The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

By Christopher Kline

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the Liga Endesa game between Real Madrid and FCB Lassa at Wizink Center on November 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 12: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the Liga Endesa game between Real Madrid and FCB Lassa at Wizink Center on November 12, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Southern University Jaguars at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 17, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 78-61. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Southern University Jaguars at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 17, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 78-61. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Marvin Bagley III. 2. player. 125. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. PF/C. Duke

Bagley was the conensus top recruit after reclassifying to the 2018 draft class, likely making him the frontrunner should the Hawks land in a position like this. Aside from Dennis Schroder, Atlanta doesn’t really have a go-to threat on offense — which is precisely what Bagley provides underneath.

Those calling him a mix of Ben Simmons and Gainnis Antetokounmpo are vastly overselling his skill set, but his physical tools are rare nonetheless. He’s extremely mobile for a 7-footer, and that allows him to thrive in transition while handling himself well in the halfcourt setting, to boot.

Scouts will want to see Bagley’s 3-point shot come to life as the season progresses, but his athleticism, defensive upside and feel around the painted area is enough to push him to No. 2 on a lot of draft boards.