The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 8.0

By Christopher Kline

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) /
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(Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Keita Bates-Diop. 20. player. 86. . PF. Ohio State

Bates-Diop has long been the favorite for Minnesota at 20. The Ohio State senior would give Thibs an older player to work with, as well as another frontcourt piece who fits the mold of modern-day fours.

A long, versatile athlete, Bates-Diop can defend multiple positions, both inside and on the perimeter. He’ll need to add strength to play power forward full-time, but his broad shoulders should make that easy.

Offensively, Bates-Diop is an isolation savant, using a variety of moves to score on the block. He also shoots well in spot-up scenarios and can make strong cuts off the ball. Adding another stretch big who can defend multiple positions would help the Wolves tremendously.