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 Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

7. player. 67. . PF/C. Duke. Wendell Carter Jr.

Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere are both fine players, but neither of them present the kind of long-term upside Sacramento needs in the frontcourt. Carter was largely overshadowed by Bagley in Duke’s frontcourt, but he has a chance to be just as good at the next level.

Many have compared Carter to Al Horford, and it’s easy to see why. His athletic tools are complimented by a fluid post game with compact footwork and plenty of touch around the basket. He’s also a smart passer who can space the floor on occasion.

Carter wasn’t great on the defensive end this season, but Duke struggled as a whole for most of the year before switching to zone. His length, athleticism, and lateral quickness should bode well on that side of the ball.