2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

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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CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 14: Kentucky Wildcats forward Nick Richards (4) looks on during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kentucky Wildcats on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 14: Kentucky Wildcats forward Nick Richards (4) looks on during the State Farm Classic Champions Classic game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Kentucky Wildcats on November 14, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Richards is one of many highly-touted bigs in this year’s class, so a poor start to the campaign hasn’t helped his stock. Foul trouble has gotten to him on more than one occasion, while a limited offensive repertoire could give scouts some pause.

With that said, Richards did seem to flip the switch a bit on Wednesday — rattling off 25 points and 15 rebounds against IPFW, marking his best game of the season thus far.

Standing around the 7-foot mark with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Richards’ physical tools alone should entice the Celtics this late in the first round. He moves his feet well and has major promise as a defender, while he should settle in offensively as the season goes on.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0

Order based on standings as of 11/19/2017; Measurements and stats from DraftExpress