2018 NBA Mock Draft 8.0

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Marvin Bagley poses for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Marvin Bagley poses for a portrait before the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
16 of 32
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

John Wall said the Wizards need an athletic center, and he’s right. Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi aren’t long-term options, meaning they’ll likely search for a replacement in the draft. Williams is the favored option.

Despite lacking the offensive upside of his lottery counterparts, Williams does have one of the highest defensive ceilings in the draft. At 6-10 with a 7-5 wingspan, he can block shots at a high clip and check the perimeter, which is important in today’s NBA.

On the offensive end, Williams is an explosive lob catcher who should get rewarded by Wall’s playmaking. He doesn’t do much outside the paint, but in Washington’s offense, he won’t have to.