2018 NBA MOCK DRAFT

LOTTERY EDITION

Welcome to the first edition of our 2018 NBA Draft Lottery (Mock Draft). We will be predicting the lottery selections (top 14 picks). Even though the NBA Draft is a little more than 4 months away, it is never to early to predict where the college/international stars of today will be making a living in just a few months. This year’s draft class is top heavy. There are around 5 players who can make a case for being the top overall pick. The talent level drops after the first 8 picks, in our opinion.

These players lives will be dramatically changing as they are finishing up their respective college seasons and are auditioning for NBA scouts and general managers every time they step on the basketball court.

We will provide analysis on each player and our reason for each team selection. Included are scouting reports on all 14 players. Just click on their highlighted name to read their individual scouting reports. Welcome to our 1st edition of our 2018 NBA Draft Lottery (Mock Draft).

1. SACRAMENTO KINGS

LUKA DONCIC

6’7″ 220 POUNDS

SG/PG INTERNATIONAL

PICK ANALYSIS: Doncic has been one of the best players while playing in one of the toughest European leagues for the past few seasons. He can play both guard spots. The 18-year old has an amazing basketball IQ. Doncic’s overall skill, versatility, and size for the guard position will make him an instant fan favorite for a desperate fan-base. Doncic and rookie De’Aaron Fox will immediately become one of the best young back-courts in the NBA. Kings General Manager Vlade Divac has seen Doncic play a lot and loves him. Doncic is averaging 16pts, 4.5ast, and 5.6reb per game. He can impact the game in multiple ways.



2.ATLANTA HAWKS

DEANDRE AYTON

7’0″ 250 POUNDS

C ARIZONA FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Ayton has been everything Arizona head coach Sean Miller could have wished for. Ayton has quieted critics about his work ethic during his fantastic freshman year for the Wildcats. He is the best center prospect to enter the NBA Draft since Joel Embiid. Their games are very similar. Atlanta needs an influx of young talent. A good way to start the big rebuilding process is selecting a seven footer who has unbelievable physical tools with a very high skill level. There can be a good case made for Ayton to be selected number 1 overall.



3.PHOENIX SUNS

MARVIN BAGLEY III

6’11” 230 POUNDS

PF/C DUKE FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Bagley should only be a high school senior. He re-classified and enrolled at Duke early. He showed he was ready for prime-time right from the first game of the year. He has been the 2nd best player in college basketball, right behind Oklahoma’s Trae Young. Some NBA scouts wonder what his best position will be. It doesn’t matter to us. Talent is talent. The 6’11” freshman has terrific scoring instincts. His athletic ability and rebounding prowess will make him a major factor right away. Developing a consistent outside jumper might be the only thing that keeps him from being a future NBA All-Star. Center is probably his future pro position.



4.ORLANDO MAGIC

MOHAMED BAMBA

7’0″ 220 POUNDS

C TEXAS FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: 18-year old’s that are 7-feet tall aren’t supposed to move the way that Mohamed Bamba moves. He is exactly what general managers are looking for in centers in today’s NBA. His ungodly length (7’8″ wingspan) and impeccable timing makes him the best shot-blocker in the 2018 NBA Draft class. Bamba runs the floor like a guard. He projects as a big-time defensive player. Bamba has been improving his offensive game as the college season has progressed. He shows a nice touch around the basket and his range is expanding. He looks like a perfect fit in Orlando as he can slide in right next to Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac, giving the Magic 3 very talented and young front-court players.



5.CHICAGO BULLS

MICHAEL PORTER JR.

6’9″ 215 POUNDS

SF MISSOURI FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: A back injury 2 minutes into Porter’s college career ended his season and robbed fans of watching a phenomenal talent perform. We believe Porter Jr. is the most talented player in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, the injury makes him slide down and the Bulls will waste no time in selecting the former number 1 high school player in the country. The former AAU teammate of Trae Young has a wide array of offensive moves. He can score from all 3 levels and has great height for the SF position. We believe he is more talented than Jayson Tatum, the player he is often compared to. Porter Jr. has the makings of being a future 20+ point scorer in the NBA. He will form a nice 1-2 punch with Bulls rookie, Lauri Markkanen.



6.CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (VIA BROOKLYN NETS)

TRAE YOUNG

6’2″ 175 POUNDS

PG OKLAHOMA FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Young has been the biggest story in basketball this season. His unbelievable shooting exploits have garnered comparisons to Steph Curry. The freshman is leading the nation in points and assists. While Young will be a liability on defense throughout his NBA career, his ability to create for himself and others will make him a very high pick. With LeBron James future in Cleveland being a huge question mark, the Cavs select Young and hope that he can be a major reason why James stays put. If James leaves, the Cavs pray that they just selected their next franchise player. To read a previous full-length article on Trae Young, CLICK HERE.





7.PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (VIA LOS ANGELS LAKERS)

COLLIN SEXTON

6’2″ 180 POUNDS

PG ALABAMA FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Sexton plays as hard as any point guard in college basketball. The physical point guard is very aggressive when driving the lane. He is a fearless defender. Sexton will need to improve his jump-shooting and play-making ability for the next level. His style of play has gotten him dinged up a lot this season at Alabama. However, he is a true leader who will be an above average NBA starter. Will he be a star? Probably not. But in a weak draft for point guards, he is clearly the 2nd best one available. Philadelphia now has multiple options at the position when Markelle Fultz comes back. This may also be a safety net in case Fultz’s shoulder is more serious than thought. Think best player available here that fills a need.

8.DALLAS MAVERICKS

JAREN JACKSON JR.

6’10” 235 POUNDS

PF/C MICHIGAN STATE FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: The Spartans have a wonderful sophomore class. However, Jackson Jr. is what makes the Spartans a top 5 team in the country. The freshman has a terrific pro body. The 6’11” PF/C can hit the 3-point shot. His ability to space the floor allows his teammates to thrive. His defensive upside is just as high as his offensive. His combination of long-range shooting (45% from 3) and shot-blocking (5.7blk per 40 min) make him such an intriguing prospect. His upside is one of the highest among any players in this draft.

9.MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

MILES BRIDGES

6’7″ 230 POUNDS

SF/PF MICHIGAN STATE SOPHOMORE

PICK ANALYSIS: Bridges was our pre-season National Player of the Year. He turned down the draft last year in hopes of refining his offensive game. The results have been mixed so far. There is no doubting his athletic ability. Bridges future NBA position is up in the air as he is a tweener. The sophomore is a fierce defender. How much he improves his jump-shooting during individual draft workouts might decide where he eventually lands.



10.NEW YORK KNICKS

KEVIN KNOX

6’9″ 215 POUNDS

SF/PF KENTUCKY FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Knox has been the best player for a Kentucky team that has had a disappointing season. He is the Wildcat’s best pro prospect and has the versatility to become a combo forward. He can create his own shot, which is a crucial skill to have at the NBA level. His diverse offensive skill-set is advanced for an 18-year old. The Knicks are in dire need for a scoring small forward. Knox checks that box off. The freshman should eventually form a nice pairing along with star Kristaps Porzingis.

11.UTAH JAZZ

MIKAL BRIDGES

6’7″ 200 POUNDS

SF VILLANOVA JUNIOR

PICK ANALYSIS: Mikal Bridges has improved as much as any college player within the past 2 years. Known primarily as a defender during his first 2 college seasons, the junior has developed a diverse offensive game. The Villanova star is one of the safest picks in this draft. He should be a very steady 2-way player as his style of play can fit in with any team. Bridges can defend up to 4 positions on the floor, which is an invaluable trait to have. He won’t be a star. However, he will be a very solid NBA starter who should enjoy a very productive 10+ year career.

12.CHARLOTTE HORNETS

WENDELL CARTER JR.

6’9″ 260 POUNDS

PF/C DUKE FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Carter Jr. has been perhaps the 2nd best player for the Blue Devils right behind Marvin Bagley Jr. The former Naismith National High School Player of the Year in 2017 has a nice inside/out game. Charlotte needs front-court help going forward. Carter Jr.’s versatility and high basketball IQ make him a solid pick at this spot for the Hornets.

13.LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

ROBERT WILLIAMS

6’9″ 245 POUNDS

PF/C TEXAS A&M SOPHOMORE

PICK ANALYSIS: Williams would have been a possible top 10 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Instead, the Aggies star decided to return to school. He has been inconsistent this season but his talent is undeniable. We believe he will be a better NBA player than college player. He is very comparable to current Clipper, DeAndre Jordan. Williams thrives as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Very good in the pick and roll, the 6’9″ sophomore is a center through and through as he doesn’t have the necessary shooting skills to play PF. With the Clippers looking to rebuild, they perhaps select Jordan’s potential replacement.

14.DENVER NUGGETS

TROY BROWN JR.

6’7″ 210 POUNDS

SG/SF OREGON FRESHMAN

PICK ANALYSIS: Denver is an up and coming team with a nice core of young players. Troy Brown Jr. would be a really nice piece to fit alongside the talented back-court of Jamal Murray and Gary Harris. The Oregon freshman doesn’t have one particular skill that is considered elite. However, is above-average in almost every aspect of the game. He can handle the ball, rebound, and guard multiple positions. He needs to become a more consistent shooter. With the last pick in the lottery, the Nuggets select a jack of all trades type of player who is only going to improve. If Brown Jr. can develop a consistent jump-shot, he just might be one of the steals in this draft.



