As March Madness kicks up, it’s time for a fresh look at how the 2018 NBA Draft might pan out in the June.
We’ve reached the best single month of basketball all year, with 68 teams gunning for the NCAA championship. Whether it be upsets, high-end prospects, or rivoting storylines, there’s bound to be plenty worth watching as March progresses.
It also gives us an opportunity to update our mock draft, with several prospects set to enter the most important stretch of their season. It isn’t wise to let a handful of tournament games influence someone’s stock too much, but it certainly has an impact.
Sindarius Thornwell is a great example of that. He has carved out a niche of sorts in his first season with the Clippers, but would have been left off most draft boards entirely had he not carried South Carolina to the Final Four.
This season, the Philadelphia 76ers will likely get a lottery pick from the Lakers, as well as their own pick outside the lottery. Add in four second rounders, and they’ll have multiple opportunities to add more talent to a competitive roster that’s in desperate need of depth.
As always, this mock draft is not a big board. Team fit and future projections play into each selection. This might not be who I would pick personally or where I have each player on my big board, the most recent of which you can find here.
Doncic held onto the No. 1 spot for most the season, but Ayton has become too good to refute at this point. Not only is he a physical freak, but he’s one of the most polished, well-rounded offensive centers since Karl-Anthony Towns entered the league.
At 7-1 with a 7-5 wingspan, his combination of length and strength is unparalleled. He has drawn comparisons to Joel Embiid physically, and he moves better than the Sixers’ big man. His defensive instincts need to improve, but NBA coaching should get him there. He’s already a much-improved rebounder, skilled passer, capable shooter, and well-versed post scorer.
The Grizzlies need to start their rebuild, and center seems like a good place to start. Marc Gasol is falling off, and Ayton has the upside of somebody who can carry a team on both sides of the ball. Memphis has been lacking young talent in recent years, so this is a rare opportunity to add an elite, potentially transcendent 19-year-old.
At this point, Ayton and Doncic have locked themselves into the top two. While not the same athlete as some of his lottery counterparts, Doncic has produced at a historically high level against far better competition. It’s rare for an 18-year-old (recently turned 19) to be among the best players in Europe.
At 6-8, Doncic has the size needed to play three or four positions and the skills of a natural point guard. He’s on the same plane as Lonzo Ball and Ben Simmons when it comes to vision and passing players open.
His three-point shot hasn’t been wildly consistent, but the mechanics are worth buying into. He has arguably the highest floor in this class and should be able to contribute to an NBA team (especially the Suns) from day one.
Dallas doesn’t have much to build on in the frontcourt. Dwight Powell has had a promising season, but it’s tough to consider him a legitimate building block. Nerlens Noel‘s future is all but certain at this point.
Bagley has dropped on most boards, but the reasoning behind that drop seems shaky. His lack of length could hurt him defensively, but he’s an insane athlete who, at 6-11, is fully capable of switching onto the perimeter and sticking with smaller players when needed.
He’ll need to add some more polish offensively, but he also entered college a year early. His production is undeniable, to boot. His motor on the glass, finishing around the paint, and improving three-point shot are all things a team like Dallas should be intrigued by. His ceiling is extremely high.
Bamba has moved into the top five on most boards, with his elite physical tools and improved offensive production boosting his stock. The fact that somebody with Bamba’s length is stretching his game to the perimeter should pique the interest of NBA teams.
Skal Labissiere is solid and Willie Cauley-Stein has his nights for Sacramento, but neither of them are good enough to pass on the best prospect available. With a 7-9 wingspan, Bamba is already averaging 3.7 blocks per game with Texas. He’d immediately become the longest player in the NBA when drafted, surpassing Rudy Gobert.
Rim protection and finishing is going to be the root of Bamba’s production early on, but he could become a freakish weapon if his jumper becomes even semi-reliable (which it’s pretty dang close to being).
Jackson continues to rise up most draft boards, with his combination of physical tools, shooting touch and defensive prowess wowing scouts. He’s among the leaders in college basketball when it comes to blocked shots (3.2) and is shooting 39.6 percent from deep, a number that mitigates any potential concerns regarding his mechanics.
While he might not have the same upside as Bagley or Bamba, it’s difficult to picture Jackson failing at the next level. He’s a skilled scorer, viable shooter, and smart defender, all while standing at 6-11 with a 7-5 wingspan.
The Hawks, who could use another long-term piece in the frontcourt next to John Collins, would be hard-pressed to avoid somebody who fits their needs as well as Jackson.
How things pan out medically will play a large role in determining how high (or low) Porter goes. He entered the season as the No. 1 prospect on several boards, though, so the talent is obviously there. Scouts, based on high school and AAU performance alone, should be familiar with his game as well.
The Cavaliers make an easy choice here, adding one of the best perimeter bucket-getters we’ve seen in recent years. At 6-10, Porter is a dynamic scorer at all three levels who has upside as a versatile body on the defensive end. It’s not hard to picture him and LeBron James sharing the forward spots.
We’ll see if Porter is able to make any noise in the tournament after missing virtually the entire regular season with injury. He returned for the Tigers’ SEC Tournament loss to Georgia, but looked understandably rusty in a rough first outing.
People (and some scouts) have soured on Young, with the Oklahoma point guard struggling mightily over the second half of the season. Big 12 defenses began to figure him out, shots stopped falling at their inevitably unsustainable rate, and the rest of his team coudn’t provide much assistance.
Still, Young is an elite talent and should remain the top point guard on everybody’s draft board. Not only is his shooting range a unique weapon, but he’s an advanced facilitator with the ability to break down defenses and set up teammates in a way Collin Sexton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can’t yet replicate.
The Magic need a point guard of the future. Sexton has definitely put himself in that coversation, but Young’s ceiling as an elite shot-maker and primary distributor could push Orlando to pull the trigger.
The Bulls can add another frontcourt piece next to Lauri Markkanen. Carter is strong enough to guard NBA fives, while his all-around offensive repertoire could fit nicely next to Markkanen and Bobby Portis.
Carter has already shown that he’s capable of stretching the floor and knocking down shots, something he’ll need to build upon at the next level. He’s also extremely skilled in the post, using his frame and athleticism to carve out space with a variety of moves on the block. His passing is another skill NBA teams will value.
Defense hasn’t been Carter’s biggest strength, but the physical tools and basketball intelligence is there. The Blue Devils struggled on that end for most of the season, so NBA coaching can ideally push Carter in the right direction. He has established himself as one of several high-level bigs in this class.
The Knicks get the chance to add some much-needed perimeter depth alongside Kristaps Porzingis. Bridges has seperated himself as the best 3-and-D guy in this class, adjusting well to an increased role with Villanova while continuing to shine on the defensive end.
Bridges was mostly a stationary, spot-up threat in his first handful of seasons, but has expanded his game significantly in his junior year. He’s hitting shots on the move, putting the ball on the floor, and functioning as an elite second option next to Jalen Brunson.
Defensively, the Knicks don’t have much consistency. Porzingis is an apt rim protector and Frank Ntilikina has clear potential long term, but adding a two-way wing of Bridges ilk could work wonders on that side of the ball.
The Hornets are at an odd point in their rebuild that isn’t really a rebuild. We’ll see if they stick with Kemba Walker through the offseason, because their plans could change if Walker is on his way out.
For now, we’ll give them Knox, who has shown plenty of promise in his one season with Kentucky. The 19-year-old has struggled with isolation scoring, but is shooting 35.4 percent from deep and producing off the ball. If you buy the shot (and, at 19, most teams will), he’ll likely stick in the lottery.
At 6-9 with solid length, Knox also projects well on the defensive end. Teams are always looking for versatile defenders, and he’s big enough to check some fours and quick enough to move his feet on the perimeter.
Sexton could end up going a lot higher than this, but it’s tough to ignore his season-long red flags based on a handful of strong SEC Tournament games. He’s shooting a very inconsistent 24.2 percent from deep in conference play, while his passing doesn’t stack up to the likes of Trae Young.
Nonetheless, the Clippers can add a young point guard capable of developing behind some of their older backcourt players. Sexton’s competitive fire and defensive energy would fit this team well, while there’s plenty of time to iron out any issues with his shot.
Sexton’s strong frame and explosive first step make him tough to stop once he’s going downhill. He’s also a tough shot-maker, capable of taking over games when things are falling in his favor. He won’t drop any further than this.
Bridges is one of Philadelphia’s best fits on paper. He didn’t make all the improvements scouts wanted in year two, but his passing is better and he’s starting to show more variety off the bounce. He’s also an elite athlete capable of knocking down perimeter shots, which the Sixers need in their rotation.
At 6-6, Bridges’ best fit is at the four. His lack of size and length could hurt him in some matchups, but he’s quick enough to guard threes if needed and has the kind of strength and athleticism needed to thrive as a versatile, switch-friendly defensive cog.
Offensively, he should have no issues working off of Simmons and Embiid. He’s capable of stepping in and taking backup power forward minutes behind Dario Saric, especially if Ersan Ilyasova goes elsewhere in free agency.
Brown has been out of the public eye a bit at Oregon, but he has all the tools of a quality, do-it-all wing in the NBA. Some have forcasted him as a small-ball four, where his athleticism and playmaking could become a valuable weapon.
That would be a really nice addition to this Jazz team. They’ve thrived whenever Rudy Gobert is in the rotation, but having smaller lineup options to place around him and Derrick Favors could be beneficial long term.
With the tools to defend several positions and some legit point guard skills, Brown’s biggest goal moving forward should be improving his three-point shot. He’s currently knocking those down at a 29.4 percent rate.
The Nuggets have a chance to add more to their perimeter arsenal with Walker. Although he struggled to find his role with Miami early in the year, the 19-year-old has come on strong as of late, leading the ‘Canes to a sixth seed in the tournament.
While there are still some clears warts in his game, Walker has all the tools NBA teams crave. He’s 6-5 with a 7-1 wingspan, while his three-point shot has come around in recent weeks. He’s also an impressive slasher, where his athleticism shines.
Walker has also put things together on the defensive end, using his length to disrupt opposing ball handlers and get into passing lanes, averaging over a steal per game in conference play.
Robinson left Western Kentucky over the summer before eventually deciding to skip college basketball altogether, meaning we haven’t seen much of him this season. Workouts will play a large role in determing his draft positioning, but it makes sense for a team like Phoenix to take the risk.
The Suns have some solid frontcourt pieces in Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender, but that can’t deter them from adding depth. Robinson is an impressive athlete with obvious defensive potential, standing at 7-1 with a 7-4 wingspan and plenty of bounce.
Offensively, most of Robinson’s production will come as a finisher around the rim. He has flahsed mid-range potential in the past, but we don’t really know where his jumper stands at this point. Again, the combine and workouts will prove important in that regard.
Gilgeous-Alexander has the potential to crack the lottery, with his late-season performances continuing to impress scouts and draftniks alike. Standing around 6-5 with long arms, his physical tools could persuade teams to look past his average athleticism.
Defense was SGA’s calling card early in the season, but it’s his offensive growth that has propelled hm to draft relevance. He’s easily Kentuckys best playmaker at this point, while his crafty scoring around the rim should translate to the next level.
The Suns have a solid backcourt group with Devin Booker, Elfrid Payton and Luka Doncic (according to this mock). Still, adding somebody of SGA’s caliber to the melting pot could be valuable as Phoenix continues its rebuild.
Gafford has been one of the biggest risers all season, going from a relative unknown to potential lottery pick in his first season with Arkansas. While still raw on the offensive end, his athletic tools and defensive upside should enamor NBA teams.
DeAndre Jordan‘s future with the Clippers isn’t clear, so adding a young body to their frontcourt is wise. Gafford already thrives as a pick-and-roll finisher and easy lob target, while his length and athleticism should translate into quality rim protection down the line.
Gafford, along with Robert Williams, Mitchell Robinson and Jontay Porter, is one of the many bigs circulating through the mid-first round discussion.
Williams hasn’t made the second-year improvements that many expected him to make, which could inevitably hurt his standing on most draft boards. The Sixers could use some frontcourt reassurance behind Embiid, as Amir Johnson hasn’t proven himself to be much of a long-term option at the five.
At 6-10 with a 7-5 wingspan, Williams iss mobile enough to get in a stance and defend out to the perimeter when needed, while his rim protection is among the best in college basketball. In a class highlighted by elite bigs, Williams still has one of the highest individual celings on the defensive end.
Offense is where the question marks pop up. Williams, after showing signs of a jump shot last season, hasn’t made a single three-pointer this season. He’s not a polished scorer on the block either, largely relying on putbacks and at-rim finishes.
Thomas is probably an off-guard at the next level, which leads some to question his 6-3 frame. When you factor in his long arms and aggression on the defensive end, though, it tends to become a non-issue.
As things currently stand, Thomas is among the best perimeter defenders in college basketball. He’s also a 41.9 percent three-point shooter and capable passer, consistently making the right plays on the offensive end. He’s the two-way comboguard that every team wants nowadays.
While his ceiling might not be as high as other players at his position, Thomas is capable of providing value on both sides of the ball from day one. The Timberwolves, a playoff team that is moderately thin outside the starting rotation, could use a boost on the wing.
The Pacers all already a balanced team with valuable contributors at all five positions, so adding an NBA-ready talent and some additional depth on the wing is wise. Hutchison fits that bill.
While Boise State isn’t much of a powerhouse when it comes to basketball, Hutchison quickly emerged as one of the country’s more dynamic offensive players. He’s a plus shooter, capable slasher, and smart passer from the wing. He’s also a plus rebounder at 6-7, which is an added bonus.
As arguably the top senior in this year’s draft, expect Hutchison to get a steady dose of first round looks.
Hunter will miss the NCAA Tournament, which could be a big blow to a Virginia team that’s capable of competing for a championship. His play down the stretch was good enough to earn first round consideration if he declares, though.
The Wizards could stand to improvement their frontcourt depth a bit. Marcin Gortat is beginning to age and they don’t have much when it comes to long-term pieces. Hunter is a crafty scorer at the four spot, shooting 38.2 percent from deep and boasting a nice bag of tricks around the rim.
He’s also a versatile defender, standing at 6-8 with a 7-foot wingspan and giving the Wiz some more flexibility in the second unit.
The Hawks can add another scoring threat on the perimeter in Musa. While his physical tools don’t stand out at 6-9, he’s a polished bucket-getter capable of finding his own shot at all three levels. Consistency has been a struggle in the past, but he seems to be making strides in the right direction.
Whether or not Musa comes over right away is open for speculation, but he has seperated himself as the best international prospect in this class outside of Doncic. The Hawks, who are still in the process of establishing the direction of their franchise, could stand to take that risk.
Defense will be Musa’s biggest concern. His wingspan is actually a shade shorter than his listed height, which means length is lacking. He’ll also need to add muscle to his frame, something NBA trainers can help with.
Younger brother of Michael and noted LiAngelo Ball look-alike, Jontay has emerged as a viable NBA prospect in his own right. At 6-11, 240 pounds, his unique combination of strength and shooting (37.7 percent from three) should interest a team like the Spurs.
While not the greatest athlete, Porter has shown promise on the defensive end in college. It’s not hard to envision his fit in San Antonio, with the Spurs in desperate need of a youth injection in the frontcourt. Porter’s floor spacing and all-around offensive game could be a welcomed boost.
The Western Conference standings are in flux, so the Spurs could end up anywhere between the 20s and the lottery. Porter feels like a name they’ll have on their list if they do indeed make the playoffs.
Holiday has filled the shoes of Lonzo Ball and Bryce Alford at UCLA surprsingly well, emerging as one of the best point guards in college basketball. The youngest of the Holiday brothers, his perimeter shooting and pull-up ability should allow him to carry a legitimate role off the bench from day one. He’s also averaging 5.8 assists per game.
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The Bulls have their guards of the future in Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine, but another backup option could be valuable. Cam Payne doesn’t look the part of an NBA player, while Holiday — at least long term — might be an upgrade over Jerian Grant, whose future is unclear.
Holiday is a pesky defender, although there are questions about how that will translate to the next level. His aggressiveness, at the very least, should make him passable on that side of the ball.
Averaging a block and 1.4 steals per game, Evans is the kind of two-way wing that should draw significant interest towards the back end of the first round. He’s also shooting 37.4 percent from deep, emerging as a key piece on both sides of the ball for second-seeded Cincinnati.
The Lakers already have some promising wing depth in Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, but it’s hard to overstock quality defenders and plus shooters. Evans should be able to step directly into the rotation if needed.
This is, of course, the Lakers’ only pick, as their own selection will most likely end up in Philadelphia.
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.
Brown was in the lottery discussion in 2017, which shows the risk that comes with returning to school. As a 21-year-old sophomore, Brown is old for his class, which limits his options when it comes to declaring for the draft or returning to school for a third year.
On top of that, Brown is set to miss the NCAA Tournament due to injury. That said, he still projects as a versatile defender and quality secondary ball handler. He has struggled with more playmaking duties this season, but is an explosive slasher and capable spot-up shooter. Add in his transition threat when playing downhill, and he’s still worth a first round pick.
This feels like a very Celtics pick, so don’t be surprised to see Brown towards the top of their board if he falls this far.
Frazier is the perfect late-first round gamble for the Nets. Tulane wasn’t all that successful this season, but Frazier is an explosive athlete at 6-6 and has a 7-3 wingspan at his disposal. Combine that with a 38.5 percent clip from deep, and there’s no reason against him getting first round looks.
There are still imperfections in Frazier’s game, but that’s the expectation at this point in the draft. He should be capable of spacing the floor and slashing from the wing, while his defensive upside is the kind of thing Brooklyn should have no issue pulling the trigger on.
The Nets have centered their rebuild around versatility, athleticism, and high-character players. Frazier checks every box.
Simons is in the midst of a post-graduate season with IMG Academy, which means he has the ability to skip college ball and go directly to the draft. While that might be a risk — both for Simons and whoever drafts him — he could be worth it as a top-10 prospect in the 2019 class.
So, natrually, we’ll let him slide to the Warriors. Simons already has fluid shot mechanics, shifty handles and penty of upside as an isolation scorer.
Filling out his frame and establishing consistency would be the primary focus, but Simons a nice long-term investment for a Warriors team that’s already equipped to win the championship.
Melton was one of several casualties resulting from the FBI investigation that shook college basketball to its core. After a promising freshman year that moved Melton into the first round discussion, he was sidelined for his entire sophomore campaign while USC fumbled away a potential tournament berth.
Even without playing his sophomore season, Melton should still draw first round looks. At 6-4 with a 6-9 wingspan, his length and aggression makes him an impact defender both on and off the ball. He’ll need to improve his jumper (just 28.4 percent from deep last season), but that’s something he’s capable of doing.
Next: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0
The Hawks might not keep all of their picks, but Melton feels like a worthwhile investment should they do so.