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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fc2598525d72442694bfe498c94eba9a968b2e5dc2b42127091716cb7292b0a1.jpg)
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.