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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 32
Next
(Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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

Jackson is another elite big man in a class littered with frontcourt talent up top. The Mavericks have been searching for a franchise center since the DeAndre Jordan fiasco, and now they finally have the chance to add one.

At 6-11 with a 7-5 wingspan, Jackson’s combination of mobility, athleticism and instincts makes him arguably the best defender in the draft. He can defend the perimeter, block shots at a high clip and body up strong bigs underneath.

He’s also a useful offensive piece, thriving as a pick-and-roll big who can space the floor consistently. Add in some post moves and decent passing chops, and you have an undisputed top-five prospect.