The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 4.0

By Christopher Kline

TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 01: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts to a foul call during the second half of the college basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at McKale Center on March 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats beat the Cardinal 75-67. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 01: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts to a foul call during the second half of the college basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal at McKale Center on March 1, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats beat the Cardinal 75-67. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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Bates-Diop has always been in draft discussions, but he didn’t really break out until this year. The senior has emerged as the Buckeyes’ top option, flashing crafty scoring from the four spot and carrying Ohio State to a fifth seed in the tournament.

The Blazers get to add some more versatility to their frontcourt. Bates-Diop has the ability to defend a handful of different positions, while his three-point shooting should make him a capable floor spacer as a small-ball four.

As somebody who brings scoring with decent two-way upside to the second unit, it’s easy to justify this kind of selection late in the first round.