With the 2018 NBA draft just two days away, it’s time to reveal Hoops Rumors’ own mock draft. Arthur Hill and Chris Crouse of Hoops Rumors have tackled the 2018 first round, alternating picks and providing their thoughts and rationale for each selection.
After checking out our picks, be sure to head to the comments section to weigh in with your own thoughts, opinions, and predictions.
6. Orlando Magic: Trae Young, PG (Oklahoma)
CC: The Magic need playmakers. Given his shooting and passing ability, Young fits the job description. He’d make a great sidekick next to Jonathan Issac as a pillar of the future in Orlando.
7. Chicago Bulls: Mohamed Bamba, C (Texas)
AH: The Bulls have young talent in place at nearly every position, but they need a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Robin Lopez. With a 7’9″ wingspan and impeccable defensive instincts, Bamba will provide an anchor for an often-porous defense and could develop into the NBA’s next great shot blocker. The Bulls can plug Bamba into the middle and wait for his offensive game to develop.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton, PG (Alabama)
CC: LeBron James and his camp are reportedly high on Sexton, and he makes sense as a prospect for the Cavs regardless of whether LBJ remains in town.
9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr., C (Duke)
AH: With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined by a torn ACL and Enes Kanter still mulling over his player-option decision, the Knicks are going to need help up front. At 263 pounds, Carter has the size to compete with NBA big men, along with the skills to succeed on the perimeter. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor calls Carter the best passing big man in the lottery, and he looks like a nice long-term running mate for Porzingis.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, SF (Villanova)
CC: Bridges can be a nice addition to a team that’s developing in ways only Sam Hinkie imagined. The Villanova product can slot into Philadelphia’s rotation on day one.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G (Kentucky)
AH: The Hornets need to start developing a replacement for Kemba Walker, who can reach unrestricted free agency next year and may even be traded this summer. Gilgeous-Alexander is an intriguing option with his advanced defensive skills and the size to play either backcourt position.
12. Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Knox, F (Kentucky)
CC: While still a bit raw, Knox has the shooting and defensive chops to be a major player in the league. He’ll fit in well behind Tobias Harris for a year before the veteran hits the free agent market.
13. Los Angeles Clippers: Robert Williams, C (Texas A&M)
AH: Los Angeles could have an immediate need at center if DeAndre Jordan opts out. Williams provides many of the same skills with his ability to finish on the pick-and-roll, rebound and patrol the middle on defense.
14. Denver Nuggets: Miles Bridges, F (Michigan State)
CC: Bridges, who should be able to play the three and four in the modern NBA, looks like an ideal long-term partner for Nikola Jokic due to his ability to space the floor and guard several positions. He’s capable of immediately providing help off the bench and could be Paul Millsap‘s eventual replacement at power forward.
15. Washington Wizards: Lonnie Walker IV, SG (Miami)
AH: Guard isn’t a position of need in Washington, but Walker is too talented to pass up at No. 15. He’s explosive off the dribble, loves to attack the rim and can match up with three positions on defense.
16. Phoenix Suns: Elie Okobo, PG (Pau-Orthez)
CC: Elfrid Payton might be back with Phoenix, but he’s merely a placeholder until the Suns find a long-term answer at the point guard position. Okobo, who is a tremendous passer, could be that answer. At the price of a mid-first-rounder, he’s worth the risk for the franchise.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Zhaire Smith, SF (Texas Tech)
AH: Smith would be a fantastic addition to the Bucks’ collection of athletically gifted players. Scouts love his ability to finish at the rim, and he’s a relentless defender who can handle guards and wings.
18. San Antonio Spurs: Troy Brown, SG (Oregon)
CC: Brown might take some time to develop, especially with his shooting, but his size and strength make him an intriguing option for a team that could be in transition this summer.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Jerome Robinson, PG (Boston College)
AH: Robinson continued to develop his offensive arsenal during a stellar junior season at Boston College. He hit better than 40% from three-point range, can shoot effectively off the dribble and has the size and versatility to handle either backcourt position.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Chandler Hutchison, G/F (Boise State)
CC: Depth on the wing is an area Minnesota needs to address this offseason and while Hutchison lacks major upside, he should be able to compete for a spot in the rotation right away.
21. Utah Jazz: Donte DiVincenzo, G (Villanova)
AH: The hero of this year’s NCAA championship game gives the Jazz another tough competitor off the bench. Dante Exum isn’t certain to return and Ricky Rubio will be a free agent next summer, so Utah needs to starting thinking about the future of its backcourt.
22. Chicago Bulls: Mitchell Robinson, C (Western Kentucky)
CC: The big man has potential to turn into a 10-year starter, though that outcome is far from certain. The Bulls can afford to be patient and take a risk on Robinson, who has never played in college or at a high international level.
23. Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday, PG (UCLA)
AH: It’s time to find a future running mate for Victor Oladipo. Darren Collison turns 31 this summer and isn’t signed past next season. Holiday displayed his scoring prowess as a junior at UCLA and his skills should translate well to the NBA.
24. Portland Trail Blazers: Keita Bates-Diop, PF (Ohio State)
CC: Bates-Diop is a project, but his length and versatility make drafting him a worthwhile venture. He could be a long-term fixture for the Blazers next to Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, assuming the franchise doesn’t break up its talented backcourt.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: De’Anthony Melton, G (USC)
AH: The Lakers stay close to home for this pick, adding an athletic scorer from USC who can also help as a playmaker and defender. In the unlikely event that the Lakers part with Lonzo Ball during their offseason quest for veteran stars, Melton would provide a nice replacement.
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Dzanan Musa, SF (Cedevita)
CC: Another international project for Philadelphia. Musa is one of the youngest players in the draft, turning 19 in May, and he has the upside to be a productive wing in the NBA.
27. Boston Celtics: Kevin Huerter, SG (Maryland)
AH: Huerter slides a little bit after hand surgery that limited his workouts, but there’s no doubt the Maryland product can play. He is an effective shooter from all over the court and at 6’7″ has the size to handle multiple positions.
28. Golden State Warriors: Josh Okogie, SG (Georgia Tech)
CC: Okogie has the tools to become a premier perimeter defender and Golden State can give him the time to develop into a solid rotational piece.
29. Brooklyn Nets: Jacob Evans, G/F (Cincinnati)
AH: The Nets would prefer to trade up, but Evans is a nice consolation prize if they can’t. He’s a versatile scorer who can get points on the move or from his post-up game. He is also an above-average defensive player who excels at blocking shots.
30) Atlanta Hawks: Gary Trent Jr., SG (Duke)
CC: Trent Jr. is an excellent three-point shooter, though he needs to work on his defense at the next level. Perhaps the Duke product can develop into a Robert Covington-type player for new Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce, a former Sixers assistant.
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
