14, Walker seems like the smart pick.
— Matthew Huff
For more on the Denver Nuggets, read Nugg Love and follow on Twitter.
Robert Williams out of Texas A&M makes complete sense for the Los Angeles Clippers at the No. 13 pick. Not only does he share the same alma mater with DeAndre Jordan, he also shares a very similar skill set. Williams could be “the next” DJ and we don’t say that lightly. His athleticism allows him to punish the rim on offense and to be a solid shot blocker on defense. He also possesses a 7-foot-5.5 wingspan, which adds to his shot blocking ability.
What does separate him from Jordan is his ability to actually shoot outside the paint. While he won’t be stepping out to knock down any 3-pointers just yet, Williams could develop a reasonable mid-range jumper. There is some inconsistency in his game to game effort, but under Doc Rivers, who managed to get the most out of DJ, Williams could flourish. Grabbing him here makes sense for not only the future, but for now with Jordan likely entering free agency this summer. Want more on Sexton and Williams? Check out our reasoning on why grabbing both would be a smart move.
— Ryan Snellings
For more on the Los Angeles Clippers, read Clipperholics and follow on Twitter.
Collin Sexton could be the scoring guard of the future that the Clippers need. He showed his competitiveness at Alabama this season when he played three versus five when his teammates were ejected. You read that right. Not only did he play three versus five, he managed to help Alabama almost win while scoring 40 points.
Sexton has a lot of guards in front of him with the Clippers backcourt logjam, but with Jerry West consulting the team, things could change quickly. Sexton is 6-foot-2 and could be an offensive force. However, he needs a little work on the defensive end. He also isn’t a traditional point guard, having only averaged a little over three assists per game during his time at Alabama. Sexton is just 19 years old, so there is definitely room for him to grow as a player. The Clippers could have a home run here with the No. 12 pick and Sexton is definitely worth the risk.
— Ryan Snellings
For more on the Los Angeles Clippers, read Clipperholics and follow on Twitter.
To me, Miles Bridges is the best player available at this point in the draft and is the perfect fir for the Hornets. Although he may not have the highest ceiling of the prospects still left on the board, he does have the highest floor. Charlotte’s missed on a number of their lottery picks in the last decade so Mitch Kupchak has to draft a proven player over a prospect with potential. Bridges showcased his game over the past two years under Tom Izzo who is one of the best coaches in college basketball.
Although Miles doesn’t have incredible length, measuring in at only 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he is still a pretty good defender. He is also a good rebounder for his size. His athleticism and ability to create his own shot are by far his best attributes. Both should translate well to the NBA. With that being said, he still needs to work on his ball-handling and post game at the next level but playing alongside Kemba Walker and Dwight Howard should help take the attention off of Bridges and help him develop comfortably.
The Hornets lacked consistent scoring from their wing players last season and Miles fills a need for them at small forward as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist hasn’t panned out as they would’ve hoped over his first six seasons in the league. He could immediately slide into the starting lineup for them and he is also versatile enough to play as a small ball four. MKG’s limited shooting range has stunted Charlotte’s offense and Bridges’ ability to stretch the floor would add a new wrinkle to their attack. It would also create space for Kemba and Dwight to work inside. Spacing has been an issue for the Hornets and drafting Miles should help to change that.
— Jerry Stephens
For more on the Charlotte Hornets, read Swarm and Sting and follow on Twitter.
The Sixers had a few weaknesses exposed in their second-round loss to Boston, with playmkaing (or a lack thereof) being chief among them. Outside of Ben Simmons and T.J. McConnell, nobody on the roster was capable of putting the ball on the floor and creating offense consistently. That needs to change. Ideally, Markelle Fultz returns to form at some point. Until then, however, prioritizing another legitimate playmaker on the perimeter is smart. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fills that void, giving the Sixers the best point guard propsect in the draft outside of Luka Doncic and Trae Young.
A crafty ball handler with excellent feel in the pick-and-roll, Gilgeous-Alexander gives Brett Brown another option to run the offense in the halfcourt. While not an elite 3-point shooter, GIlgeous-Alexander can spot-up proficiently and drill mid-rangers off the bounce, allowing him to spend time on the floor with Simmons (and perhaps even Fultz). Some of the Simmons’ best moments in the playoffs came off the ball. Giving him more opportunities to leverage his athletic gifts as a cutter and in the post could be beneficial.
On top of the offensive benefits, Gilgeous-Alexander is quietly one of the best defensive prospects in this lottery. His 8-foot-8 standing reach is insane for a point guard, giving him the length needed to shut down two positions once his frame fills out. He reads passing lanes well and fights hard on the perimeter, giving the Sixers another high-end defender to put around Embiid. With Mikal Bridges off the board, Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the best player and the best fit left on the board. He would give the Sixers a solution to some of the most glaring offensive holes while providing plenty of upside on the other side of the ball.
— Christopher Kline
For more on the Philadelphia 76ers, read Sixer Sense and follow on Twitter.
The New York Knicks desperately need to stabilize the perimeter. Most are aware of how poorly the Knicks have played on defense, but what’s too often overlooked is how erratic they are from 3-point range. In 2017-18, the Knicks ranked No. 29 in the NBA in 3-point field goals made and attempted. Personnel development will help, but finding the ideal wing is two-fold. Not only must New York be able to defend at a high level, but they must also be lethal from distance.
Playing at Madison Square Garden is an honor, but it’s also a burden. Simply put: No star in the history of the sport has decided to coast at The Mecca. Defense and shooting become essential to counter that truth. Thankfully, Mikal Bridges fits both elements of the criteria. Bridges was an elite defender at the collegiate level due to his ability to keep slashers in front of him and close out quickly against shooters. He also converted 104 3-point field goals on 43.5 percent shooting. The Kawhi Leonard comparisons may be ambitious, but he should at least be an Otto Porter Jr. type of super-glue-guy. Throw in Bridges’ revered work ethic and this makes sense on both ends of the floor and in the upside department. David Fizdale should cherish this pick.
— Maxwell Ogden
For more on the New York Knicks, read Daily Knicks and follow on Twitter.
The Cavaliers are caught in the strange position of needing to use this pick to convince LeBron James to stay, while simultaneously needing to protect their future from his possible departure this summer. Trading the pick as part of a package for someone like CJ McCollum may be the best way to convince LeBron to stay but if the Cavaliers do keep thepick, Carter Jr. presents a nice compromise.
While he doesn’t appear to have the same sort of star potential as fellow bigs like Deandre Ayton or Jaren Jackson Jr., several analysts and projection models are extremely high on Carter Jr. With good size and athleticism for the center position, he projects to be a very strong defender — able to protect the rim and hold his own on switches and defending in space. On offense he can post-up against switches, step out and hit the 3-pointer and crash the glass. He also the potential to develop into a solid passer and facilitator from the elbow.
He may not be that exciting for LeBron, but Carter Jr. is a player who could definitely help the Cavaliers on the court the next few years if they’re still fighting to be at the top of the Eastern Conference, or be a foundational piece for the next iteration of the team.
— Ian Levy
For more on the Cleveland Cavaliers, read King James Gospel and follow on Twitter.
This one was relatively easy. The Chicago Bulls simply need more talent and Michael Porter Jr. was the most talented player available. If Trae Young or Mo Bamba was available, this might have gone differently. Actually, let me rephrase that, if Mo Bamba was available this would’ve gone differently.
The Bulls definitely need a center and at No. 7, Wendell Carter Jr. was the best center available. I have nothing against Wendell Carter Jr. In fact, if the Bulls drafted him, I’d be pretty happy. I think he’ll be a really, really, good NBA player. However, people seem to forget that Michael Porter Jr. was once thought of as a possible No. 1 overall pick. I know back injuries are serious, but assuming all his medical tests have good results, I can’t imagine the Bulls passing up on him.
If Trae Young had been available, it would’ve been a much harder choice.
The Bulls have Kris Dunn who had a solid second year but I’m not sold on his ability to be a point guard on a championship team — and that’s what I would be looking for if I was the Bulls.
Trae Young has that upside.
But, like I said, Young was off the board and I don’t think Collin Sexton is a good fit with the Bulls. So it really came down to choosing overall skill/upside over the bigger positional need.
— Luke Askew
For more on the Chicago Bulls, read Pippen Ain’t Easy and follow on Twitter.
At this point the Orlando Magic need an impact player no matter how they can get it. They need someone who can grow into a potential star player and give the team some identity. This is an important draft for the team. It seems counterintuitive with both Bismack Biyombo and Nikola Vucevic still under contract for the team to go big. But the Magic are probably not married to either of those guys anyway. And so the pick here is the best player available.
That is still Jaren Jackson Jr. The potential to build an ultra-switchy, versatile defensive front court with Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac is tantalizing. That seems like the beginnings of a fun core. Or at least an identity. Orlando would still need pieces — and offense — but that is the best the Magic can do right now. Jackson is a very intriguing player whose game seems to fit the modern NBA best of any center in this Draft.
— Philip Rossman-Reich
For more on the Orlando Magic, read Orlando Magic Daily and follow on Twitter.
There’s not a lot to dislike about the big man from Texas. Standing at 7-foot with an unbelievable 7-foot-10 wingspan, a lot of people are already fearing a Shawn Bradley reincarnation. Those are the people who have not paid attention to just how good this kid has the opportunity to be.
At his floor, Bamba looks to be nothing short of a menace above the rim on the defensive side of the ball. His shot blocking skills were on full display during his one season with the Longhorns and it is expected that those will have no problem transferring over to the NBA. When you talk about his ceiling, however, the opportunity for Bamba to be an excellent player on both ends of the court is definitely there.
He has been working hard on his outside shot, which already appears to be improving, and his perimeter defense is good with a chance to be great based on his agility despite his size. Either way, Bamba seems like a great player with a good chance at becoming a menace to the opposing team. Outside of that, it would be wrong if I didn’t mention the mentality and attitude that Bamba has brought throughout this drafting process. He is an intelligent, well-spoken kid who already shows that he can be coachable and that he wants to continue to improve. If that doesn’t sound like a kid to bet on then I don’t know what does. Mo Bamba will be a great fit in Coach Carlisle’s system and will be able to improve his game under one of the greatest to ever play it, Dirk Nowitzki. Bamba will be great with Dallas and vice versa.
— Kohl Rast
For more on the Dallas Mavericks read The Smoking Cuban and follow on Twitter.
I would argue that this is the best pick in the draft and here is why: How many teams in the top five turn into contenders next season? Between the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks, this draft pick will boost Memphis back into a competitive Western Conference playoff race. Trae Young would compliment both Marc Gasol and Mike Conley at the right time. Gasol at the end of his prime, and Conley getting there, Young could free up court space for Gasol, and then take some of the offense off of Conley’s shoulders.
As hard as Memphis and their fan base have made this pick, at number four with Marvin Bagley, Deandre Ayton, and possibly Luka Doncic gone, Young is not only the safe pick, but the right pick for this team and this system — a system that needs a guard to push the break, and want to get out and run. Young would also help lead the bench unit — Chandler Parsons, Wayne Selden, Jarell Martin, and Ivan Rabb could easily be ramped up with a guard like Young at the helm.
Another way to look at this if you’re Memphis, you’re have a cornerstone player to build around for the future. You have a legitimate play making guard, who can score at will and has proven that he can do so. Grooming him in Conley’s final years of his contract would help put this team in an easier transition process then most.
— Brendan Smart
For more on the Memphis Grizzlies read Beale Street Bears and follow on Twitter.
With the top two players off the board in Ayton and Doncic, the Atlanta Hawks have a wide-open field of draft prospects to choose from at No. 3 overall.
Though Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mohamed Bamba are both exceedingly tantalizing prospects with a lot of upside, the immense hype surrounding Marvin Bagley III will be too hard for the team to ignore when they select him third.
Bagley’s ceiling is sky-high, as his elite athleticism, ferocious energy and offensive prowess, which should make him a menace to opposing defenses for years to come. Though his 3-point stroke comes with question marks (despite a stellar 39.7 percent clip from deep), his complete dominance on offense in college should give the Hawks no qualms about selecting Bagley with their first No. 3 pick since Al Horford in 2007.
The Hawks already have an excellent pick-and-roll finisher in John Collins, but Bagley projects to have even more skill in that regard, and he has the elite footspeed to push the ball in transition off made or missed buckets.
Bagley showed tremendous touch around the rim with his soft hands as well as an aptitude for nabbing offensive boards in college, and his footwork around the rim combined with his impressive ability to drive to the basket makes him a strikingly gifted offensive player.
Bagley will need to improve his shooting touch as well as his passing ability in order to truly become the centerpiece of the Hawks’ offense, but since the team is looking solely for upside and high-ceiling players, Bagley will make for an easy choice for the Hawks.
— Chris Guest
For more on the Atlanta Hawks read Soaring Down South and follow on Twitter.
The Sacramento Kings selection at pick No. 2 was a no-brainer after the Phoenix Suns selected DeAndre Ayton. There are plenty of talented players in this draft class, but Luka Doncic stands out as a potential superstar.
Choosing Doncic presents questions about how he will deal with the cultural barriers of coming over from Europe. But that should not be a significant issue as Doncic is from Slovenia, but has played professionally in Spain since age 15. He also stars for Real Madrid at age 19 in arguably the second best league in the world.
Doncic’s unique abilities on the court are what make him worthy of the selection though. He is 6-foot-6 with the playmaking abilities of a point guard. The Slovenian is also deadly in late game situations. Doncic’s combination of scoring and ball-handling makes him difficult to deal with for any opposition.
Some experts will question his fit in Sacramento, but that seems ludicrous. Doncic can play with anyone. Sure, he is likely best with the ball in his hands, but Doncic’s shooting is underrated. Pairing De’Aaron Fox and Doncic in the backcourt means finding creative ways to share the ball.
Doncic also lacks elite quickness and needs to improve his shot selection to reach his NBA ceiling. He makes up for the lack of foot speed with a high basketball IQ. Also, Doncic’s shooting should improve as he gets comfortable facing NBA competition on a nightly basis.
Drafting the best available player is always the best policy in the top-two, and that player is Luka Doncic this season.
— Tyler Watts
For more on the Sacramento Kings, read A Royal Pain and follow on Twitter.
50 years in the making, the Phoenix Suns finally have the first overall pick in the draft, and with it, potentially their first dominant center in franchise history as well.
There is no doubt at this point the Suns will be selecting Dendre Ayton first overall, and there probably should never have been. Ayton has the size and athleticism to make him one of only a few incoming rookies to impact their new teams immediately. He will be counted on to score and rebound (and hopefully block a couple of shots) and make a run at the franchise’s fourth Rookie of the Year award winner. Suns fans expect Ayton to step into the starting spot on opening night, with many projecting Karl-Anthony Towns-like rookie statistics, somewhere in the range of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game.
His presence alone will pay immediate dividends as well as it will provide new head coach Igor Kokoskov with the ability to balance out the team’s offense with Devin Booker manning the perimeter and Josh Jackson slashing through the lanes.
Next: The Encyclopedia of Modern Moves
Ayton has called the pairing of himself with Booker, Shaq and Kobe 2.0, while others have compared Jackson to Clyde Drexler. Could this new group ever reach the level of play that those hall of famers were able to achieve? Only time will tell. The one thing we do know, is that the Phoenix Suns are about to have a franchise big-man to pair with their franchise guard and wing, and nothing could be more exciting for fans of a team who hasn’t made the playoffs since before Amar’e Stoudemire added that apostrophe to his first name.
— Adam Maynes
For more on the Phoenix Suns, read Valley of the Suns and follow on Twitter.