The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 5.0

By Christopher Kline

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

125. . C. Texas. Mohamed Bamba. 4. player

The Hawks have a chance to add a defensive cornerstone to their frontcourt. John Collins has been above average on both ends by rookie standards, but he doesn’t project as a rim protector long term. Bamba fills that void and then some.

Averaging well over four blocks per game, Bamba will instantly become the longest player in the NBA, with his 7-9 wingspan rivaling that of Rudy Gobert. His offensive game isn’t too far along, but that almost doesn’t matter.

Even in a league that’s becoming increasingly perimeter-oriented, the importance of rim protection is at an all-time high. Bamba — who’s currently working out with Joel Embiid — has the potential to become one of the best defensive players in the league if things break his way.