The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 6.0

By Christopher Kline

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Miles Bridges (22) fakes going up for a shot during a college basketball game between Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on February 25th, 2018 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. Michigan State defeats Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Miles Bridges (22) fakes going up for a shot during a college basketball game between Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on February 25th, 2018 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. Michigan State defeats Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

79. . C. Michigan State. Jaren Jackson Jr.. 5. player

Jackson is one of several elite bigs at the top of this class. His frame, defensive output and floor spacing should put him firmly in the top-five discussion come June. The Mavericks luck out after dropping a couple of spots in the lottery.

The Mavericks have been searching for frontcourt stability for quite some time now, and Jackson gives them just that. He’s developed enough to contribute at a high level from day one, while his game should fit nicely as a pick-and-pop weapon next to Dennis Smith Jr. and Harrison Barnes.

Aside from Bamba, Jackson is probably the best defensive prospect in this draft. Rim protection remains important in today’s league, and Jackson couples that with enough mobility to guard the perimeter in spurts.