The Sixer Sense
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2018 NBA Mock Draft 9.0

By Christopher Kline

TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 21: Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) during the a college basketball game between Connecticut Huskies and Arizona Wildcats on December 21, 2017, at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. Arizona leads at half over Connecticut 30-24. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 21: Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) during the a college basketball game between Connecticut Huskies and Arizona Wildcats on December 21, 2017, at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. Arizona leads at half over Connecticut 30-24. (Photo by Jacob Snow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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125. . C. Michigan. Moritz Wagner. 30. player

After adding two perimeter pieces in Doncic and Brown, the Hawks can close out the first round with some frontcourt depth. Wagner played an integral role in Michigan’s run to the championship game and is one of the draft’s best spot-up shooters at 7-foot.

Wagner needs to bulk up to become a passable NBA defender, but he projects as a valuable offensive piece who can space the floor and attack closeouts with long, fluid strides. He’s also a solid screener and willing ball-mover, which is important in a Doncic-led offense.

Given the Hawks’ wealth of young playmaking (in this mock scenario, at least), Wagner should be able to contribute immediately as a floor-spacing big and talented all-around scorer at the five. Again, his defense is an issue, but the Hawks can afford to work through those concerns in a rebuilding season.