With the NBA Playoffs underway, the final standings are set. Let’s update our projections for the 2018 NBA Draft.
As the Philadelphia 76ers make a playoff run, they also have a top-10 pick in their back pocket. In what is one of the deepest lottery classes since LeBron James and Co. in 2003, the Sixers have the chance to add another legitimate contributor through the draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft already has it’s fair share of storylines. Where will Trae Young go after his late-season struggles? Is Luka Doncic’s Euroleague dominance enough to push him past the physical anomaly that is Deandre Ayton?
There’s plenty to discuss, both with the Sixers and beyond.
As always, this mock draft is a prediction of what certain teams will do in June based on several factors. Team needs are taken into account, while my personal rankings might not be reflected in who a team picks. You can find all of our draft coverage here.
Ayton and Doncic are still jockeying for the No. 1 spot, but Ayton gives the Suns something they desperately lack: a franchise big. Neither Dragan Bender nor Marquese Chriss have lived up to expectations, so adding somebody with Ayton’s upside makes sense.
Defense has been an issue for Ayton this year, but he has the tools needed to reverse that trend at the next level. He’ll need to improve his awareness and effort in certain spots, but anybody with his physical tools has clear-cut potential on that side of the ball.
Offensively, Ayton is ready to contribute right away. He’s a polished scorer in the post who’s capable of making advanced passes and spacing the floor out to the college 3-point line, if not further.
If Memphis is commited to making the playoffs next year, Doncic is the perfect find for them. He might not measure up athletically to some of his lottery counterparts, but he has all the skill and basketball intelligence you’d want in a top pick.
Doncic, at just 19 years old, is among the best players in Euroleague, a virtually unheralded feat. He’s playing — and dominating — competition that exceeds anything collegiate players have faced.
At 6-8, Doncic is a crafty ball handler who’s capable of making some Ben Simmons-esque passes while spacing the floor when he’s stationed off the ball. His frame could allow him to switch between three or four positions if needed.
There are some well-documented concerns with Bagley, especially on the defensive end. He’s still the third best prospect in this draft.
Even after arriving at Duke a year early, Bagley was one of college basketball’s most productive players from start to finish. He averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, using his athleticism and motor to dominate the glass on a nightly basis.
Bagley will need to polish up his offense a bit, but the talent is obvious. He can put the ball on the floor and manuever his way around the post with ease. He also shot 39.7 percent from deep on a respectable 1.8 attempts per game.
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.
The Magic can add some much-needed youth to their frontcourt, grabbing a long-term solution for when Nikola Vucevic‘s window inevitably closes. Behind Bamba, Jackson was arguably the second-best rim protector in college basketball this season, averaging three blocks per contest.
At 6-11 with a 7-5 wingspan, Jackson’s athleticism and mobility at the five spot is a rare weapon. He could be a nice compliment to Aaron Gordon in the frontcourt, both offensively and defensively.
On offense, Jackson has made his living as a pick-and-pop threat for the Spartans. His awkward release might give reason for pause, but he proved himself to be a reliable shooter at every level last season. He’s also a skilled scorer around the block.
The Bulls said they would look at the wing position, which makes Porter a significant possibility here. He struggled in the SEC and NCAA tournaments after missing the regular season with back issues, but that rust was understable.
Many had Porter as their No. 1 prospect entering the season, and scouts should still be familiar with his game from high school and AAU performances. At 6-10, Porter is a capable three-level scorer who can occupy either forward spot.
The primary concern with Porter is creating for others. He has always been capable of generating offense for himself, but his passing has underwhelmed in the past. If he’s going to be Chicago’s primary option offensively, that will need to change.
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.
Barring new information between now and the draft, the Cavs will probably operate like LeBron James is returning. Giving him one of the best shooters in recent memory to work alongside is a good start.
There are plenty of valid concerns with Young, ranging from shot selection to his slight frame. His struggles during the second half of the season probably left some scouts worried, even if they weren’t quite as bad as the national media made them out to be.
Still, Young is capable of pulling up and drilling shots from well beyond the NBA 3-point line. He’s a crafty ball handler and elite playmaker as well, but his ability to work off the ball could be key next to LeBron, should the latter remain with the Cavaliers.
The Knicks have been connected to point guards in most mocks, but their lack of wing depth could take them in a different direction. Bridges was an integral part of Villanova’s title run, emerging as the premeir 3-and-D wing in this draft.
Bridges was always a solid role player with first round upside, but he took things to a different level this season. He added more variety to his game, hitting shots off movement and putting the ball on the floor more than he did in his first two seasons.
On the other end, Bridges’ long arms and instincts should make him an effective multi-positional defender. The Knicks could benefit from adding a solid two-way perimeter piece into the fold next to Kristaps Porzingis.
With Mikal off the board, the Sixers go for the other Bridges. Miles struggled to live up to expectations this season, but his unique athletic tools should keep him firmly in the lottery discussion.
At 6-6 with a 6-9 wingspan, Bridges’ strength and bounce are virtually unmatched among players his size. His ability to play above the rim and hit spot-up jumpers should fit nicely next to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
His defensive versatility is a nice bonus as well. He has been inconsistent on that end in the past, but he has the potential to add another athletic, switch-friendly body to the Sixers’ elite defensive rotation.
This pick depends almost entirely on the direction Mitch Kupchak wants to take the Hornets. If they plan on moving past the Kemba Walker era in the near future, Sexton should be viewed as the best point guard left on the board.
Even with some sizable red flags, Sexton’s late-season explosion reminded scouts of his potential at the next level. He’s already an elite shot-maker who was responsible for shouldering the bulk of Alabama’s offense. His explosiveness and strong frame makes him tough to stop when playing downhill.
Sexton wasn’t the defensive savant that many expected coming into the season, but he still has solid tools on that end. If his effort is there — and when it’s there, it’s THERE — he should be a pesky defender at the point of attack.
Gilgeous-Alexander was a big riser all season, quickly emerging as Kentucky’s most consistent playmaker on the offense end. Combining nice physical tools and a crafty offensive game, he should work his way into the lottery on draft night.
It’s hard to get a grasp on the Clippers’ future. Lou Williams will be back for at least another season, but they lack a true long-term option at point guard. Gilgeous-Alexander could slide into the rotation on a playoff team.
While not overly quick, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to finish through traffic and make plays in the pick-and-roll should translate well to the next level. He’s also a solid defender who, once he fills out his frame, should be able to guard both ones and twos.
Williams took a big risk in returning to school for his sophomore season. He wasn’t put in the best position to succeed at A&M, but his strong play in the NCAA Tournament might have cemented his status as a potential lottery pick.
Even with major question marks on the offensive end, Williams’ defensive upside remains among the highest in this year’s class. At 6-10 with a 7-6 wingspan, his impressive blend of mobility and bounce allows him to reak havoc on that side of the ball.
He’s a solid pick-and-roll big who’s capable of playing above the rim offensively, but NBA scouts would like to see him improve his jumper, something he didn’t use much this season.
Brown is a perfect fit in the Nuggets’ motion-heavy system. His 3-point shot was a little inconsistent in his one season at Oregon, but assuming he makes strides in that department, he should be one of the best wings in this class.
At 6-7 with long arms and a solid frame, Brown is capable of defending three or four positions. He’s also a diverse offensive talent, capable of handling the ball and acting as the facilitator on occasion.
The Nuggets need as much perimeter defense as they can get with Jokic’s well-noted weaknesses on that side of the ball. Brown has the potential to help them in that department while presenting some appealing upside on the other end as well.
Robinson left Western Kentucky this summer before inevitably deciding to forgo college altogether and prepare for the draft. At 7-1 with a 7-4 winsgpan, his physical tools and defensive upside should draw extensive looks toward the middle of the first round.
Washington doesn’t have much in terms of frontcourt depth. Neither Marcin Gortat nor Ian Mahinmi provide much long term stability at center, so adding a young, athletic body to mold on a playoff-caliber roster makes sense.
Robinson has flahsed a jumper in the past, but it isn’t a reliable part of his game yet. How he performs in pre-draft workouts will obviously play a big role in determining how high or low he goes in June.
Smith was a lesser-known freshman entering the season, but he quickly established himself as a prospect — and eventually a first round talent — during Texas Tech’s run to the NCAA Tournament.
At 6-5, Smith is one of the best athletes in this year’s class. He doesn’t add much as a shooter yet, but he’s a dangerous cutter who can do some serious damage in transition. His defensive upside is also something teams will covet.
Quality perimeter pieces are at a premium nowadays, and Smith has plenty of room to grow. He’s still just 18 with obvious physical gifts that are hard to come by outside the lottery. The Suns, having already bolstered their frontcourt with Ayton, should feel comfortable with this pick.
Knox’s production ebbed and flowed all season, but he should be firmly inside the top-20 come draft night. He’s still raw compared to most of his freshmen counterparts, but he has the tools needed to become a reliable scoring threat at either forward spot.
Shooting will be key in Knox’s development. He was around a 35 percent shooter from deep last season, but that came in several inconsistent bursts. He’s already an excellent cutter, using his length to finish around the rim and get off shots from mid-range.
At 6-9, Knox is also a versatile body on the defensive end. Milwaukee already has plenty of length in their rotation, so Knox should be a welcomed addition. He’s easily the best prospect left at this point.
Walker struggled to carve out a role early in the season, but came on strong in ACC play. He’s already a high-end athlete who can shoot well and play aggressive defense on the other end, giving the Spurs’ developmental staff plenty to work with.
At 6-4 with a 6-10 wingpsan, Walker is capable of making some impressive plays on the defensive end. He still commits youthful mistakes from time to time, but he normally offsets those with a weakside block or intercepted pass.
If he adds more to his game off the dribble, Walker can easily outperform his draft spot. If he ends up in San Antonio, the chances of him doing so only get higher.
Holiday stepped into the void left by Lonzo Ball and Bryce Alford with impressive effectiveness. He was among the best point guards in the country, leading an inconsistent Bruins team to the NCAA Tournament while moving into the first round conversation.
The Hawks, having already added Bamba to their frontcourt, can add to their perimeter depth with a high-end shooter and capable playmaker. Dennis Schroder is the undisputed starter, but Holiday has a clear path to earning backup point guard minutes from day one.
Joining his brothers Jrue and Justin, expect Holiday to stick around as a steady hand and solid complimentary piece at the NBA level.
Bates-Diop led the Buckeyes to an unexpected five-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Standing around 6-7 with long arms, he has the potential to provide a nice scoring lift at the four spot for a Wolves team that lacks depth in the frontcourt.
Bates-Diop added tons to his offensive repertoire inside the arc. He hit tough shots aplenty, combining strong footwork wth some crafty moves around the painted area. He went from a fringe second rounder to arguably the best player in the Big 10 in one season.
The Wolves should be in the playoff hunt again next season, and Bates-Diop is somebody who can come in and contribute off the bench right away.
The Jazz get to add one of college basketball’s best perimeter defenders in Thomas. He’s slightly undersized for a two-guard at 6-3, but has the length needed to defend either guard spot.
Utah’s defense has been their calling card all season, and Thomas only adds to that. His aggressiveness at the point of attack and excellent instincts in passing lanes help him force turnovers at a high clip, which naturally leads to opportunities in transition.
Offensively, he’s a strong spot-up shooter who’s capable of handling the ball and making smart passes when needed. He adds a nice, versatile cog to the Jazz second unit.
The Bulls lack depth at the center spot, especially when you take Robin Lopez out of the long term equation. Porter is the best big man available, and he happens to be the brother of Michael, who the Bulls selected sixth in this mock.
While not nearly the prospect that Michael is, Jontay does bring a lot to the table that NBA teams will appreciate. He’s a high-end shooter at the five spot, thriving in pick-and-pop scenarios. He’s also a crafty scorer on the block, something that picked up quite a bit in SEC play last season.
He struggles on defense, but the Bulls have time to iron out those issues and figure out where he fits into the rotation. Next to Lauri Markkanen and Bobby Portis, the Bulls have the potential to have shooting in the frontcourt at all times.
The Pacers don’t have any glaring holes in their roster, so adding another 3-and-D wing to the mix makes sense. Evans was a key defensive cog for a Bearcats team that grabbed the two-seed on the strength of their defense.
Evans also added a lot to his offensive game last season, scoring relatively well off the dribble while shooting a career-high 38 percent from deep. He’s the kind of do-it-all role player that NBA teams crave late in the first round.
Indiana should be in the playoffs again next season, but Evans can carve out playing time on a competitive team in year one.
Portland’s forwards have struggled recently, so adding some more NBA-ready depth at that spot makes sense. Hutchison’s smooth offensive game makes him one of, if not the best senior in this class.
At 6-7, he’s a capable ball handler who can scorel at all three levels. He has made some sneaky strides as a passer, to boot. That, along with his defensive versatility, should make him a capable bench piece on day one.
This year’s draft is relativley low on wing talent, so Hutchison has a lot of room to move up draft boards between now and June.
Musa might be a lottery pick if he were semi-capable on defense. He projects as a subpar defender in just about every way, and at 6-9, his 6-8.5 wingspan doesn’t exactly hep his cause.
Still, the Bosnian wing is one of the most polished scorers in this class, capable of creating his own shot better than most players slotted ahead of him. He’s producing at a high level for a solid European clubas well.
The Lakers don’t necessarily need to stash their pick, but Musa might be the best player on the board. He’s skilled enough offensively to contribute if he comes over, but the Lakers might have to wait a year or two (and that’s fine).
Brown was a borderline lottery pick last season before returning to school. His production dipped considerably in year two, as he struggled to show the growth that many scouts wanted to see.
Still, Brown has upside as a defender that the Sixers would be hard-pressed to pass on a 26. He’s versatile enough to defend two or three positions, while his athleticism gives him some lingering upside on the offensive end.
Despite struggling as the primary ball handler this season, Brown is a capable spot-up shooter and a dangerous slasher. He’s also liable for the occasional rim-rocker, while his cutting should fit nicely next to the Sixers’ playmakers.
Melton is a quality defender that fits the Celtics’ typical archetype late in the first. He’s athletic and should be able to play either guard spot, giving Brad Stevens another piece to work with in the backcourt.
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The FBI investigation worked heavily against Melton this season, keeping him off the floor entirely. He was already working his way into first round discussions last season, though, so strong workouts should keep his stock relatively stable.
3-point shooting will be a major point of emphasis for Melton at the next level. He’s already a smart passer, capable slasher, and high-end defender. He just needs to prove that he can knock down perimeter shots at a league-average rate.
Shamet makes a lot of sense for a Golden State team that’s looking to win the title. He’s another ball handler who plays hard defender and boasts an incredible basketball I.Q., something that should allow him to contribute right away.
It’s tough for rookies to get consistent playing time with the Warriors, but both Patrick McCaw and Jordan Bell have shown that carving out a role is possible. Shamet can work on and off the ball, while his willingness to move the ball fits right into Steve Kerr‘s system.
This could be the kind of pick that teams above Golden State end up regretting, just like Bell last season.
Wagner led Michigan to the NCAA championship game, something that could push him into first round consideration. THe Nets are still searching for another big man behind Jarrett Allen, and Wagner might catch their attention.
While not the greatest defender, Moe Buckets does a lot of nice things offensively. He’s a knockdown shooter who’s capable of maneuvering around the post and carving out shots. That added floor spacing at the five spot could bring some nice value to Brooklyn’s second unit.
This is higher than most mocks project Wagner, but the Wolverines junior should be able to work his way into the first round conversation given his personality and NBA-friendly skill set.
The Hawks use their third and final first round pick on a potential draft-and-stash candidate. Kurucs was firmly in the first round conversation last season, but slipped a bit in 2018 due to an inconsistent role with Barcelona’s second team.
Nonetheless, he’s still a 6-8 wing who can score on the perimeter and compete defensively. His resume should keep him in that range on draft night, even if most projections list him as a second rounder.
Next: 2018 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0
We’ll be releaseing an updated big board towards the end of the month, so stay tuned for that. Also, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Philadelphia 76ers are in the playoffs. We’ll be covering that too.