The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 7.0

By Christopher Kline

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MAY 20: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid poses with Chamipons Trophy and MVP of the final Trophy 2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague F4 Champion Photo Session with Trophy at Stark Arena on May 20, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Rodolfo Molina/EB via Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - MAY 20: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid poses with Chamipons Trophy and MVP of the final Trophy 2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague F4 Champion Photo Session with Trophy at Stark Arena on May 20, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Rodolfo Molina/EB via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 8: Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) looks on during the Quarterfinal game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats on March 8, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 8: Arizona forward Deandre Ayton (13) looks on during the Quarterfinal game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona Wildcats on March 8, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

player. 66. . C. Arizona. Deandre Ayton. 1

The Suns have been searching for a franchise big since the start of their rebuild a few years back. I would venture to say that Doncic is the better prospect, but Ayton is the clear-cut favorite at the No. 1 spot.

Defense was an issue for Ayton at Arizona, but the upside is there. He’s a physical freak whose length and strength alone should make him an imposing rim protector. He’s also agile enough to defend the perimeter, which should keep him on the floor against smaller lineups.

His offensive skill package is impressive. He’s a smooth finisher around the rim with the passing chops needed to create for others out of double teams. He’s also a capable shooter with range out to the three-point line, meaning he won’t clog the interior.