EdMonix11
All-Star
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2012
- Messages
- 5,029
- Reaction score
- 5,777
- Points
- 113
Just came out with it this morning...anyone have Insider?
Editor's note (Sept. 22): This mock draft has been updated with the latest risers and fallers.
Here's our updated 2018 mock draft, featuring picks for both rounds and a new leader in the crowded race for the No. 1 pick.
1. Chicago Bulls
Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 18
SG
Doncic rockets up to the top spot on our board after a tremendous showing at Eurobasket, as detailed by Mike Schmitz. He was named to the All-Tournament team after holding his own, and then some, against numerous NBA players, setting the bar extremely high for the other NCAA-based candidates at No. 1.
Doncic will play a featured role for Real Madrid with the injury suffered by their star combo guard Sergio Llull, and will be scrutinized heavily for how effectively he's able to carry the scoring load in a go-to role.
2. Atlanta Hawks
Michael Porter
Missouri
Freshman
SF/PF
Porter's size, shot-creation skill and scoring instincts will make him a coveted prospect next June. He's a playmaker on both ends of the floor who is just starting to figure out how to put his talent to full use. NBA scouts will want to see him lead Missouri to the NCAA tournament while playing efficient basketball on both ends of the floor.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
Marvin Bagley
Duke
Freshman
PF/C
Bagley is a fluid athlete with a natural feel for scoring, rebounding and blocking shots, which helps him post elite numbers at the high school and AAU level. He's a terror in the open court and very difficult for opposing big men to stay in front of in one-on-one situations, getting him to the free throw line at an excellent rate. NBA teams will want to see how easily he'll be able to make the transition to the intensity level of the college game and get a better gauge for his defense and outside shooting potential.
4. Sacramento Kings
DeAndre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C
Ayton has elite physical tools, standing 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-5.5 wingspan and an excellent frame. He also is fairly skilled offensively, showing potential as a finisher and jump-shooter. NBA scouts question his motor and defensive awareness, things they'll be monitoring closely at Arizona.
5. Phoenix Suns
Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C
Bamba has a 7-foot-9 wingspan that would be the longest of any player currently in the NBA. He's a solid basketball player as well, with good hands, impressive timing as a shot-blocker and rebounder and more offensive ability than you might expect. Bamba doesn't always operate at maximum intensity, and there are some question marks about his toughness.
Some NBA scouts feel Bamba is a sleeper to keep an eye on at No. 1, as he has one of the most unique profiles of any prospect in this draft. The glimpses he showed on Texas' tour of Australia last month were impressive.
6. New York Knicks
Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Sophomore
SF/PF
Bridges is arguably the best athlete in this draft and plays a coveted position as a two-way forward who can guard all over the floor. He converted 39 percent of his 3-pointers as a freshman and is making strides with his ball-handling and playmaking abilities as well. After passing up the chance to be a lottery pick in last year's draft, Bridges will be expected to show significant improvement while leading Michigan State on a deep NCAA tournament run.
7. Indiana Pacers
Robert Williams
Texas A&M
Sophomore
PF/C
Williams is a physical specimen with an NBA body, 7-foot-4 wingspan and tremendous athleticism. He has impressive potential as a rim-protector and pick-and-roll finisher but also shows some ability to pass the ball and even make perimeter jumpers. As a late bloomer, Williams' polish, feel for the game and consistent productivity are still catching up to his potential and tools.
8. Orlando Magic
Collin Sexton
Alabama
Freshman
PG
Sexton is a scoring machine who produced a point per minute in both the Nike EYBL and FIBA competition with USA Basketball. He's an exceptional athlete with a 6-foot-7 wingspan and the type of aggressiveness and nasty streak you want to see in a lead guard. His decision-making, court vision and leadership skills need refinement and are the things NBA scouts will be monitoring at Alabama under head coach Avery Johnson.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
Jaren Jackson
Michigan State
Freshman
PF/C
A big man with elite physical tools in terms of size, frame, wingspan and athleticism, Jackson has budding skills with his ability to shoot 3-pointers, protect the rim and even create his own shot on occasion. He's still putting it all together on a consistent basis. His toughness and feel for the game are a work in progress.
10. Dallas Mavericks
Wendell Carter
Duke
Freshman
PF/C
Carter is a physically mature big man with a 257-pound frame and a 7-foot-3 wingspan, which allows him to play the center position with ease. He's a polished player with excellent hands and touch around the basket who has relied heavily on his strength until this point in his career. Can he continue to score and rebound at a high rate against older players as well?
11. Detroit Pistons
Trevon Duval
Duke
Freshman
PG
The Duke freshman is a quick-twitch athlete with great size, a strong frame and a 6-foot-9.5 wingspan, allowing him to defend either guard position. He's explosive in transition and capable of playing at different speeds in the half court, though he's extremely limited as a shooter and needs to work on his decision-making skills as well.
12. Memphis Grizzlies
Bruce Brown
Miami
Sophomore
SG
Brown is a hard-working combo guard with long arms and good athleticism, playing the game in attack mode on both ends of the floor. He's also a lockdown defender and a capable shooter, but does he score enough to project as a starter in the NBA? One knock on Brown: The sophomore is the same age (21) as some seniors.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
Lonnie Walker
Miami
Freshman
SG
A long-armed shooting guard with a strong frame and impressive athleticism, Walker has strong 3-and-D attributes but has shown flashes of being able to do more. He needs to improve his ballhandling and shot creation. His assertiveness and effort also come and go at times.
14. Charlotte Hornets
Justin Jackson
Maryland
Sophomore
SF/PF
The Maryland sophomore is a versatile combo forward who can even play some small-ball center, thanks to his strong frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan. Jack has made steady improvement defensively and as a 3-point shooter, making him easy to project to today's NBA game. He needs to continue to improve his feel for the game and ball-handling ability.
15. Utah Jazz
Dzanan Musa
Cedevita
Age: 18
SF
A precocious European wing with tremendous size and scoring instincts, Musa is already putting up big numbers at a very high level of competition. He's an aggressive player who can put up points from anywhere on the floor and plays with a level of confidence and swagger that will make his transition to the NBA game easier. He lacks length, negating his size to a certain degree and limiting his defensive potential. Plus, he's a just OK athlete who lets his emotions get the best of him at times.