NBA Mock Draft 2018: 1st-Round Projections and Top Sleeper Prospects
There will be numerous general managers in the NBA who are excited about the prospects in the 2018 draft class, and rightfully so.
Names like DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III and Luka Doncic are available, but what's more interesting, especially in the years to come, are the potential steals in the draft.
Kyle Kuzma, drafted 27th overall last year, is a prime example of that.
An argument could even be made about the Utah Jazz rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell was chosen 13th, but he could be named Rookie of the Year.
Are there similar sleeper picks in this year's draft?
Here, we'll look at the latest mock draft and highlight a couple of players that might not be lottery picks but will end up producing big time.
2018 NBA Mock Draft
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, SG, Slovenia
3. Dallas Mavericks: Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke
4. Atlanta Hawks: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF. Michigan State
5. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
6. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter, PF/C, Duke
7. Sacramento Kings: Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri
8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Brooklyn): Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
9. New York Knicks: Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
11. Charlotte Hornets: Kevin Knox, SF, Kentucky
12. Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit): Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
13. Los Angeles Clippers: Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State
14. Denver Nuggets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
15. Washington Wizards: Lonnie Walker IV, SG, Miami
16. Phoenix Suns (via Miami): Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Dzanan Musa, SG, Bosnia and Herzegovina
18. San Antonio Spurs: Troy Brown, SG, Oregon
19. Atlanta Hawks (via Minnesota): Mitchell Robinson, C, United States
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Oklahoma City): Anfernee Simons, SG, Unattached
21. Utah Jazz: Chandler Hutchison, SF, Boise State
22. Chicago Bulls (via New Orleans): Jontay Porter, PF/C, Missouri
23. Indiana Pacers: Keita Bates-Diop, SF, Ohio State
24. Portland Trailblazers: Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland
25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Cleveland): De'Anthony Melton, G, USC
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Khyri Thomas, PG/SG, Creighton
27. Boston Celtics: Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
28. Golden State Warriors: Donte DiVincenzo, SG, Villanova
29. Brooklyn Nets (via Toronto): Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova
30. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston): Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
Sleeper Prospects
Donte DiVincenzo, SG
DiVincenzo is a raw talent, but it won't be long before he's taking on defenses in the league.
He's testing the waters, but he should remain in the draft because he's a gamer and a superior athlete with a high ceiling.
He can score the ball inside and outside, and his 31 points in the national championship game was just the tip of the iceberg.
Sure, one game is a small sample size for most GMs, so the redshirt sophomore guard will fall to the bottom of the first round, but don't let that cloud your judgement.
DiVincenzo will be a baller.
Even LeBron James thinks so.
Jontay Porter, PF/C
Everyone's talking about Michael Porter Jr., and he's going to be one heck of a player in the Association one day.
But his younger brother, Jontay, could be just as good when he gets to the next level.
When Michael went down with a back injury at the start of the college basketball season, Jontay stepped up to lead Mizzou.
The young lefty only averaged 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, but his 2.2 assists per contest is what really stands out. As a big man, he has an acute ability to find the open man and pass out of double teams.
He can also stretch the floor with his three-point shooting ability, a quality most prized by today's NBA.
If he can beef up his body and continue to build on his defensive prowess, he could end up being quite the steal in a couple of years.
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