The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

By Christopher Kline

FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 30: Oklahoma Sooners guard Trae Young (#11) dribbles the ball during the Big 12 college basketball game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Oklahoma Sooners on December 30, 2017, at the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth, TX. Oklahoma won the game 90-89. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

125. Pick Analysis. C. Arizona. 2. player. Scouting Report. DeAndre Ayton

The Hawks can establish their frontcourt of the future by pairing Ayton and John Collins. The Arizona product continues to impress in Pac-12 play, averaging 20 points and 10.6 rebounds in conference play. He’s also starting to show signs of life on the defensive end.

At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan, Ayton is an unfair physical specimen. He’s more fluid than Joel Embiid with similar build when it comes to strength and length. He moves his feet on the perimeter defensively, while his shot extends out to the 3-point line on offense. He’s already a killer from mid-range and a smart passer out of the post, to boot.

Defense is where Ayton needs to improve the most, although I’m not too worried about that part of his game. His physical gifts should allow him to anchor an NBA defense long term, even if his effort and awareness wavers in college. Professional coaching — especially a staff like the Hawks — should help that.