NBA Draft Lottery 2018: Predictions, Updated Standings for No. 1 Pick
This is the time of year in the NBA where teams fall into two categories: those that are looking forward to battling their way towards championship glory in the playoffs and those that have to watch their peers play on television while counting down the days until May 15.
What's so special about the middle of May?
That's easy—the Draft Lottery. Teams that have losing records (read: teams that shamelessly tanked) get the opportunity to reverse their fortunes by literally winning the right to draft a presumed generational player in the lottery.
Of course, it's all a gamble, especially when it comes to deciding what player or players will actually pan out to be a perennial All-Star or future Hall of Famer, but then, that's also what makes the process so exciting.
Or gut-wrenching.
Can you say, Anthony Bennett?
It's possible that the Cleveland Cavaliers would prefer that nobody ever did.
As it stands, though, the Phoenix Suns have the best chance of landing that prized No. 1 overall pick thanks to their abysmal, league-worst record of 20-59.
There's no rhyme or reason when it comes to the odds and probabilities that go into choosing what team will actually have the pingpong ball bounce their way, but drafts must be mocked, so here is one of many to come.
NBA Draft 2018: Projected Top 10
1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
2. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, SG/SF, Slovenia
3. Memphis Grizzlies: Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke
4. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
5. Dallas Mavericks: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State
6. Sacramento Kings: Michael Porter, SF, Missouri
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Brooklyn): Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
8. Chicago Bulls: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
Prediction
DeAndre Ayton stays in Arizona
Let's face it, while there are a number of talented players in the draft this year, only two have separated themselves enough from the pack to be in contention for top billing.
Arizona's Deandre Ayton and Real Madrid's Luka Doncic are virtual locks for the first two picks, and either could go No. 1 and no one would raise an eyebrow.
That being said, it's Ayton's name that will leave Adam Silver's lips to start the festivities off on June 21.
Why?
Because the 7'1", 250-pound big man is a physical specimen, explosive and athletic, a virtual man among boys. He can get you buckets like it's a bodily function with his scorching inside-out game, and he can clean the glass like Windex.
Scouts have cleaned Ayton's clock for his suspect defense, but that, thankfully, is something that can be taught and improved upon.
Of course, he's hoping that GM's aren't singing Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately?" considering his last game as a college athlete.
The fact that he only logged 14 points and 13 rebounds in an 89-68 first-round beatdown by Buffalo doesn't look stellar on the old CV.
But he averaged 20.1 points on 61.2 percent shooting, pulled down 11.6 rebounds and blocked 1.9 shots per game this year, so no sensible front office will hold that one game against him.
Phoenix is a bit of a soup sandwich right now, so Ayton will impress but won't turn things around immediately. It'll take a while.
But make no mistake about it, if he works hard and builds on his natural talent, he'll get an All-Star nod or two.
The other possible No. 1 pick
Allow Luka Doncic to reintroduce himself, because this kid is the real deal.
He's an international prospect with proven skills as a professional with three years of experience on possibly the best basketball team in Europe under his belt.
Oh, and he balled out with Goran Dragic last year to win the FIBA EuroBasket championship.
He just turned 19, but he's already putting grown men on skates with his impressive ball-handling and passing instincts.
At 6'8", he's taller than most point guards in the Association, and he's already got that winning mentality.
"He's a born winner," Dragic said after winning EuroBasket last year, per adamisTV. "No, I'm not kidding, he already has a lot of trophies, and medals. I'm happy for him. Mark my words, he's going to be one of the best in the whole world."
If Dragic's co-sign isn't enough, Doncic brings a level of confidence that's unheard of at his age. He's game-ready and is a wizard in the pick-and-roll.
If he's paired with young gunner Devin Booker, who knows how much damage that backcourt could cause?
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