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.
Our mock draft isn’t necessarily a reflection of what we think will happen on Thursday night, but rather what Arthur and Chris feel each team should do with the 30 first-round picks. Our draft also doesn’t include trades, so a busy week on the trade market could significantly alter our projected order.
After checking out our picks, be sure to head to the comments section to weigh in with your own thoughts, opinions, and predictions.
Let’s dive in…
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C (Arizona)
Arthur Hill: The Suns, who entered the offseason hoping to find an answer at center, got lucky in the lottery and won the chance to draft Ayton. He was a difference maker in college at both ends of the court, though scouts believe his offense is ahead of his defense at the NBA level. He and Devin Booker should be an exciting combination for many years to come.
2. Sacramento Kings: Michael Porter Jr., F (Missouri)
Chris Crouse: The Kings are reportedly seriously considering Porter Jr. and it’s easy to see why. The versatile forward may be the draft’s biggest risk/reward prospect, but he has the talent to be a franchise player. Nobody wants to see another Joel Embiid situation where a top prospect, falling because of health concerns, ends up being the best player in the draft. Porter can be that kind of special player and the risk is worth the reward.
3. Atlanta Hawks: Jaren Jackson Jr., F/C (Michigan State)
AH: It could be a coin flip for the Hawks between Jackson and Marvin Bagley III. Bagley provides more punch on offense, but Jackson is far more advanced on the defensive end. Jackson could turn into a dominant shot blocker with a 7’4″ wingspan and seems like a better fit next to John Collins.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, PG (Real Madrid)
CC: If Doncic is still available at No. 4, the Grizzlies’ phone should be ringing off the hook. The Sixers are looking to trade up and he’d be a great fit to help complete the process. If Memphis stays put, Doncic would be a nice pick to play alongside Mike Conley to try and squeeze one more playoff run out of what’s remaining from the Grit-and-Grind era.
5. Dallas Mavericks: Marvin Bagley III, F/C (Duke)
AH: The Mavericks are happy to see Bagley slide to fifth and will snap up the draft’s most offensively skilled big man. Dallas can address its needs at center on the free agent market, as Bagley provides an inside scoring threat the team has lacked along with an aggressive rebounder. Bagley averaged a double-double in his lone season at Duke and appears capable of posting similar numbers at the NBA level.
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.
At first glance I doubt Chicago picks both Bamba and Robinson.
Probably Musa at #22.
If James is going to make the Cavs draft Sexton then he should stick around. Not the 8th best player. Not the 12th
Agree…bulls need 3 and 5.if bulls pick bamba fot 7th pick, i think bulls need pick sf for 22nd pick.or maybe the youngest holyday for backup pg.bulls pg backup is suck.grant and cameron “tanking comander” payne very suck.
No khyri Thomas?
Porter at No.2????
Am I the only one who thinks Porter, Jr. will be a huge bust? He doesn’t shoot well, the injuries pile up, he just seems like a risk.
You’re not. To an extent they’re all risks but porter fells like the biggest risk and the lowest potential to succeed. Back injuries as a teenager aren’t a good sign.
He can shoot. And will only get better over time. His biggest issue is his back. Kid has skills, but that back injury has spooked many teams.
Also, to his defense, he’s part of a very deep and talented draft class, allowing teams to pass and draft a safer pick that keeps the talent gap small.
yes.his shoot is good.his defense is good.good wing spawn. but that injuried make me worry.but no one know who will be a player or a bust. look at anony bennet.have no injuried, take 1st spot, but going to nowhere.so, if im bulls gm, ill take that risk to pick mpj if he available
He can shoot but will be (a) stiff. The biggest mistakes NBA teams have made (since 2016 at least) is 6’10” guys who can shoot and not much else. Race may play a factor in many of those overpays, but IMO Porter does have a caucasian look to him. Alemannic. SAC should take Bagley
Joel Embiid did not fall due to health concerns. He went #3 overall. It’s not like he dropped to 14 or something.
he did fall because of health he was suppose to go #1 but the Cavs & Bucks was worried about his health but my 76ers only cared about best available player
And the gamble paid off.
If I recall, that draft was wide open as to who was going #1. You could look at 5 different reputable mock drafts and have 5 different #1 picks. Embiid did not exactly dominate college basketball. There were plenty of questions about him and not all were health related.
Scratch that. That was the draft the year before. I keep thinking Embiid was 2013. The 2014 draft, Embiid was NEVER considered as the #1 prospect. Andrew Wiggins was considered the #1 pick from his junior year in high school.
ESPN (Ford) and DraftExpress (Givony) both had Embiid ranked as 2014’s No. 1 prospect before he underwent foot surgery a week before the draft that year.
I recall CLE with the #1 pick going with the conventional wisdom. I liked Embiid #1 because he actually made a difference in winning & losing which is not that that common for a center anymore.
But his injury. Zydrunas Ilgauskas had such a problem with his feet previously in Cleveland.
#2 is high. IMO, it’s not a great risk/reward there, it’s mostly risk. Beyond the injury question, he’ll have to prove to be a true perimeter player – a “3” – not a “4” who can play some “3” to be a star.
Totally agree with MPJ, the reward is worth the risk, this guy can ball, he can be a superstar in this league.
You see now Cleveland & Milwaukee did look silly for passing on Embiid. Wiggins has been good & healthy but not special, Jabari has been inconsistent & unhealthy to the point that I don’t think he will ever reach his potential due to his 2 big injuries, Embiid struggled for 2 years but now he is been healthy & showing to be a generational talent, that is why you cannot pass on someone like MPJ… risk is way below the worth… even if it doesn’t work for health issues no one can say you got the wrong guy, because he was the best guy you took a chance on him.
Just based on intangibles and basketball pedigree Lakers should pick Trent Jr over Melton
Ayton, Bagley, Jackson Jr, Porter jr, Bamba, Doncic, Carter jr, Mikal Bridges, Kevin Knox, Trae Young, SGA, Miles Bridges, Lonnie Walker, Troy Brown, Robert Williams, Colin Sexton, Zhaire Smith, Keita Bates Diop, Jerome Robinson, Donte Divincenzo, Omari Spellman, Kevin Huerter, Chandler Hutchinson, Jacob Evans, Aaron Holiday, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, Kyri Thomas, Shake Milton, Melvin Frazier is how I can see it going the first round, although obviously trades will likely be involved and that could easily move certain guys, like Sexton up. Also, once you get into the late teens and mid 20s, through the first 10-15 picks of the 2nd round, there are a lot of interchangeable guards/wings that can potentially go in whatever order
I think Spellman will go higher than 21 due to versatility– he does not necessarily inspire confidence but he checks a lot of boxes.
If Mikal goes to NY I think they will find themselves with another Lance Thomas, very moderately improved. I doubt CLE is interested at #8; he’s not a playmaker; he can’t give Lebron an oncourt break.
LeBron is gone. But if he isnt, that’s a ready made wing that can catch and shoot, play defense, and can put the ball on the floor. They have desperately needed that the last few years
As a Knick fan, I like this draft 1-8, although I doubt it shakes out this way, mostly because I don’t think there’s much chance that Orlando takes Young at #6. If Bamba is on the board as posited, its ripe for a trade down (although Orlando might just grab him). Two of Carter, Young or Sexton go before #9, it’s still good.
I don’t see the Hawks taking Jackson over Bagley or Doncic if all 3 are available. I also can see the Magic taking Carter over Young at 6. The Sixers could be interesting at 10 if both Knox & Bridges are available. I’ve read a lot lately about how Knox is very high on their draft board. If that is the case, do they take him over the local kid?
but magic gm said they want to draft trae young. i hope they do that bcoz i dont want my bulls draft trae young