NBA mock draft: Deandre Ayton trendy pick for Phoenix Suns in 2018 NBA draft

The Suns are in play in the Deandre Ayton sweepstakes, according to some of the latest NBA mock drafts.

Phoenix, which is tied for the worst record in the NBA with the Hawks at 18-41 entering the All-Star break, is also tied with Atlanta for the best odds to land the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

Could the Suns draft Ayton, a former Phoenix Hillcrest Prep standout playing at Arizona, with the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick?

NBA DRAFT NEWS: Draft order, lottery odds, reverse standings for 2018

2018 NBA DRAFT: Which picks do the Phoenix Suns have now?

Here's the latest picks for the Suns in NBA mock drafts for 2018:

fansided.com: Suns get Arizona's Deandre Ayton at No. 1

Brendon Kleen writes: "Ayton takes over the top spot in this week’s mock draft thanks to a delightful performance on Saturday against USC in Arizona’s get-right victory. He was able to control the game as a defender, filling passing lanes more than he typically does. Ayton’s infamous low block percentage is actually remarkable compared to his startling 0.8 steal percentage. It’s clear he is not maximizing the potential provided to him by the athletic advantages he carries over every opponent. Against USC, that potential was on greater display. Ayton was creating turnovers in the halfcourt and actually leading the fast break, a skill I had not seen from him to that degree before. On one loose ball, Ayton sprinted and scooped the ball up, bounded to about the half court line and then pinged an assist to Allonzo Trier, who had sprouted free for an easy layup."

nbadraft.net: Ayton to Suns at No. 1

MORE: Deandre Ayton says he's going No. 1 overall in 2018 NBA draft

Sporting News: Suns pick Real Madrid's Luka Doncic at No. 1

Chris Stone writes: "Doncic continues to put up insane numbers playing against some of the top competition in the world. For now, he’s averaging 25.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 7.2 assists per 40 minutes on a 61.8 true shooting percentage across all competitions. The 18-year-old brings primary creator upside that’s difficult to find at the top of this draft, and a trio of Doncic, Devin Booker and Josh Jackson would give Phoenix an intriguing perimeter setup as it builds towards the future."

NBC Sports: Suns select Ayton at No. 1

It writes: "Ayton's stock has continued to rise throughout the season. A tremendous athlete with the skillset to become a better floor-spacer with the strength and agility to go with it. Could be a dominant force offensicely, although his work on defense could still use improvement."

MORE: Duke's Marvin Bagley III the No. 1 pick in 2018 NBA draft?

tankathon.com: Suns go with Ayton at No. 1

sircharlesincharge: Suns end up with Ayton at No. 2

Connor Harr writes: "Trae Young could be selected here if the Suns don’t view Elfrid Payton as a long-term option. Elfrid Payton gives the Suns a much-needed perimeter defender though and is a great compliment to Devin Booker. Therefore, the Suns should keep Elfrid Payton (for the right price) and draft DeAndre Ayton."

8 Arizonans have been 1st round NBA picks: Marvin Bagley, DeAndre Ayton next?

RELATED: Previous NBA draft projections for Phoenix Suns

SUNS DRAFT HISTORY: Ryan McDonough's picks with the franchise

NBA DRAFT LOTTERY HISTORY: How have Suns fared through the years?

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