2018 NBA Mock Draft: First Round/Final Edition

The 2018 NBA Draft is tomorrow so now is the perfect time to release our final mock draft of the season. Here is Sport DFW’s 2018 NBA Mock Draft (final edition)

This is shaping up to be one of the more interesting drafts in recent memory. There might not be very much question as to who is going number one overall, but behind that pick is a truckload of uncertainty. That’s probably what’s making the 2018 NBA Mock Draft such a fun endeavor this year.

First of all, there are roughly half-a-dozen big men capable of being NBA starting centers in this class. And majority of them have legitimate All-Star potential. That’s why the big guys are expected to go high this year – even with the NBA’s shift to small ball.

Pick 1 Phoenix Suns: C – Deandre Ayton

This has never been a question. Ayton was always going to go No. 1 regardless of who has the pick. The only question was who would get the pick. Ayton will play in Phoenix

Pick 2 Sacramento Kings: : C/PF – Marvin Bagley III

For weeks I’ve had Luka Doncic here in permanent ink. Maybe it’s deeper thought, or maybe it’s the rumors (smokescreens?) but I think Bagley is the guy now.

Pick 3 Atlanta Hawks C/PF – Jaren Jackson

Jackson is future All-Star. Plain and simple. He can fit any role in and scheme. He can play big or small and has the most well-rounded game of anyone. He’s hard to overlook.

Pick 4 Grizzlies: F – Michael Porter Jr

The Michael Porter hype maybe a smokescreen but if he’s healthy, he’s the second best player in this draft so arguing about anything other than health is moot. And frankly, unless you’re a doctor WITH inside knowledge, even that argument is pointless.

Pick 5 Mavericks: G – Luka Doncic

I’m believing the rumors. Luka is falling on some draft boards as of late and it’s hard to see why. He’s a budding All-Star with position flex, high IQ, and good character. The desire for big men are the only reason he fell to Dallas.

Related Story: Who is Luka Doncic?

Pick 6 Orlando Magic: PG – Trae Young

Orlando needs a PG and Trae Young is the best of the bunch on the board. His shooting ability is undeniable.

Pick 7 Chicago Bulls: C – Mo Bamba

Chicago’s wishes came true and Bamba fell somehow. They’ve wanted him since Day 1 and are willing to invest in his extremely high ceiling.

Pick 8 Cleveland Cavaliers: SF – Mikal Bridges

The Cavs need someone to excite fans and sell jersey’s in the post-LeBron era and Bridges is that guy.

Pick 9 NY Knicks: PG – Collin Sexton

Even with last year’s pick, Frank Ntilikina, I think New York will have no problem going back to the PG well here.

Pick 10 Philadelphia 76ers: SF – : C – Wendell Carter

Carter isn’t sexy but he’s smart. The truth is the 6ers just don’t need anyone so in this case they take the best player they see available. And Carter is the guy they can get onto the court immediately.

Pick 11 Charlotte Hornets: PF – Kevin Knox

Not loving Kevin’s shot from outside but the rest of his game looks strong enough to build around.

Pick 12 LA Clippers: SG – Lonnie Walker

Walker may one day be seen as the best (after Luka) guard in the draft. He can shoot, pass, and drive. His athleticism makes his ceiling high but since he lacks polish he also comes with an element of risk.

Pick 13 LA Clippers: C – Robert Williams

Williams is a high ceiling layer who, at 6’9” 240lbs, can play both PF and C. Fun player to watch above the rim.

Pick 14 Denver Nuggets: G – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

At 6’6” 180lbs Shai long and skinny. He comes with a good set of skills that should translate well. If he can bulk up he could be a beast in the NBA.

Pick 15 Washington Wizards: SF – Miles Bridges

Bridges provides good value here. He’s a well-rounded player who should help on the boards

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Pick 16 Phoenix Suns: PG – De’Anthony Melton

Melton sat out last season because of an investigation. But he brings a strong game and could be the best player available here (averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 steals).

Pick 17 Milwaukee Bucks: PG – Aaron Holiday

Holiday averaged 20.3 points and 5.8 assists last season. He should be an instant contributor.

Pick 18 San Antonio Spurs: G/SF – Zhaire Smith

The Spurs may suddenly find themselves rebuilding a bit now since Leonard wants out of town. Smith is a project but worth the time.

Pick 19 Atlanta Hawks: SG – Elie Okabo

Okabo ia a player you stash overseas and see what happens.

Pick 20 Minnesota Timberwolves: SG – Donte DiVincenzo

Donte is a try-hard guy who can fill in the gaps

Pick 21 Utah Jazz: SF – Chandler Hutchinson

At 6’7” 200lbs, Hutchinson has a great handle on the ball and strong feel for the game.

Pick 22 Chicago Bulls: SF – Troy Brown

Brown is good at a lot of things but not great at any one of them. High floor low ceiling.

Pick 23 Indiana Pacers: SG – Kevin Huerter

At 6’7” 195, Huerter is long and versatile. He shot 41.7 percent from three last season.

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Pick 24 Portland Trail Blazers: SF – Keita Bates-Diop

Diop, 6’8” 225, can score, rebound, and can play both SF and PF.

Pick 25 LA Lakers: G – Gary Trent Jr

Instant contributor who can shoot from outside

Pick 26 Philadelphia 76ers: SF – Dzanan Musa

Musa is a pick to stash for a season overseas.

Pick 27 Boston Celtics: SG – Bruce Brown

Brown is a tough player and a good teammate. He’s 6’4” 195lbs.

Pick 28 Golden State Warriors: SG – Jerome Robinson

Shot 41.9 percent from three point range. At 6’4” he has the length to defend

Next: Is Mo Bamba a fit for today's NBA?

Pick 29 Brooklyn Nets: C – Mitchell Robinson

Robinson has character concerns but if too gifted to fall much further

Pick 30 Atlanta Hawks: SG – Josh Okogie

3-and-D guy in need strong coaching to keep him focused.

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