Written by: Joe Ryan

Twitter: @joeywingspan

Twitter: @wingspansports (follow for all your Sports needs by clicking the @wingspansports handle given there) (we’ll follow back, you won’t regret it)

Welcome to mock draft SZN. The NBA draft order is finally announced and let’s get into how the draft is going to play out.

Of course, there are plenty of prospects in this draft that can be picked in the top part of the draft that can change a franchise for a long time. However, I see this draft having players in the bottom part of the draft that can make immediate impacts to a playoff team.

Let’s see how I think the draft SHOULD play out.

*this mock draft will not include any trades. Predicting trades that are gonna happen on draft day, before draft day, is just ridiculous. We have no idea what management is thinking*

Let’s get it started. If you want to continue the conversation and discuss this mock draft, head over to @Wingspansports on twitter.

1. Phoenix Suns: Luka Doncic

It’s no secret as to why the Suns hired Igor Kokoškov to be their next coach. He coached Doncic when he was younger and won many games when Doncic was his best player. Now, did the Suns think they would have the #1 pick with a chance at Ayton? I don’t think so. But i don’t think that changes the Suns mindset. The NBA is moving away from a dominant center and if you look at the WCF right now, the centers are buried on the bench because they don’t fit the style of play. A lineup of Devin Booker, TJ Warren, Luka Doncic, and Josh Jackson is one of the best young cores in the NBA and a great future “death” lineup.

2. Sacramento Kings: Deandre Ayton (Arizona, C)

It’s no secret the Kings have to hit on this pick. They need a player to change the dynamics of their team forever. With Fox running point guard, they could use a future dominant center. Don’t get me wrong, Ayton is a monster and will dominate the NBA for a long time, and that’s why the Kings take him here.

3. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley (Duke, PF)

One of the youngsters of this draft class, Bagley reclassified to get to the NBA earlier. In reality, he should be going into his freshman year of college. Instead, he dominated at Duke this year. Bagley is a dynamic player, scorer and rebounder. He’s iffy on defense but he’s got one of the highest ceilings in this draft.

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF)

The Grizzlies fell in the draft from the top selection to 4th but that doesn’t mean they can’t get the best player in this draft. And that’s exactly what MPJ could be. Even though a back injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, MPJ quite possibly is the best player on the draft. At 6’10” he’s a great scorer, shooter, rebounder and and s good defender. He’s got a winning mentality and a guy that I would take on my team any day.

5. Dallas Mavericks: Jaren Jackson (Michigan State, PF)

I’m not as high as Jaren Jackson as everybody is but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a stud. Jackson is super raw, especially on offense. He’s got the highest ceiling in this draft and if he’s going in the top 5, it’s off of his potential instead of his game right now. Sharing a locker room with dirk will help a lot.

6. Orlando Magic: Trae Young (Oklahoma, PG)

7. Chicago Bulls: Mo Bamba (Texas, C)

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Mikal Bridges (Villanova, SF)

9. New York Knicks: Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF)

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky, PG)

11. Charlotte Hornets: Wendell Carter Jr (Duke, PF)

12. LA Clippers: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG)

13. LA Clippers: Zharie Smith (Texas Tech, SF)

14. Denver Nuggets: Robert Williams (Texas A&M, PF)

15. Washington Wizards: Kevin Knox (Kentucky, SF)

16. Phoenix Suns: Mitchell Robinson (USA, PF)

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Anfernee Simons (IMG Academy, SG)

18. San Antonio Spurs: Lonnie Walker IV (Miami, SG)

19. Atlanta Hawks: Shake Milton (SMU, SG/PG)

20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Troy Brown (Oregon, SG)

21. Utah Jazz: Jacob Evans (Cincinnati, SF)

22. Chicago Bulls: Džanan Musa (KK Cedevita, SF)

23. Indiana Pacers: Jalen Brunson (Villanova, PG)

24. Portland Trailblazers: Khyri Thomas (Creighton, SG)

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Jontay Porter (Missouri, PF)

26. Philadelphia 76ers: Donte DiVincenzo (Villanova, SG)

27. Boston Celtics: Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State, SF)

28. Golden State Warriors: Gary Trent Jr (Duke, SG)

29. Brooklyn Nets: Bruce Brown (Miami, SG)

30. Houston Rockets: Isaac Bonga (Frankfurt, SG/SF)