2018 NBA mock draft
http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/22197560/2018-nba-mock-draft-trae-young-luka-doncic-brooklyn-pickOur mock draft differs in two crucial ways from our recently updated top-100 prospect rankings.
It uses ESPN's BPI to project the draft order, and it's adjusted for NBA team needs accordingly. it also attempts to project which players will ultimately end up declaring and keeping their name in the draft.
1. Sacramento Kings
Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 18.9
PG
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 228 | PER: 27.5
Although the Kings have some interesting backcourt pieces, they still have a ways to go in terms of turning into a cohesive unit capable of winning games.
Doncic has the size, skill and versatility to fit in very well alongside all their young talent, and he would pair very well with an athletic shot-creator who can defend multiple positions in De'Aaron Fox. He's having a phenomenal season in Europe, posting historic numbers in the Euroleague and Spanish ACB for an 18-year-old.
Starting salary: $8,095,680
2. Atlanta Hawks
Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C
Height: 7-foot | Weight: 243 | PER: 32.8
The Hawks are not in a position to draft based on need at this stage of their rebuilding effort, and there are question marks about how well promising big man John Collins fits in alongside another center who doesn't protect the rim at an elite rate.
Nevertheless, Ayton has elevated himself into the conversation as a top-two pick with his incredible, natural physical tools and high skill-level. His rebounding and scoring prowess could be very attractive here, even if Mohamed Bamba might actually be a better fit stylistically.
Starting salary: $7,243,440
3. Phoenix Suns
Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C
Height: 7-foot | Weight: 207 | PER: 28.2
With Tyson Chandler on the wrong side of 30 and Alex Len entering unrestricted free agency, shoring up the center position looks like a natural move for the Suns here. It helps that they won't be sacrificing anything in terms of talent, as Bamba will likely get some looks in the top two as well due to his rare combination of length, shot-blocking instincts and offensive promise.
Bamba is starting to make 3-pointers more consistently (6-for-17 in his past 8 games), and his unicorn potential gives him arguably the highest upside of any player in this draft.
Starting salary: $6,504,600
4. Orlando Magic
Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Freshman
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Weight: 234 | PER: 32.7
Although there are some positional concerns regarding Bagley and his fit in the modern NBA, at some point, his talent level and sheer production are likely too great to pass on.
Although the Magic could very well be in the market for a point guard, there are still question marks about whether Trae Young is worthy of being picked this high. Bagley is likely best suited for the center spot, and his scoring instincts, rebounding prowess and athleticism would make for an interesting fit alongside Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac.
Starting salary: $5,864,640
5. Chicago Bulls
Jaren Jackson
Michigan State
Freshman
PF/C
Height: 6-foot-11 | Weight: 242 | PER: 28.2
At 6-foot-11, 242 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, it's very likely that Jackson sees significant minutes at center in the NBA as his promising frame fills out, rather than at the 4 like he mostly does in college at the moment. Jackson's ability to space the floor (45 percent from 3, 81 percent from the line), block shots (5.7 per-40 minutes), switch on every screen and, increasingly, put the ball on the floor from the perimeter make him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.
He would complement the promising Lauri Markkanen well in many ways and has significant upside to grow into as well, as he's the youngest player currently projected to be drafted.
Starting salary: $5,310,720
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Freshman
SF/PF
Height: 6-foot-10 | Weight: 214
With an uncertain future on the horizon due to LeBron James' free agency, the Cavs will need to stockpile as much talent as they can regardless of their hopes of keeping the King at home. Michael Porter came into the season with the hope of making a run at being the No. 1 pick in the draft, but unfortunately, he hasn't been able to build his case due to a back injury.
The results of his medical examination will play a significant role in where he ultimately is drafted, but NBA teams don't appear to be overly concerned right now about the nature of the injury and his long-term prognosis.
Starting salary: $4,823,520
Cleveland will receive Brooklyn's first-round pick unprotected.
7. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
Trae Young
Oklahoma
Freshman
PG
Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 176 | PER: 34.6
The Sixers are in line to draft in the top 10 due to the shrewd Michael Carter-Williams trade made by Sam Hinkie three years ago, as long as the pick doesn't fall between Nos. 2-5.
If this season has shown us anything, it's that Philadelphia is still in need of help with shot-creation and shot-making, despite the promising play of Ben Simmons at PG. Young's tremendous shooting prowess will allow him to play at different spots on the floor, even alongside Markelle Fultz.
Starting salary: $4,403,280
Philadelphia will receive L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30. Otherwise, the pick goes to Boston. BPI projects that Philly has a 78.1 percent chance of getting this pick, with a 5.0 percent chance that it ends up No. 1.
