NBA Mock Draft 2018: Latest Projections for Marquee 1st-Round Prospects
As NBA front offices look to the 2018 Draft Combine in Chicago next week, one question comes to mind.
Will there be players that surprise scouts and general managers causing them to change their minds about where they should be picked?
Deandre Ayton and Luka Doncic have decided to forgo the two-day event, but other standouts like Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young will be there.
Obviously, there will be strength and agility drills, along with five-on-five games to put the prospects through their paces.
But the most important facet of the process will be the specialties that will be discovered.
Will there be big men who can dribble, penetrate and shoot the deep ball? Will there be forwards who can defend points guards on the perimeter, as well as put a body on taller players on the low block?
All these and other questions will most likely be answered at the combine, but for now, here's another mock draft to consider.
2018 NBA Mock Draft
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Real Madrid
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: Mitchell Robinson, C, United States
19. Atlanta Hawks (via Minnesota): Anfernee Simons, SG, Unattached
20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Oklahoma City): Troy Brown, SG, Oregon
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: Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova
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): Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland
30. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston): Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
Notable Picks
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Real Madrid
The Memphis Grizzlies took a huge step back this year and, for all intents and purposes, lost their identity as a basketball team.
So now they have to build a new one, and that begins with the draft.
They may not be able to get that edge back, but they can get players who have confidence and swagger.
In this year's draft, the player with the most swagger is Luka Doncic.
Here's a 6'7" guard who's been battle tested and came out on top.
Last year, he showcased his impressive ball-handling and passing skills on the way to winning the FIBA EuroBasket championship.
He's a gamer with the kind of confidence that belies his youth.
Just put him in the backcourt with Mike Conley, turn him loose and watch the magic happen.
5. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Not enough is being made of Mohamed Bamba leading up to the draft.
The 6'11" big man with the 7'9" wingspan is a special talent who can shoot it up to and including behind the arc.
He led the Big 12 in rebounds (10.5) and blocks (3.7) as a freshman and hasn't even sniffed his potential as a player.
To see him play is to witness a player with sneaky athleticism, silky smooth mechanics and a knack for the ball.
He's still raw, but he could develop into the kind of player reminiscent of Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He only averaged 12.9 points per outing at Texas, but that's not a real indicator of his NBA future.
He'll work on his offense and get stronger, and a couple of years down the road, he'll be the biggest steal of this draft.
28. Golden State Warriors: Donte DiVincenzo, SG, Villanova
If there was ever a player who took advantage of a moment, it's Donte DiVincenzo.
The redshirt sophomore came off the bench to deliver a 31-point performance for the ages in the national championship game to give his Villanova Wildcats their second title in three years over the Michigan Wolverines.
Should he remain in the draft, DiVincenzo will be another huge steal.
The overnight sensation is still young and has a lot to learn, but you just can't teach what this kid has.
He's got heart, he's got game and he's not afraid of the big moment.
Add to that his surprising elite athleticism and you've got a prospect who can one day be a superstar.
Golden State is already teeming with talent, so they can bring DiVincenzo along slowly and build up his game under the tutelage of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and even Draymond Green.
Give DiVincenzo a few years and he'll be jumping off the screen whenever he plays to a national audience.
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