Photo Credit: dawindycity.com

*The arrows displays where each player has moved to since our last NBA Mock Draft*

ROUND 1:

1. Phoenix Suns – DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona, Freshman (-)

DeAndre Ayton is going to be the first pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. My final mock’s first pick is the same as my first mock’s first pick. The Suns finally get another franchise cornerstone to help out Devin Booker, and it’s a 7’1″ center with a 43 inch vertical, who can also shoot. Not bad for the Suns. I expect DeAndre Ayton to come close to averaging a double-double right away. He’s that good.

2. Sacramento Kings – Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke, Freshman (-)

I came extremely close to slotting Luka Doncic in here at pick 2, but now all signs are pointing towards Marvin Bagley being the guy for the Kings. Bagley is extremely skilled in the post, and has ridiculous athletic abilities. He’s an Amare Stoudemire/Chris Bosh hybrid, and averaged 21 PPG and 11 RPG in his freshman season at Duke. This is the right pick for the Sacramento, as Bagley joins De’Aaron Fox as the Kings second top-5 pick in the last two drafts.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Luka Doncic, PG/SG, Slovenia, International (-)

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that the Hawks are turning their attention to Doncic with the third overall pick. I have a strong feeling though that this is a smokescreen, and Trae Young is the guy for the Hawks. However, I think there’s a high possibility that the Hawks may trade down to five or six, and take Young there, while the Mavericks or Magic would take Doncic at 3. I have a feeling this could be one of those awkward draft moments when Doncic puts on a Hawks hat on stage, but everyone in the crowd knows he’s headed somewhere else. Doncic is a combo guard who won EuroLeague MVP at 19 years old, and I think he’ll have an immediate impact in the NBA, as he was playing competition superior to college basketball.

4. Memphis Grizzlies – Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri, Freshman (-)

The Grizzlies are in a sticky situation, especially if Marvin Bagley III and Luka Doncic are gone by the fourth pick. Normally, I would definitely slot Jackson Jr. or Bamba here, but they both refused to work out for the Grizzlies, and also refused to give them their medical records. I find it hard to believe that Memphis would draft a player that doesn’t want to play for them. The Grizzlies go with plan C, and draft Michael Porter Jr., who could have been the top pick in the draft if he didn’t get injured and miss most of his freshman season at Missouri. Porter fits the mold of a dominant small forward in today’s NBA, and could be a steal at four if he stays healthy.

5. Dallas Mavericks – Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State, Freshman ( ↑2 )

The Dallas Mavericks are going to draft a big if they can’t get their hands on Luka Doncic. They take Jaren Jackson Jr. out of Michigan State, who could be a project, but also has one of the highest ceilings in the NBA Draft. Jackson is an absolutely beast already, as he averaged 5.5 BPG per 40 minutes in his freshman year at Michigan State, and shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc. Once the 18 year old gets stronger, and continues to develop, he has the potential to be one of the best bigs in the NBA.

6. Orlando Magic – Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma, Freshman (-)

The Orlando Magic are going to draft a guard no matter what. If they stay put at pick 6, I think there is a decent chance they can land Trae Young. If they trade up with the Hawks as I stated before, they can possibly draft Luka Doncic. Either way, the Magic are going to get their point guard of the future in this draft. If the pick is Trae Young at six for the Magic, they’ll get a guy who is the closest thing I’ve seen to Steph Curry. That doesn’t mean he’ll become Steph Curry, but his shooting range is limitless, and he also is an extremely underrated passer who averaged nearly 9 assists per game in his freshman season at Oklahoma.

7. Chicago Bulls – Mo Bamba, C, Texas, Freshman ( ↓2 )

With Mo Bamba and Jaren Jackson Jr. both refusing to workout for the Grizzlies, it seems as though one of them will fall further down that expected. Bamba didn’t hire an agent, and I’m hearing that could hurt him a bit. The Bulls get lucky that Mo Bamba falls right into their lap at 7. Bamba would be the perfect player to put next to Lauri Markkanen, as he can be a shot blocker, rebounder, and defensive anchor.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky, Freshman ( ↑5 )

I have a feeling that when it’s all said and done, the Cavaliers won’t be making this pick, another team will. Either way, if Michael Porter Jr. is off the board, I see a point guard going at this pick. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a name that has been rising up draft boards. He’s a 6’6″ point guard, with great quickness in addition to his great length. He developed tremendously through his freshman season at Kentucky, and if he continues to develop, skies the limit.

9. New York Knicks – Wendell Carter Jr., C, Duke, Freshman (-)

Wendell Carter Jr. is another name that falls all the way down on the board. I think the Knicks are looking to take a wing in this draft assuming that Carter Jr. doesn’t fall. In this mock, he falls due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going at pick 8. Wendell Carter Jr. is going to be a defensive anchor in the NBA, and could be an absolute beast on the boards if he continues to get stronger. Wendell Carter has been compared to Al Horford his entire life, and would be the perfect player to put next to Kristaps Porzingis.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers) – Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova, Junior (-)

I haven’t heard one bad thing about Mikal Bridges. Most scouts and GMs have said that Bridges is one of the safest players in the draft, as he has one of the highest floors. Bridges is a three and D guy that shoots over 40% from downtown while also guarding multiple positions. I think he fits in perfectly with the 76ers as I expect J.J Redick to depart this offseason, leaving the shooting guard spot open.

11. Charlotte Hornets – Kevin Knox, SF, Kentucky, Freshman (-)

Kevin Knox is another wild card in this draft as he could go as high as 7 or 9. Knox is a great fit for Charlotte, who just needs to add talent at this point. He could shoot the three, and is a great athlete. Knox is a late-bloomer, as he didn’t start focusing on basketball until his high school days, and he’s only 18 years old which makes scouts think he has tons of potential.

12. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pistons) – Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama, Freshman ( ↓4 )

The Los Angeles Clippers are going to take a point guard as long as one of the three best point guards are on the board at 12. In this case, it’s Collin Sexton who I think is a steal here. Sexton is the definition of a playmaker, as he can takeover a game at anytime. Sexton still needs to improve his three-point shooing a bit, but I fully expect him to have no problem with that and become the point guard of the future for the Clippers.

13. Los Angeles Clippers – Miles Bridges, SF/PF, Michigan State, Sophomore ( ↑1 )

I could see the Clippers trading out of this 13th pick, but if they do have it, I see them taking Miles Bridges out of Michigan State. If Bridges declared last year, he probably would have been picked in the top-7, but decided to return to school. Bridges is a freak athlete, and can catch and shoot, but needs to improve on creating his own shot and shooting off the dribble. The potential is there as long as he can develop a bit more.

14. Denver Nuggets – Zhaire Smith, SG/SF, Texas Tech, Freshman ( ↑4 )

The Nuggets are looking to move up or down from 14, but if they stay, I see them taking Zhaire Smith from Texas Tech. Smith can jump out of the gym with his 40 inch vertical, and that athleticism will help him to defend at the next level. According to people at the combine, Smith’s three-point shot is a lot better than they thought. If that’s the case, than Zhaire Smith is my pick to be the Donovan Mitchell of this draft class.

15. Washington Wizards – Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M, Sophomore (-)

The Wizards will be having a party if Robert Williams falls to 15. Washington needs a big so badly, but are in a pretty bad position to draft one. Luckily, Williams falls. Robert Williams is another freak athlete in this draft, who can make a living off rebounding and shot-blocking. The reason he falls in the draft is because of his unpolished offensive game. Once that’s developed, Robert Williams can be a very solid NBA player.

16. Phoenix Suns (via Heat) – Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA, Junior (-)

I have a feeling that Aaron Holiday is going to go a lot higher than people think. Holiday is experienced having played three years in college, and a guy that I think can contribute right away. Holiday doesn’t have great size, but is extremely quick and a scoring machine. The Suns need a point guard, so I think Aaron Holiday is the guy for them.

17. Milwaukee Bucks – Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami, Freshman ( ↓5 )

Lonnie Walker is a guy that may fall down a bit in this draft. I think he has the potential to go as high as 11 or 12, but can go as low as 17, 18, or 19. Walker didn’t have a great season at Miami, but scouts love his upside. He has good size and athleticism, and his college shooting numbers were worse than the shooter he is. Walker was a high-level recruit for a reason, and the potential is still there. The Bucks roll the dice on Walker here, and try to develop another player as they have done pretty well in the past.

18. San Antonio Spurs – Donte DiVencenzo, SG, Villanova, Sophomore (-)

The Donte DiVencenzo hype train is absolutely massive right now. That train hasn’t slowed down since the National Championship game. DiVencenzo destroyed the combine as he tested off the charts athletically and also played extremely well in the 5v5 scrimmages. I think scouts feel like DiVencenzo was hidden behind the immense Nova talent in college and is waiting to be unleashed. What better coach to get a hold of this guy than Gregg Popovich?

19. Atlanta Hawks (via Timberwolves) – Jerome Robinson, PG/SG, Boston College, Junior ( ↑9 )

Jerome Robinson received a green room invite, and is a guy that has shot up draft boards recently. Robinson averaged over 20 PPG in the toughest conference in the country, the ACC, and I think teams are starting to respect that. He also has great size at 6’6,” and could be a great player to pair next to Luka Doncic in the backcourt.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder) – Kevin Huerter, SG/SF, Maryland, Sophomore (-)

The more I watch film on Kevin Huerter, the more I like his game. This guy is a ridiculous shooter, and would pull up from way deep in NBA range on several occasions in college. Huerter is going to be one of the NBA’s next best shooters, and that’s something that Minnesota can use. I like Kevin Huerter to be a Kyle Korver type player at the minimum in the NBA.

21. Utah Jazz – Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova, Freshman (-)

The Jazz desperately need a stretch four to play next to Rudy Gobert, and I think Spellman is the perfect guy. Omari Spellman had an amazing freshman season at Villanova, and was a huge part of their national championship run. Spellman scored nearly 11 PPG and pulled down 8 RPG while hitting over 43% from deep. I expect Omari Spellman to be a hidden gem in this draft.

22. Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans) – Chandler Hutchinson, SF, Boise State, Senior (-)

This pick has stayed consistent throughout all my mocks. Chandler Hutchinson reportedly received a guarantee from the Bulls, and I think Chicago is going to stick to that promise. Hutchinson could start right away at small forward for Chicago, as he has four years of college experience under his belt. He can do everything as he averaged 20 PPG and over 7 RPG in his senior year at Boise State. He also shot the ball well from deep. I like this pick for the Bulls.

23. Indiana Pacers – Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova, Junior ( ↑3 )

The Pacers are 99% going to take a point guard here. I think the guy is Jalen Brunson, who’s definitely NBA ready. Teams have concerns about Brunson’s size and athleticism, but his play makes up for that. Brunson won National Player of the Year for a reason, and can shoot the ball extremely well. He’s experienced, and a guy who is definitely capable at being a starting point guard in the NBA.

24. Portland Trail Blazers – Troy Brown, SG/SF, Oregon, Freshman ( ↑6 )

Troy Brown’s range is extremely big at around 17-30, and I see him going right in the middle of that range. The Train Blazers need a small forward, and the guy with the most potential is Troy Brown. Brown is a playmaker, and a guy who has the handles to be a point-forward, but needs to develop his three-point shot. Right now, Brown can’t shoot, but if he figures it out, he was drafted way too low. Portland goes with the upside pick at 24.

25. Los Angeles Lakers (via Cavaliers) – Rawle Alkins, SG/SF, Arizona, Sophomore ( ↑21 )

Rawle Alkins is a guy that I think is going to find his way into the first round. Alkins has reportedly been playing great in workouts, and playing better than several first round picks in a lot of them. The Lakers could use a guy like Alkins to come off their bench, as he can be instant scoring. Alkins can score in several ways too, as he loves to take it to the hoop, and can also hit the three. I can see Alkins turning out to be a much better player than where he is drafted.

26. Philadelphia 76ers – Khryi Thomas, PG/SG, Creighton, Junior ( ↓7 )

The 76ers are going to draft a ton of shooters, and Khryi Thomas is certainly that. Thomas is one of the best shooters in the draft, and can be instant scoring off the bench for the 76ers. You know what you’re going to get from Thomas, as he is experienced, and shoots about 40% from downtown. This is a value pick for Philly.

27. Boston Celtics – Grayson Allen, SG, Duke, Senior (-)

The Celtics are looking for a scorer off the bench at this pick, and that guy is Grayson Allen. Allen worked out for the Celtics, who were very impressed by him there. He is going to get a lot of minutes in his rookie season for whatever NBA team he goes to, as he is 100% NBA ready. Allen can shoot extremely well, and also possesses crazy athletic abilities. This is a great pick for Boston at 27.

28. Golden State Warriors – Gary Trent Jr., SG, Duke, Freshman ( ↑10 )

The Warriors are probably going to go with a guard at pick 28, and they reportedly love Gary Trent Jr. from Duke. Trent Jr. is another player in this draft that can be instant scoring off the bench, as he hits the three at a good percentage. Trent Jr. helps the Warriors improve their bench right away, something that wasn’t great this season despite their NBA Finals win.

29. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors) – Mitchell Robinson, C, USA ( ↓4 )

The Nets addressed the center position for this upcoming season by trading for Dwight Howard Wednesday morning. This will give them time to develop Mitchell Robinson, a guy who was a five star recruit out of high school, but didn’t play college basketball. Robinson is over 7 feet tall, and can shoot, but will likely need a full season in the G-League before coming to the NBA.

30. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets) – Mo Wagner, PF/C, Michigan, Junior ( ↓1 )

With the Hawks already taking two guards in this draft, they decide to address the big man situation. Mo Wagner is an energy guy, and will find a roll on whatever team he goes to. I like Wagner a lot, as he can hit from downtown, and outwork anyone on the floor.

ROUND 2:

31. Phoenix Suns – Elie Okobo, PG, International, France ( ↓8 )

32. Memphis Grizzlies – Keita Bates-Diop, SF/PF, Ohio State, Junior ( ↓8 )

33. Dallas Mavericks – Jevon Carter, PG, West Virginia, Senior ( ↓1 )

34. Atlanta Hawks – Dzanan Musa, SF, Bosnia & Herzgovina, International ( ↓1 )

35. Orlando Magic – Jacob Evans, SG/SF, Cincinnati, Junior ( ↑22 )

36. New York Knicks (via Bulls) – Josh Okogie, SG/SF, Georgia Tech, Sophomore ( ↓1 )

37. Sacramento Kings – Anfernee Simons, PG, IMG Academy, USA ( ↓6 )

38. Philadelphia 76ers (via Nets) – Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia, International ( ↑1 )

39. Philadelphia 76ers (via Knicks) – Melvin Frazier, SF, Tulane, Junior ( ↓2 )

40. Brooklyn Nets (via Lakers) – Landry Shamet, PG/SG, Wichita State, Sophomore ( ↓6 )

41. Orlando Magic (via Hornets) – Trevon Duval, PG, Duke, Freshman ( ↓1 )

42. Detroit Pistons – Bruce Brown, PG/SG, Miami, Sophomore ( ↓6 )

43. Denver Nuggets (via Clippers) -De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, USC, Sophomore ( ↑9 )

44. Washington Wizards – Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV, Freshman (-)

45. Charlotte Hornets (via Nets) – Jarred Vanderbilt, PF, Kentucky, Freshman ( ↑13 )

46. Houston Rockets (via Heat) – Chimezie Metu, PF, USC, Sophomore ( ↑2 )

47. Los Angeles Lakers (via Nuggets) – Tony Carr, PG, Penn State, Sophomore ( ↓4 )

48. Minnesota Timberwolves – Malik Newman, SG, Kansas, Sophomore ( ↓1 )

49. San Antonio Spurs – Isaac Bonga, SF, Germany, International ( ↑10 )

50. Indiana Pacers – Shake Milton, PG/SG, SMU, Junior ( ↓9 )

51. New Orleans Pelicans – Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky, Sophomore (-)

52. Utah Jazz – Wenyen Gabriel, SF/PF, Kentucky, Sophomore ( ↓3 )

53. Oklahoma City Thunder – Devonte’ Graham, PG, Kansas, Senior ( ↓11 )

54. Dallas Mavericks – Isaac Haas, C, Purdue, Senior ( ↓9 )

55. Charlotte Hornets (via Cavaliers) – Kostas Antetokounmpo, SF, Freshman, Dayton ( NEW )

56. Philadelphia 76ers (via Celtics) – Svi Mykhailuiuk, SG/SF, Kansas, Senior (-)

57. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Celtics) – Ray Spalding, PF, Louisville, Junior ( ↓2 )

58. Denver Nuggets (via Warriors) – D.J Hogg, SF, Texas A&M, Junior ( NEW )

59. Phoenix Suns (via Raptors) – Devon Hall, SG, Virginia, Senior ( NEW )

60. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets) – Justin Jackson, SF, Maryland, Sophomore ( NEW )

Best Available Undrafted:

Bonzie Colson, PF, Notre Dame, Senior

Tyler Davis, C, Texas A&M, Junior

Vince Edwards, PF, Purdue, Senior

Keenan Evans, PG, Texas A&M, Senior

Kevin Hervey, SF, UT Arlington, Senior

Alize Johnson, PF, Missouri State, Senior

Theo Pinson, SG, North Carolina, Senior

Alonzo Trier, SG, Arizona, Junior

Lagerald Vick, SG, Kansas, Junior

Kenrich Williams, SG/SF, TCU, Senior