realEAST 2018 Mock Draft - EXPLANATIONS and 2ND ROUND ADDED

[realEAST]

So here is the link on RealGM Draft Simulator, I am planning na adding explanations later:

https://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/draft_simulator/view/485235/

Thanks for reading and comments

[GimmeDat]

As you mentioned, I think we're on a similar page. I probably have been too harsh on Sexton, could easily see him going something like 9 as you have, I think he'll be productive if he gets control of a unit, still have my reservations though about how versatile he could be, needs the right role.

Troy Brown another that deviates a bit from mine, again, could easily see him going that high if he proves his shot, which he seems to be doing.

I don't see Carter dropping to 12. I think he's going to be really good. Would be a steal for Clippers that late, imo.

Also, what a great outcome it would be if JJJ fell to us. Unlikely, but you look at the picks you've chosen and it's entirely plausible. Hutchison I kinda like at 22, but age dampens the excitement for me a bit, would hurt personally for us to miss out on Williams/Musa/Walker/Okogie immediately preceding us, I think we just lose out there. With guys like Okobo, Mitchell, Heurter and more going after our spot, gives me confidence that this draft has quite a deep 1st compared to initial expectations though, we should get a good player.

Would be interesting to see Bruce Brown sneak in to the 1st, could happen if he shoots the ball well, but man, he had a bad year.

[Spens1]

Yet another center. We've drafted 2 of them already in the last 2 years. I am certain we're drafting a S.F. or S.G. (especially since Kyhri Thomas would be still on the board at that point).

[realEAST]

As you mentioned, I think we're on a similar page. I probably have been too harsh on Sexton, could easily see him going something like 9 as you have, I think he'll be productive if he gets control of a unit, still have my reservations though about how versatile he could be, needs the right role.

Troy Brown another that deviates a bit from mine, again, could easily see him going that high if he proves his shot, which he seems to be doing.

I don't see Carter dropping to 12. I think he's going to be really good. Would be a steal for Clippers that late, imo.

Also, what a great outcome it would be if JJJ fell to us. Unlikely, but you look at the picks you've chosen and it's entirely plausible. Hutchison I kinda like at 22, but age dampens the excitement for me a bit, would hurt personally for us to miss out on Williams/Musa/Walker/Okogie immediately preceding us, I think we just lose out there. With guys like Okobo, Mitchell, Heurter and more going after our spot, gives me confidence that this draft has quite a deep 1st compared to initial expectations though, we should get a good player.

Would be interesting to see Bruce Brown sneak in to the 1st, could happen if he shoots the ball well, but man, he had a bad year.

Haven't still managed to do reasoning for every pick, but you picked the most dubious ones anyway. As for Sexton, I was between him and Miles Bridges for Knicks, but even though NY has some depth there (Burke, Mudiay, Ntilikina?) Sexton seems like a guy with a higher potential upside than any of them, as well as Bridges, and even though it is always a bit of a risk, at this point there are question marks with every player, and if Sexton puts it together, he can be great. Knicks can also afford giving him the leading guard place and somewhat expanded role next season, esp. with Porzingis out for at least part of the season.

As for Wendell Carter, I have him higher on my "big board" than #12, but if Knicks don't take him at #9 - and with Zinger there to be long term C imo they can look for more immediate area of need - Carter doesn't fit well on 76ers who also have more pressing needs, and Hornets have a glut of bigs, some of them young and/or recently traded for, so he slid to Clippers. Can't say for sure, maybe some team (CHA) takes him on talent alone.

Troy Brown I like despiet having up and down season. But he really offers the all round game, with ability to playmake, and is a two way player. His shooting is bit of a problem, but having mid range game pretty developed, and being youngest along JJJ in the draft, I think his shot might come (be coming) into shape.

Bruce Brown is also one of those versatile, all around guys with good IQ who is also a good defender. True, didn't have the best year, esp the second part, and injury just finished him, but imo Warriors value this type of players, and if he can start shooting it more consistently, at least off the catch, he can turn out to be pretty useful rotation guy imo.

Finally, the Bulls: past top3 which is imo pretty much set one way or another (Doncic, Bagley, Ayton in some order) it gets tricky. Given the way Grizzlies are set up as a team, but also being from a smaller market that would need that marketable star and potential primary scorer, I can see them going with Porter as a pick since they missed out on Doncic. And if Orlando does go with Young, which makes a lot of sense imo, we should end up with one of JJJ or Bamba.
#22 offers more options, but when I arranged previous picks, Hutchnson seemed like the best option - you might've noticed I am fond of these all round guys who you'd hope become more consistent shooters (esp. if we stick to that Fred the shooting wizard tag). Among the guys that I have behind, I might prefer Okobo, but highly doubt we go PG with our pick this year.

[realEAST]

Yet another center. We've drafted 2 of them already in the last 2 years. I am certain we're drafting a S.F. or S.G. (especially since Kyhri Thomas would be still on the board at that point).

I've seen Zubac fall out of favor somewhat this season, and with Fernando being touted as potentially high level defender, and Lakers having basically no Cs, I could've seen him as an option. But as I'll probably reshuffle this mock few times from now, I'll take this comment into consideration.

[Spens1]

Yet another center. We've drafted 2 of them already in the last 2 years. I am certain we're drafting a S.F. or S.G. (especially since Kyhri Thomas would be still on the board at that point).

I've seen Zubac fall out of favor somewhat this season, and with Fernando being touted as potentially high level defender, and Lakers having basically no Cs, I could've seen him as an option. But as I'll probably reshuffle this mock few times from now, I'll take this comment into consideration.

True he has but we still have Bryant also. I'd imagine it isn't our biggest area of need, I could see us using the 2nd to draft a big.

[realEAST]

F***it, I spent three hours for page to break down. F*** it.
I'll update revised standings, but no explanations, later on.

[realEAST]

1. PHO: L. Doncic
(Best player ready to contribute right away, but still possessing considerable upside. Doncic, Booker, Jackson complement each other great. Suns still have FA and trade assets to bolster frontcourt, but adding playmaking wing seems like priority)

2. SAC: M. Bagley
(With Giles and WCS there,kings might look to add PF rather than C. Bagley was equally productive offensively as Ayton, while potentially being lesser issue on D than him)

3. ATL: D. Ayton
(He won't g past #3, too much potential there. Fits great with other young guys)

4. MEM: M. Bamba
(Grizz are reportedly interested in big men, and Bamba might be most compelling for them as a long term successor to Gasol. He has potential to anchor elite D and that's what's Memphis might be looking for)

5. DAL: M. Porter jr.
(With reports of Dallas being interested in some big name FA centers, Porter might be an option for them here - provides another scoring option along Smith jr. should fit well with Barnes, and there is Dirk as a mentor - I see Porter as Pf long term)

6. ORL: T. Young
(Hammond like length, but Young gives Magic what they've been lacking. He also fits great with Gordon and Isaac long term, and Magic could always look for athletic big man in 2nd round)

7. CHI: J. Jackson jr.
(Bulls gets the one who falls, and in this case it is a pretty good one. Great fit with Markkanen, with good projectable floor and some surprise upside if he develops on ball skills, which he has shown flashes of)

8. CLE: Mik. Bridges
(Most ready now player, great fit if LeBron stays, and Cleveland can muster something around him and Love and the rest of the leftovers if James leaves)

9. NYK: C. Sexton
(Between him and Miles, but even though Knicks have some guard depth, Sexton offers the biggest upside, and with Porzingis out for better part of season, they can give him the reigns and hope he shows overall growth, because if he realizes his potential, he could be great)

10. PHI: Z. Smith
(Great athlete with lot of upside, fits as off ball guard pretty well. Is good fit along the Fultz down the line too.)

11. CHA: Mil. Bridges
(with lot of young bigs, Hornets go for a forward. Bridges offers nice flooer as 3&D player, with little extra t his all round game. could have a really nice upside if he develops his ball handling)

12. LAC: W. Carter
(Lower than his talent would warrant it, Clippers are finally a place where he fits perfectly, whether they keep Jordan or not. Good all round big who can be solid starter for years to come)

13. LAC: K. Knox
(Underwhelmed towards the end of the season, but still offers nice combination of tools, skill and potential as scorer, especially for a team lacking young talent)

14. DEN: T. Brown
(Fits positional need, but also as potential secondary playmaker/ball handler. Offers nice all around pack - size, decent athlete, ball skill. Only problem is shooting, but he is showing signs of improvement there, and already has developed mid range game)

15. WAS: J. Porter
(Very skilled and intelligent big man, one of the youngest in the draft, has really nice upside, but has to get in much better shape. Wiz have a need for talented big man, and could afford a year developing his game and body)

16. PHO: S. Gilgeous-Alexander
(Fits well as 6th man, the one who plays when they go small. Has nice combo of skill, awareness, size and speed, and can play on and off the ball, what is especially important. Suns can take athletic big with #31, B. Fernando for ex.)

17. MIL: R. Williams
(Athletic big man, who's floor is good, versatile defender, and roll man on offense, but with more upside if he develops long range shot. Just what Bucks need)

18. SAS: J. Okogie
(Seems like a Spurs player - productive, young, athletic, with good awareness and work ethic. Can improve under good coaching, and develop his on ball skills. 2'' shorter Kwahi?)

19. ATL: L. Walker
(Talented guard who had up and down season, but Hawks can give him time and space to develop)

20. MIN: K. Bates-Diop
(Pretty ready now, which Thibs like. Plays both forward spots, which is Minny's greatest need. Allows them to go small with ability to play PF)

21. UTA: Dz. Musa
(Talented scorer, which Utah can use. He could be #3 in best case, or 6th man in more realistic outcome)

22. CHI: C. Hutchinson
(Proud I called this one even pre-combine, I have some mighty sauces promise being made or not, I think Bulls could have done a lot worse than likely 3&D guy with little extra to his all round game)

23. IND: K. Huerter
(Good shooter, decent defender, surprising passer and pretty functional athlete, with room to grow, fits the need and could have place in rotation right away)

24. POR: E. Okobo
(Few impressive shows in Franch league this year, good two way guard who could backup Lillard and McCollum, or even play along side down the line, if one of them is traded)

25. LAL: M. Robinson
(I called for b. Fernando, but it seems Lakers made promise to other big man here)

26. PHI: D. DiVincenzo
(With Covington, Saric, Anderson, Luwawu, Korkmaz, along intentions to add another high level wing through FA, 76ers are pretty set at those position, so they might look to bolster their guard rotation. DiVincenzo showed lot of potential as scorer, but is also a good athlete who has tool and gives effort on D)

27. BOS: M. Frazer
(Boston adds size and athleticism to wings, hope he becomes more consistent shooter)

28. GSW: J. Evans
(3&D guy for a team that loves them, but will lack them past this season. Good fit and place to develop for him)

29. BKN: I. Bonga
(Talented player, with some question marks. His vision and improved shooting are reasons for optimism, and he fits the positional need for Nets)

30. ATL: A. Simons
(Another young guard with lot to prove coming from highschool, but as with Walker, Hawks have time and space for him to develop)


Thanks for reading and comments, I hopefully explanations are justified and helpful.

[VCfor3]

Though I think Bamba could probably fit in with the Grizzlies, supposedly they didn't even take an interview with him at the combine which is dumb.

[realEAST]

Though I think Bamba could probably fit in with the Grizzlies, supposedly they didn't even take an interview with him at the combine which is dumb.

I read they wanted to, but he was already "overbooked"

[realEAST]

OK, here we go with 2nd round:

31. PHO: Omari Spellman
(was between him, Wagner, Fernando and Konate, but imo Spellman offers the best combination of defense, shooting and upside, if he works on his body)

32. MEM: Khryi Thomas
(3&D guard, should fit well in rotation and with team mentality)

33. DAL: Bruno Fernando
(Dallas gets their athletic big man to develop behind their potential FA signings this summer, or as insurance if they don't manage to sign anybody)

34. ATL: Gary Clark
(With Ayton and two guards in 1st, Hawks opt for athletic forward and versatile defender, who can become really good player if his shot keeps improving)

35. ORL: S. Konate
(Great defensive potential despite relative lack of height, if his shot keeps improving can become interesting piece, somewhat in the mold of Dedmon. Magic can afford time to develop him behind Vuc, Biyombo, but fits the long term need for defensive big man)

36. NYK: Jarred Vanderbilt
(Knicks lack some depth at combo forwards, and Vanderbilt offers interesting combo of size, athleticism, defense and passing/awareness. He has long ways to go as a shooter, and if he develops consistent range can be one of the steals this late,a but even if not, he has makings of an interesting role player. Fits great along Zinger imo)

37. SAC: H. Diallo
(Kings take flyer on another youngster with high level athleticism, but lacking skill set. Diallo projects to be very good defender, and if he can improve his shooting to reasonable level off catch and shoot, he has makings of decent 3&D playe )

38. PHI: Moritz Wagner
(76ers add Embiid insurance, with a guy who can score and isn't complete slouch on D too)

39. PHI: Shake Milton
(big guard who can play on wing too can become good rotation piece for Philadelphia with his two way potential)

40. BKN: PJ Washington
(They had success in developing Hollis Jefferson, so they take chance on PJ Washington, who they hope can either improve his shooting or make full transition to small ball C)

41. ORL: DeAnthony Melton
(They need some defense in backcourt, and Melton could fit well with Young down the line; needs to become better shooter)

42. DET: Kris Wilkes
(Decent shooter, very good athlete, but some questions remain regarding awareness. He is still young and has makings of 3&D wing)

43. DEN: Justin Jackson
(Tools to be great defender, his shooting is bad so far, but hopefully he improves there (80% FT shooter) or his d mitigates it fits great and addresses a positional need in rotation)

44. WAS: J. Carter
(High level defender, and good shooter, Carter should be able to help now and fits well in Wizards backcourt that need some help)

45. BKN: B. Brown
(Versatile two way player, who needs to improve as a shooter to become interesting player and valuable piece in rotation. Fits well as versatile wing)

46. HOU: Jalen Brunson
(Led Nova to title, has experience and is good offensive player, could be helpful right away)

47. LAL: D. Graham
(Proven senior, good defender, shooter and facilitator, could be useful rotation guy. PG foremost, but can cover both guard positions given his size)

48. MIN: Grayson Allen
(Helped himself testing above expectation athletically, can cover both guard positions, and be decent rotation guy)

49. SAS: Ray Spalding
(Spurs need some youth under the rims, and Spalding might be appealing as high level defender, who could be coached from there, especially on offence, but has some potential as passer)

50. IND: Aaron Holiday
(From bball family, and with good season behind him, Holiday is decent shooter, facilitator, athlete. Could be useful right away)

51. NOP: Kenrich Williams
(Senior, so somewhat ready to contribute right away, had good season, and showed making of a decent two way player. One positional due to wingspan, but can play decent D and hit 3pts. fits well on wing)

52. UTA: C. Metu
(has tools to be good defender, and has shown decent touch on his jumper, but lacks awareness. Hopefully he can be up coached, since he has nice potential upside)

53. OKC: Vince Edwards
(Senior, so should be somewhat ready to contribute right away. Good shooter, with good basketball awareness, has to improve concentration on D, but with coaching can become decent role player as combo forward. Fits the positional need too.)

54. DAL: Malik Newman
(Can play on and off the ball, has size to be decent defender, good at drawing FTs, decent shooter. could have a place in Mavs backcourt rotation)

55. CHA: T. Duval
(Projected in lottery before season, his bad shooting killed his 1st round chances. Still, potential is there, he is pretty good in every facet of the game besides shooting, and he even showed much improved shot and better percentages towards the end of the season. Could be worth taking a chance here)

56. PHI: A. Kulboka
(Showed some potential, but is foremost draft and stash choice)

57. OKC: Landry Shamet
(Underwhelmed at combine, but still offers shooting and playmaking from guard position, as well as some experience being a junior. Can develop behind Westbrook, Felton)

58. DEN: A. Penava
(big man prospect little hard to gauge coming from weak conference, but Nuggets like eastEU guys, and Penava seems he i sworth a shot this late in Draft)

59. PHO: G. Bitadze
(Another draft and stash guy. It is going to be interesting to follow his development)

60. PHI: Gary Trent jr.
(Showed some fire at combine, and even put effort and looked decent on D. He is shot maker, not likely a creator on next level because of limited athleticism, but can become decent role player if he is willing to become a better defender)


Now, this was twice as tricky as 1st round, looking forward to comments
Thanks for reading, ofc

[Spens1]

Gary Trent Jr is going to go first round, early 2nd at the latest to be honest. He is a hell of a prospect.

I would not skip on either him or Kyhri Thomas if they where there at 25, I'm not buying into that promise either, drafting a raw big man with 25 is just strange, unless he has lotto level talent.

Divac needs to be fired on the spot if he chooses Bagley over Ayton, i don't care how many issues Ayton has, he's easily the best talent in this draft. Also WCS should be moved with or without Bagley or Ayton anyway.

[realEAST]

Gary Trent Jr is going to go first round, early 2nd at the latest to be honest. He is a hell of a prospect.

I would not skip on either him or Kyhri Thomas if they where there at 25, I'm not buying into that promise either, drafting a raw big man with 25 is just strange, unless he has lotto level talent.

Divac needs to be fired on the spot if he chooses Bagley over Ayton, i don't care how many issues Ayton has, he's easily the best talent in this draft. Also WCS should be moved with or without Bagley or Ayton anyway.

I wasn't impressed at all with Trent this season, and until he showed some spark at the Combine he was not widely considered as guy that is going to get drafted for sure. He is more or less limited to playing strictly as SG due to his size, but doesn't have much of the game on NBA level beyond shooting, his D and intangibles being questionable at best. 2nd round is volatile and he could definitely go higher, but I wouldn't be surprised for him to go in the second part of the 2nd round.

As for Lakers, it just makes sense drafting C (if you don't consider Zubac to be the option long term, and Bryant was never counted on too much imo) and is in line with reports.

"...i don't care how many issues Ayton has, he's easily the best talent in this draft." I personally find this a bit paradoxical - issues he has are exactly what makes someone better or worse prospect. Can't turn my eye on it just because he is 7'1. I can see Bagley going #2 to Kings just as easily, and you could argument it very well.

As for WCS, he actually had decent numbers. Problem is in his head and how he sees himself as player. His value around the league also isn't the highest at the moment, so working with him hoping he puts it together is best Kings could do at this moment.

[Spens1]

Gary Trent Jr is going to go first round, early 2nd at the latest to be honest. He is a hell of a prospect.

I would not skip on either him or Kyhri Thomas if they where there at 25, I'm not buying into that promise either, drafting a raw big man with 25 is just strange, unless he has lotto level talent.

Divac needs to be fired on the spot if he chooses Bagley over Ayton, i don't care how many issues Ayton has, he's easily the best talent in this draft. Also WCS should be moved with or without Bagley or Ayton anyway.

I wasn't impressed at all with Trent this season, and until he showed some spark at the Combine he was not widely considered as guy that is going to get drafted for sure. He is more or less limited to playing strictly as SG due to his size, but doesn't have much of the game on NBA level beyond shooting, his D and intangibles being questionable at best. 2nd round is volatile and he could definitely go higher, but I wouldn't be surprised for him to go in the second part of the 2nd round.

As for Lakers, it just makes sense drafting C (if you don't consider Zubac to be the option long term, and Bryant was never counted on too much imo) and is in line with reports.

"...i don't care how many issues Ayton has, he's easily the best talent in this draft." I personally find this a bit paradoxical - issues he has are exactly what makes someone better or worse prospect. Can't turn my eye on it just because he is 7'1. I can see Bagley going #2 to Kings just as easily, and you could argument it very well.

As for WCS, he actually had decent numbers. Problem is in his head and how he sees himself as player. His value around the league also isn't the highest at the moment, so working with him hoping he puts it together is best Kings could do at this moment.

I mean that Ayton could be the one guy who is an all star. I rate Bagley but his potential isn't nearly as high as Ayton.

WCS is ok but honestly not an ideal starting Center if you want a good core.

[islanders11040]

God. Clippers getting Wendell Carter and Knox at 12 & 13 would be insane. Automatic winners of draft.

I would trade a pick as high as #4 for 12 & 13 if the draft shook out this way

[JMac1]

F***it, I spent three hours for page to break down. F*** it.
I'll update revised standings, but no explanations, later on.

ALl that time and you place Ayton at three?!? Is that your mock or the anticipated draft?

[realEAST]

F***it, I spent three hours for page to break down. F*** it.
I'll update revised standings, but no explanations, later on.

ALl that time and you place Ayton at three?!? Is that your mock or the anticipated draft?

If Suns take Doncic, it's not out of the question Kings could cobsider Bagley. You could say he is potentially more dynamic and versatile on offense given skillset and college production, and has less questionmarks on D, being foremost a PF. Plus, he is younger.

Not saying he is going there, but don't think it is so out of the realm of possibility for it not to be considered.

[realEAST]

God. Clippers getting Wendell Carter and Knox at 12 & 13 would be insane. Automatic winners of draft.

I would trade a pick as high as #4 for 12 & 13 if the draft shook out this way

I have him as a prospect slightly below that first group of guys, and from #8 to #11 he just isn't a good fit at all, while there are similar level prospects - I don't think having Sexton, Smith, M&M Bridges over him is so preposterous.

Picks 12 is interesting because one of those 2nd/3rd tier guys is going to be there - ones with lower or more questionable ceilings than the top ones - and what you get with #13 is sort of bonus (in comparison to, say #4) - because those guys still have either a nice projectable floor, or enticing upside despite being less likely to ever reach it.

But at the same time that first seven player group has higher ceiling, while projecting to be pretty high level players even if they don't realize it fully.

[JMac1]

F***it, I spent three hours for page to break down. F*** it.
I'll update revised standings, but no explanations, later on.

ALl that time and you place Ayton at three?!? Is that your mock or the anticipated draft?

If Suns take Doncic, it's not out of the question Kings could cobsider Bagley. You could say he is potentially more dynamic and versatile on offense given skillset and college production, and has less questionmarks on D, being foremost a PF. Plus, he is younger.

Not saying he is going there, but don't think it is so out of the realm of possibility for it not to be considered.

Do you believe it’s going to happen? Of course it’s possible. But shouldn’t your draft board predict what’s most likely to take place? If there is a 20 percent (who knows) chance of something taking place, you would use that as a predictor over the 80 percent possiblity?

As far as your rationale. Bagley has more defensive holes than Ayton. Plus he is smaller and can’t shoot as well. I think Bagley has offensive upside, but not because of his play but the style of offense that he might play in. Ayton could be effective in many more styles than Bagley IMO.

I’d take Bagley third. But He could go 1 or 2, I just don’t think it will happen.

[realEAST]

ALl that time and you place Ayton at three?!? Is that your mock or the anticipated draft?

If Suns take Doncic, it's not out of the question Kings could cobsider Bagley. You could say he is potentially more dynamic and versatile on offense given skillset and college production, and has less questionmarks on D, being foremost a PF. Plus, he is younger.

Not saying he is going there, but don't think it is so out of the realm of possibility for it not to be considered.

Do you believe it’s going to happen? Of course it’s possible. But shouldn’t your draft board predict what’s most likely to take place? If there is a 20 percent (who knows) chance of something taking place, you would use that as a predictor over the 80 percent possiblity?

As far as your rationale. Bagley has more defensive holes than Ayton. Plus he is smaller and can’t shoot as well. I think Bagley has offensive upside, but not because of his play but the style of offense that he might play in. Ayton could be effective in many more styles than Bagley IMO.

I’d take Bagley third. But He could go 1 or 2, I just don’t think it will happen.

Guess that I don't see that much of difference between the two, as well as their chances to go #1-3.
Bagley has more holes if you plan on playing him as C. As PF, which imo is going to be his primary position (along playing C in small ball lineups and he should excell as C in that context) he has less questionmarks than Ayton playing C or PF (Bagley is better perimeter defender, and difference will be more apparent at NBA level, and what's funniest you can hardly call him worse rim protector than Ayton).

Offensively, Bagley offers much more ability off the dribble, and looks like better shooter. Imo, those are two important areas for big nowdays.