The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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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(Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

. C. Texas. Mohamed Bamba. 5. player. 79

Bamba presents the highest defensive ceiling in the draft, using his 7-foot-10 wingspan to alter shots and accumulate blocks. The Mavericks might be eyeing a center in free agency, but they’re in a position where Best Player Available makes sense. That’s Bamba.

An elite finisher at the rim, Bamba could be the beneficiary of Dennis Smith Jr.’s dribble penetration. He’s also working on his spot-up shooting, which could turn into an important development down the line.

One of the smartest individuals in the draft, it’s not difficult to have confidence in Bamba’s long-term outcome. He works hard, wants to improve and has some of the more intriguing physical tools in recent memory.