USA Today Mock Draft

[Eddie20]

Solid mock from Jeff Zillgitt, Sam Amick and Michael Singer. "USA TODAY Sports canvassed multiple league executives in shaping its latest mock draft", seems pretty accurate with the way the mock went.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2018/06/15/nba-mock-draft-michael-porter-jaren-jackson-marvin-bagley/703191002/

A week away from the draft, while it looks like the No. 1 pick is set, teams are still gathering information and having players in for workouts.

Big men Marvin Bagley and Mo Bamba recently worked out for the Atlanta Hawks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. had a stellar workout for the Phoenix Suns. Many lottery teams are still gathering information on Michael Porter Jr., whose medical history is integral to this process.

At this point it’s important to be wary of smokescreens, and remember, trades are still possible.

USA TODAY Sports canvassed multiple league executives in shaping its latest mock draft. The actual NBA draft will be held next Thursday in New York.

1. Phoenix Suns - Deandre Ayton
Arizona • Center • Freshman

Height: 7-1 • Weight: 250

The Suns worked out several of the top prospects likely as due diligence, but it’s going to be Arizona center Deandre Ayton. Suns GM Ryan McDonough called Ayton’s workout “phenomenal,” and it would be a shock if they went another route.


2. Sacramento Kings - Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri • Forward • Freshman

Height: 6-11 • Weight: 211

The Kings are known to be enamored with Porter but are still trying to gather the latest medical information. If they’re convinced that he’s fully healthy, he could be the combo-forward they’ve been searching for. A trade down could also be possible if they believe they could get him lower, as the Kings have no first rounders in 2019.

3. Atlanta Hawks - Marvin Bagley III
Duke • Forward • Freshman

Height: 6-11 • Weight: 234

If Bagley learns to rely on his three-pointer a bit more, he’ll be a matchup nightmare for opposing big men. The Hawks would get immediate offensive help with this pick, and Bagley would be afforded time to improve his defense.

Marvin Bagley III reacts during a game against the
Marvin Bagley III reacts during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels. (Photo: Nicole Sweet, USA TODAY Sports)

4. Memphis Grizzlies - Luka Doncic
Real Madrid • Guard

Height: 6-8 • Weight: 220

The Grizzlies are several pieces away from contending for the postseason, but Doncic, the EuroLeague MVP, is the most polished and accomplished prospect among the elites. He immediately gives Memphis another primary ballhandler and someone capable of stretching the floor.

5. Dallas Mavericks - Jaren Jackson Jr.
Michigan State • Forward • Freshman

Height: 6-11 • Weight: 236

Viewed as perhaps the prospect with the most room to grow both physically and offensively, Jackson Jr. is an immediate asset on the defensive end. His length and timing are outstanding, and given his comfort from the perimeter, he could be the prototypical NBA big man in a few years.

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6. Orlando Magic - Mo Bamba
Texas • Center • Freshman

Height: 7-1 • Weight: 225

Similar to Jackson, Bamba is already NBA-ready on the defensive end, and there’s a question as to how far he’ll be able to stretch the floor when he’s not demoralizing defenses with his patented alley-oop finishes. Bamba, who will have the longest wingspan in the NBA at 7-10, is the kind of physical freak teams may regret passing on.

Mohamed Bamba reacts during a game against the Iowa
Mohamed Bamba reacts during a game against the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo: Brendan Maloney, USA TODAY Sports)

7. Chicago Bulls - Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke • Forward • Freshman

Height: 6-10 • Weight: 251

Carter Jr. represents a safe, solid pick with low risk. He’s a polished, but not plodding, big man with great footwork and high basketball IQ.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers - Trae Young
Oklahoma • Guard • Freshman

Height: 6-2 • Weight: 177

Is anyone surprised that Young wasn’t able to maintain his furious scoring pace for an entire season? The Cavs may benefit because other teams tried to poke holes in his obvious talent.

Underrated? Projecting PG Trae Young isn't easy, but are teams overthinking it?

9. New York Knicks - Collin Sexton
Alabama • Guard • Freshman

Height: 6-2 • Weight: 183

Sexton is an aggressive, confident scorer who could thrive as the lead guard. The guard-depleted Cavs are known to be interested in Sexton as well.

10. Philadelphia 76ers - Mikal Bridges
Villanova • Guard • Junior

Height: 6-7 • Weight: 210

Given Bridges’ experience and strengths, he’s likely an immediate contributor at the next level, filling a wing position that nearly every team covets.

Rare find: Mikal Bridges is the rare four-year player destined to be lottery pick

Mikal Bridges shoots the ball during a game against
Mikal Bridges shoots the ball during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo: Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)

11. Charlotte Hornets - Miles Bridges
Michigan State • Forward • Sophomore

Height: 6-7 • Weight: 220

The Hornets need help all over, and Bridges is a position-less wing who could play small forward and power forward in smaller lineups. He’s a bit of a tweener in terms of ideal fit, but his raw athleticism and stature make him lottery worthy.

12. Los Angeles Clippers - Lonnie Walker
Miami • Guard • Freshman

Height: 6-5 • Weight: 196

The Clippers are in a unique position to draft back-to-back lottery players, affording them a chance to make a riskier move with one of their picks. Walker, a raw, physical guard, offers them a scoring mindset combined with a versatile profile on the defensive end.

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NBA mock draft 3.0
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Flip through the gallery to see USA TODAY Sports' mock draft 3.0.  Billy Hurst, USA TODAY Sports
13. Los Angeles Clippers - Robert Williams
Texas A&M • Center • Sophomore

Height: 6-10 • Weight: 241

As for that risk, it comes in the form of Williams. Athletic and rim-running, Williams has tantalizing tools at center for the modern NBA. He also doesn’t have much of an offensive arsenal anywhere outside of the paint, and the 47% free throw percentage is scary.

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14. Denver Nuggets - Kevin Knox
Kentucky • Forward • Freshman

Height: 6-9 • Weight: 215

Not many forwards can create offense off the bounce like Knox, and it’s impossible to ignore his versatility. He’s needs to add muscle to his frame and any team must be patient with him, but there’s significant upside as he continues to develop.

Kevin Knox shoots during a game against the Kansas
Kevin Knox shoots during a game against the Kansas State Wildcats. (Photo: Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports)

15. Washington Wizards - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kentucky • Guard • Freshman

Height: 6-6 • Weight: 180

Give him a few years to develop more of an offensive repertoire, and Gilgeous-Alexander is an ideal NBA point guard. His length, passing and defense are all intriguing, but don’t expect him to orchestrate an NBA offense as a rookie.

16. Phoenix Suns - Zhaire Smith
Texas Tech • Guard • Freshman

Height: 6-4 • Weight: 198

Smith is a freak athlete without much more that teams can bank on. He’s stunning in transition and finishes dunks that hardly look feasible. His defensive instincts are there, too, but teams will have to grapple with what else he’s able to create on offense.

17. Milwaukee Bucks - Aaron Holiday
UCLA • Guard • Junior

Height: 6-1 • Weight: 185

Holiday would be less of a risk than the Bucks are typically accustomed to drafting. He’s a poised, crafty ballhandler, and with two brothers already in the league, he’s got an obvious NBA pedigree.

18. San Antonio Spurs - Troy Brown
Oregon • Forward • Freshman

Height: 6-7 • Weight: 208

There’s potentially a lot of value in Brown, who does a lot of things well but nothing great. His defensive instincts are probably his best asset, and with the right coaching and system, he could develop a more enhanced offensive game.

Troy Brown celebrates after a three-point basket during
Troy Brown celebrates after a three-point basket during a game against the Southern California Trojans. (Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)

19. Atlanta Hawks - Elie Okobo
Pau-Orthez (France) • Guard

Height: 6-3 • Weight: 180

The lefty guard has good outside touch, a quick first step and a deft midrange game. There usually aren’t many potentially starting-caliber guards left this late in the draft.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Dzanan Musa
Cedevita (Croatia) • Forward

Height: 6-9 • Weight: 195

Musa needs to add significant bulk to his frame, not necessarily to compete offensively but because he could be a liability on defense. He’s a rangy shooter and a creative finisher with good vision; offenses won’t stall with him in the rotation.

21. Utah Jazz - Kevin Huerter
Maryland • Forward • Sophomore

Height: 6-7 • Weight: 190

No one helped themselves more at the NBA draft combine than smooth-shooting forward Kevin Huerter, who excelled in the scrimmage portion. There is a belief that Huerter may have secured a promise, which could have swayed his decision to stay in the draft.

22. Chicago Bulls - Chandler Hutchison
Boise State • Guard • Senior

Height: 6-7 • Weight: 197

There’s also a belief that Hutchison, who pulled out of the NBA draft combine, may have a first-round promise from Chicago. If that’s the case, the athletic, four-year wing would fit the bill of prospects the Bulls have drafted in the past.

Boise State Broncos guard Chandler Hutchison controls
Boise State Broncos guard Chandler Hutchison controls the ball during a game against the Wyoming Cowboys. (Photo: Troy Babbitt, USA TODAY Sports)

23. Indiana Pacers - Donte DiVincenzo
Villanova • Guard • Sophomore

Height: 6-5 • Weight: 200

DiVincenzo parlayed his strong Final Four and draft combine showing into a likely first-round pick. He’s a downhill scorer, crafty finisher from multiple angles and someone who makes his teammates better.

24. Portland Trail Blazers - Keita Bates-Diop
Ohio State • Forward • Junior

Height: 6-8 • Weight: 223

Bates-Diop has good mobility, anticipation and athleticism, and his face-up game was an asset in college. As a redshirt player, there are legitimate questions as to how much he’ll improve.

25. Los Angeles Lakers - De’Anthony Melton
Southern California • Guard • Sophomore

Height: 6-3 • Weight: 193

Despite withdrawing from USC earlier this season, Melton remains an intriguing prospect thanks to his defensive intensity and transition ability. At the draft combine he also mentioned how special it would be for him to play for his hometown Lakers.

26. Philadelphia 76ers - Jerome Robinson
Boston College • Guard • Junior

Height: 6-5 • Weight: 188

It’s not hard to see what scouts like about Robinson. He’s a poised, steady guard with good size who can occasionally explode to the rim. He’s a comfortable scorer who could easily command a second unit off the bench.

Jerome Robinson controls the ball during a game against
Jerome Robinson controls the ball during a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. (Photo: Bob DeChiara, USA TODAY Sports)

27. Boston Celtics - Josh Okogie
Georgia Tech • Guard • Sophomore

Height: 6-4 • Weight: 213

Okogie has good size and a great motor, but his offensive instincts can feel a little hectic at times. He should immediately be able to hold his own on the defensive end.

28. Golden State Warriors - Khyri Thomas
Creighton • Guard • Junior

Height: 6-4 • Weight: 200

Steady and with great length, Thomas is a low-risk, heady guard who won’t make unforced mistakes and can immediately stretch the floor with his offense.

29. Brooklyn Nets - Jacob Evans
Cincinnati • Guard • Junior

Height: 6-6 • Weight: 210

With good size and strength for his position, Evans can be an immediate contributor on the defensive end and should have no trouble in a switch-heavy defense. His three-point shooting ability could be a bonus.

30. Atlanta Hawks - Mitchell Robinson
Chalmette High School • Center

Height: 7-0 • Weight: 233

Robinson might be the most enigmatic prospect in the draft, with a range as high as just outside the lottery all the way until the second round. The size and talent are there, but teams could have questions about his drive and commitment after skipping his lone year in college basketball.

[saltlover]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.  He’s only 1/2 inch less standing each than Horford (8’10.5) with a longer wingspan.  Definitely capable of playing the stretch 5 in some lineups, and can credibly switch onto guards on defense.  He’s the type of flexible role-player we need, and I really think he still has some offensive potential that’s untapped (not that he’s useless on offense as is — he was Big 10 POTY).

[smokeablount]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.

Standing pat at #27 and getting to choose between Khyri Thomas, Okogie and Mitchell Robinson would be great IMO, we just can't pick the worst one, and hopefully we pick the best.

Kinda reading between the lines, looking for an opportunity, if Hutchison stayed in the draft because Chicago made him a promise, maybe we could trade up to Chicago's pick (give them #27 + ?) since they likely still get Hutchison at #27, plus an asset.

If that happens, according to this mock, we can then also choose between Bates-Diop, Jerome Robinson, DiVincenzo & Melton, all popular guys among draftniks here. 

[Birdman]

Mitchell Robinson would be my choice

[saltlover]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.

Standing pat at #27 and getting to choose between Khyri Thomas, Okogie and Mitchell Robinson would be great IMO, we just can't pick the worst one, and hopefully we pick the best.

Kinda reading between the lines, looking for an opportunity, if Hutchison stayed in the draft because Chicago made him a promise, maybe we could trade up to Chicago's pick (give them #27 + ?) since they likely still get Hutchison at #27, plus an asset.

If that happens, according to this mock, we can then also choose between Bates-Diop, Jerome Robinson, DiVincenzo & Melton, all popular guys among draftniks here.

I gave a little more info on Bates-Diop after you started quoting me, FYI.

I don’t think you can trade with Chicago.  I’m sure the promise is that they will pick him at #22, not in the 1st round in general.  The Bulls could trade higher and fulfill a promise (if one exists), but not lower.

[blink]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.  He’s only 1/2 inch less standing each than Horford (8’10.5) with a longer wingspan.  Definitely capable of playing the stretch 5 in some lineups, and can credibly switch onto guards on defense.  He’s the type of flexible role-player we need, and I really think he still has some offensive potential that’s untapped (not that he’s useless on offense as is — he was Big 10 POTY).

i agree with you on Keita Bates-Diop.  Another swiss army knife, mature, good attitude, can switch on D.  He seems ready to contribute minutes next year.  I wish he was 6'9" and the exact same player.

[saltlover]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.  He’s only 1/2 inch less standing each than Horford (8’10.5) with a longer wingspan.  Definitely capable of playing the stretch 5 in some lineups, and can credibly switch onto guards on defense.  He’s the type of flexible role-player we need, and I really think he still has some offensive potential that’s untapped (not that he’s useless on offense as is — he was Big 10 POTY).

i agree with you on Keita Bates-Diop.  Another swiss army knife, mature, good attitude, can switch on D.  He seems ready to contribute minutes next year.  I wish he was 6'9" and the exact same player.

He’s 6’8.5” basketball height (in shoes).  I’m sorry he doesn’t have the extra half inch?

[blink]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.  He’s only 1/2 inch less standing each than Horford (8’10.5) with a longer wingspan.  Definitely capable of playing the stretch 5 in some lineups, and can credibly switch onto guards on defense.  He’s the type of flexible role-player we need, and I really think he still has some offensive potential that’s untapped (not that he’s useless on offense as is — he was Big 10 POTY).

i agree with you on Keita Bates-Diop.  Another swiss army knife, mature, good attitude, can switch on D.  He seems ready to contribute minutes next year.  I wish he was 6'9" and the exact same player.

He’s 6’8.5” basketball height (in shoes).  I’m sorry he doesn’t have the extra half inch?

oh I just read on another sites that he was 6'7" (draft express, SI, espn)....I know you don't block shots and defend with the top of your head.  he has great length either way.

[smokeablount]

Man, if Bates-Diop falls to 24 I really hope Danny could move up for him cheaply, even though Okogie is someone I’d be quite happy with at 27.  Give KBD a year to get to speed in the NBA and he could give us three more years of what we get from Morris, at half the price.

Standing pat at #27 and getting to choose between Khyri Thomas, Okogie and Mitchell Robinson would be great IMO, we just can't pick the worst one, and hopefully we pick the best.

Kinda reading between the lines, looking for an opportunity, if Hutchison stayed in the draft because Chicago made him a promise, maybe we could trade up to Chicago's pick (give them #27 + ?) since they likely still get Hutchison at #27, plus an asset.

If that happens, according to this mock, we can then also choose between Bates-Diop, Jerome Robinson, DiVincenzo & Melton, all popular guys among draftniks here.

I gave a little more info on Bates-Diop after you started quoting me, FYI.

I don’t think you can trade with Chicago.  I’m sure the promise is that they will pick him at #22, not in the 1st round in general.  The Bulls could trade higher and fulfill a promise (if one exists), but not lower.

Normally I'd quibble but that seems frivilous here... who are our top trade up candidates do you think?  Could be in the 20s for a guy like KBD, but I also think moving into the teens or even mid-late lottery could be great for the team with a team like Orlando at #6.  Who do you see as the logical or obvious list of potential trade up partners between #6 and #27