2018 BasketballDyasty26 Mock Draft

[Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst)]

1st Round

1. Miami Heat -   Deandre Ayton | C | Arizona | Phoenix Suns

Heat GM Bryan can go either Ayton, Doncic, or even potentially JJJ, but in the end I expect him to go with the most dominant player in this year's draft. Ayton is a great fit for this league's scoring system and should challenge for 15 and 12 with a block a game from year one. I'm not worried about his perceived lack of "intensity" at times. He wasn't getting paid in college. 

2. Indiana Pacers -  Luka Doncic | PG | Slovenia | Dallas Mavericks

The Pacers already have one Mavericks guard on the team in Dennis Smith Jr, but I don't see an issue with picking up another talented Mavericks guard in Luka Doncic. Doncic has the height to play multiple positions and his outstanding vision should give him an opportunity for 6+ assists/game his rookie year. JJJ could also go here, but with Julius Randle and Andre Drummond already on the squad there isn't a need for a big man in Indiana. 

3. Minnesota Timberwolves -  Jaren Jackson Jr. | PF | Michigan State | Memphis Grizzlies

JJJ has been showing out early in summer league, with improved range from 3 (8 in his first professional game!!!) and making an impact on the defensive end. Anthony Davis paired with JJJ gives the T-Wolves one of the scariest front courts in the league. There is a need for guard, but with Doncic already off the board I can't see a reach for Trae Young here. 

4. Phoenix Suns -  Trae Young | PG | Oklahoma | Atlanta Hawks

After trading away Dennis Schroder, the Suns have a big need for PG. Enter Trae Young. The kid has unlimited range and Steph Curry potential, but is also extremely undersized and there will definitely be growing pains his rookie year. He's not a one trick pony; he has NBA-level vision which will buoy his fantasy value when his shot isn't dropping. 

5. Miami Heat -  Mohamed Bamba | C | Texas | Orlando Magic

This almost seems like too easy of a pick to mock to Bryan, but I think it would make a lot of sense. Bamba is a longer, more athletic Gobert with NBA 3 point range and pairing him with Ayton would position Miami really well for the future. 

6. Los Angeles Lakers -  Marvin Bagley | PF | Duke | Sacramento Kings

I think Bagley drops because there are major questions about his ability to defend at the NBA level, but to me he has the best intangibles of any player in the draft. He wants to be great, and his hustle could help his defensive stats. He will be a double double threat from day 1, but there's a risk that he becomes a Brook Lopez-esque player. 18 points, 10 rebounds, and not much else. 

7. Brooklyn Nets -  Collin Sexton | PG | Alabama | Cleveland Cavaliers

With Lebron James gone, the Cavs have nothing to lose by giving Sexton a big role on offense. He should mesh well with Kevin Love, assuming Love is still on the team when the season starts. I love Sexton's game and I think Josh does too. 

8. Oklahoma City Thunder -  Michael Porter Jr. | SF | Missouri | Denver Nuggets

We all know that MPJ will go higher than he did in the NBA draft; the question is, how much higher? I think his floor is probably around #4, but I don't see him falling below OKC here at 8. With no clear cut best player available here and no need at center (Wendell Carter would've been a possibility here), it only makes sense for Loren to go with Porter. He won't have a big role his rookie year and will likely be eased into action, but when he's healthy he reminds me of a young Carmelo.

9. Cleveland Cavaliers -  Wendell Carter Jr. | C | Duke | Chicago Bulls

There's been some talk of Carter Jr. being a better prospect than Bagley, but I don't buy that for one second. That's not saying the kid isn't a baller though and he probably has one of the highest floors in this year's draft. However, he doesn't have the same "star" potential as the guys before him. He has double double + blocks potential which should make him a fine fantasy asset in this league. The fact that he falls to 9 in my mock draft shows you how great this year's draft class is, my goodness. 

10. Golden State Warriors -   Kevin Knox | SF | Kentucky | New York Knicks

Knox is still raw, not surprisingly considering he's still only 18 years young, but has a big opportunity in front of him in New York. NBA range to go along with a NBA frame, Knox has huge potential as he grows into his frame. The Knicks will give him plenty of chances to prove himself, which should make him a useful asset his rookie year. Even after the Warriors traded for this pick, I think this is the type of player that Caleb usually likes. 

11. Detroit Pistons -  Mikal Bridges | SF | Villanova | Phoenix Suns

There's some competition for minutes in Phoenix, but as part of the young core drafted by the current regime Bridges should get his opportunity soon enough. As a 3 and D guy who fits perfectly in today's NBA, Bridges is a nice fit for the Pistons as they try to build around Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Love. 

12. Miami Heat -  Lonnie Walker | SG | Miami | San Antonio Spurs

Bryan is known to be one of those owners who has guys he loves and will pick even if it's a reach. I'm not sure 12 is even that big of a reach considering Spurs guys almost always are picked before their NBA draft slot in this league, but what I am sure of is that Lonnie has a chance to be an impact player in the NBA simply because he's developing under Popovich. With how much raw athleticism this kid has, I can see a team like Miami falling in love with him. 

13. Houston Rockets -  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | PG | Kentucky | Los Angeles Clippers

Honestly, I hate the situation SGA and Jerome Robinson are in because of how stacked the Clips are at guard, but they are both lottery-level talents. I'm not a big SGA fan, especially on the offensive end, but with some work I can see him becoming a contributor. Oh and 3% body fat is insane. 

14. New Orleans Pelicans -  Miles Bridges | SF | Michigan State | Charlotte Hornets

Bridges isn't all that different from MKG, also on the Hornets, but has a superior offensive game. His defense should allow him to get into the rotation early on and I think his game is good for this league's scoring format. With the Pelicans ready to compete now, Bridges is a great fit here at 14. 

15. Brooklyn Nets -  Robert Williams | C | Texas A&M | Boston Celtics

It would be an understatement to say that Williams' NBA career has gotten off to a rocky start. If there's one team with the depth to take this risk, it's the Nets. There's a need for a big man in Brooklyn, but they don't need Williams to become a stud immediately. If he can mature, hopefully sooner rather than later, Williams has immense potential as a rim protector. Question is, how many minutes is he capable of playing per game?

16. Orlando Magic -  Jerome Robinson | PG | Boston College | Los Angeles Clippers

I actually love Robinson's game. First, he's got good size at 6'5". Second, he can pretty much score from anywhere on the floor. He's also been at school for 3 years and has improved every year, both big pluses for me. I just hate the situation. There's so many guards on this team, even after they dealt Rivers. Lou Will is a lock for big minutes, same with Pat Bev if he's healthy. However, the Magic need a guard and can afford to be patient with Patty Mills on the squad. 

17. Brooklyn Nets -  Donte DiVincenzo | SG | Villanova | Milwaukee Bucks

With so many picks in the first round, I expect the Nets to take the leap on DiVincenzo after his performance in the tournament. We've seen a few guys flop in the NBA after big tournaments (Jimmer, Malachi Richardson come to mind) so there's a level of risk here. 6'5" with a 42 inch vertical, DiVincenzo is both explosive and a lights out shooter with NBA range. He's got a short wingspan (6'6") but plays like a pitbull on defense. He's the ultimate team player and doesn't have strong competition at guard for the Bucks. This guy was exhilarating to watch in the tournament, I can't wait to see how he turns out as a pro.

18. Cleveland Cavaliers -  Grayson Allen | SG | Duke | Utah Jazz

Allen didn't land in a great spot for fantasy production, but he has a big name and should still get good minutes with the second unit for Utah. He's got a great young guard to learn from in Donovan Mitchell and I feel "Spida" will push Allen to be great. He won't be a superstar and will let his emotions get the best of him, but Allen is a guy I'd have fun owning in fantasy.

19. Portland Trailblazers -  Zhaire Smith | SG | Texas Tech | Philadelphia 76ers

Smith was picked at 16 in the NBA draft, but I have him falling to 19 in my mock because I don't think his offense is nearly polished enough to become a factor in fantasy. He's lightning quick and very athletic so there's some theoretical upside here. There's been nothing but good things from coaches about his work ethic, but with such a deep rotation in Philly I don't know when he'll start making a real impact. That being said, someone has to pick him and there aren't any clear cut better options this late in the first round.

20. Orlando Magic -  Mitchell Robinson | C | Western Kentucky | New York Knicks

Yeah yeah, at this point in the draft it's really early to start picking 2nd round guys, but that's how much upside Mitchell Robinson has. I think the 20s is when teams will seriously start to consider picking him up. He's got NBA range, one of the best shot blockers in the draft, and is on a bad Knicks team that'll be looking to develop their young guys. I'm not sure if Fizdale is the right guy to develop him, but I think the risk/reward here is too enticing to pass up for Perry.

21. Phoenix Suns -  Troy Brown | SG | Oregon | Washington Wizards

Brown falls to 21 in my mock because of a less than ideal situation, but 21 is his floor. With Austin Rivers now in town, the Wiz have their backup at both guard spots and I think it will limit Brown's opportunity this year. However, Brown has size, can defend 1-4, and is still only 18 so there's plenty of promise here. Offense needs a ton of work, but 74% FT shows the form is there. 

22. Denver Nuggets -  Kevin Huerter | SG | Maryland | Atlanta Hawks

At 6'7", Huerter has good size for a guard in today's NBA. He's young, 20 years old despite being a sophomore, and already has a complete offensive arsenal. Coaches lauded his intangibles in the pre-draft process and he lands in a spot ripe with opportunity in Atlanta. Bazemore is blocking his path to 30+ minutes, but that won't last past this year. The rich get richer here as the Nuggets defend their title. 

23. Washington Wizards -  Moritz Wagner | PF | Michigan | Los Angeles Lakers

Wagner is a good fit for today's NBA game with his size and ability to space the floor. He won't help you as a rim protector, but he improved his rebounding significantly this past season at Michigan and I think he's a good fit next to Lebron as we saw with Kevin Love. Not saying Wagner is Love by any means, but if he can become a respectable NBA 3 point shooter there is value for the Lakers to put him out there with the King. 

24. Indiana Pacers -   Jevon Carter | PG | West Virginia | Memphis Grizzlies

Despite looking like he's 32 years old, Carter can hang with any young talent as he showed this past season vs Trae Young. He reminds me of that one dude in pick up basketball who no one wants to be guarded by because he will shut you down. Doesn't have elite measurables, but that doesn't mean his defense won't translate to the NBA. He became a respectable 3 point shooter at WVU and I think his offense can get better with more talented teammates around him. I fully expect Jon to go for the homer pick here. 

25. Cleveland Cavaliers -  Josh Okogie | SG | Georgia Tech | Minnesota Timberwolves

A classic 3 and D guy, Okogie may not have the offensive upside some other guards in this draft have, but Thibs will find a role for him on a T-Wolves team that could use some young legs off the bench. He's a knockdown shooter and can guard 1-3. Great size and he has age on his side at 19 years old. 

26. Los Angeles Lakers -  Gary Trent Jr. | SG | Duke | Portland Trailblazers

Trent went to a big name school which I think gets him chosen a bit earlier than other SGs in the same tier here. He fits in well with Portland trying to replace Napier and should have good mentors to learn from in Dame Dolla and McCollum. 

27. Houston Rockets -  Aaron Holiday | PG | UCLA | Indiana Pacers

Despite being a bit undersized, Holiday has good length which will help him on the defensive end. We all saw how his brother Jrue impacted the playoffs with his length so Aaron has someone to learn from there. He should learn plenty from his brothers and with both Pacers PGs on one year deals we could see Aaron getting big minutes as early as next year. He's a good get for a Rockets team retooling for the future. 

28. Indiana Pacers -  Anfernee Simons | PG | USA | Portland Trailblazers

Simons is one of the biggest unknowns in this draft after decommitting from Louisville and then skipping college altogether. He was supposed to be one of the best prospects in this year's draft, but his development has been stalled without college competition. He's a bona-fide bucket-getter on a team that may need to rebuild in the next couple of years. Simons gets to learn from two of the best scoring guards in the league and Terry Stotts has had plenty of success developing young talent.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers -  Dzanan Musa | SF | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Brooklyn Nets

Musa carries the usual risk of players coming from overseas, but his game is surprisingly polished for a 19 year old. He idolizes Kobe Bryant and it shows on the court. The kid is as competitive as they come, almost to a fault as there's been whispers about him rubbing teammates and coaches the wrong way. That isn't a big red flag for me though because there have been plenty of guys like that who have found success in the league. 

30. Charlotte Hornets -  Chandler Hutchison | SG | Boise State | Chicago Bulls

With some uncertainty still left regarding the Bulls roster for next year, it's hard to guess where Hutchison goes in our draft and what role he will have this year. He draws fouls at a high clip (8.7 FTA/40) and showed he can lead a team despite subpar talent around him. He's not that young at 22, and he'll be seeing a sizable jump in competition. It's possible his game just doesn't translate to the next level, which is why I have him falling so far. 

2nd Round

31. Miami Heat -  Elie Okobo | PG | France | Phoenix Suns

Okobo lacks polish to his game, but should be given time to work through the rough patches in another developmental season for Phoenix. Okobo seems to be a favorite of the current regime in Phoenix as seen by their decision to waive Tyler Ulis. I think Okobo will have a lot of issues at first playing at a NBA level, but he has the foundation on offense to become a creator for Devin Booker and Ayton.

32. Phoenix Suns -  Omari Spellman | C | Villanova | Atlanta Hawks

Spellman got a ton of experience playing on the national champion Wildcats and that can only help him as he transitions to the NBA. He's got some 3 point range and he should get an opportunity this year in Atlanta. Don't see him becoming a stud, but we're in the second round so you just want to draft someone who can help your team here. I can see Spellman doing that for Phoenix. 

33. Orlando Magic -  Melvin Frazier | SF | Tulane | Orlando Magic

I expect Perry to go with the homer pick here. Frazier's 7'2" wingspan will help him get minutes early, but he improved as 3 point shooter this past year and can become a regular in the rotation if he continues to up his % in that department.

34. Minnesota Timberwolves -  Devonte' Graham | PG | Kansas | Charlotte Hornets

Graham is an intriguing player, reminds me a lot of Frank Mason. Of course, that's an easy comparison given they're both Kansas guards that stayed at school all 4 years. His size will always be a disadvantage, but he's a team player and could see a big role if/when Kemba Walker moves on.

35. Los Angeles Lakers -  Jacob Evans | SF | Cincinnati | Golden State Warriors

Evans could be another young talent that gets minutes on this Warriors team, following in the footsteps of McCaw and Jordan Bell. He'll make his money on the defensive end, but hopefully he's practicing his spot up shooting because he'll get plenty of open shots.

36. Los Angeles Clippers -  Landry Shamet | PG | Wichita State | Philadelphia 76ers

I have Shamet falling this far because of the depth on the Philadelphia roster, but he could get more minutes than expected if the Sixers want to surround Ben Simmons and Embiid with as many shooters as possible. He probably won't add much in the defensive categories, but he has a role in the NBA.

37. Oklahoma City Thunder -   Jalen Brunson | PG | Villanova | Dallas Mavericks

Brunson is the classic glue guy that every NBA roster would love to have. He's competitive on defense despite the lack of size and won't need the ball in his hands to be effective. He's got some work to do to crack the rotation in Dallas, but he's the type of guy that coach Rick Carlisle loves which could lead to early minutes. 

38. Detroit Pistons -   Chimezie Metu | C | USC | San Antonio Spurs

Another Spurs pick that should go earlier than they were selected in the NBA draft. Metu is a high energy prospect who can do a little bit of everything. With some seasoning, I can see him becoming a key big man off the bench in San Antonio. 

39. Oklahoma City Thunder -  Hamidou Diallo | PG | Kentucky | Oklahoma City Thunder

Diallo is as athletic as that other PG in OKC with a 44.5 inch vert so maybe he can learn to harness that at the next level. He's still 19 and it shows on the court as he has plenty of holes to his game right now, but he's got a very high ceiling which justifies his early 2nd round selection.

40. Sacramento Kings -  Khyri Thomas | PG | Creighton | Detroit Pistons

A 6'10.5 inch wingspan in a 6'4" body, expect Thomas to be a defense first guy from day 1. He was very efficient in college and is your typical role player. Not young at 22 years old so he doesn't have a ton of upside left, but also doesn't face a lot of stiff competition in Detroit.

41. Detroit Pistons -  Rodions Kurucs | PF | Latvia | Brooklyn Nets

Kurucs lands in a decent situation in Brooklyn after being overseas the last couple of years. He's dealt with some injuries while overseas so we'll see how he handles the rigor of a NBA season. His game fits the mold of a stretch 4 and at only 20 years old you can expect him to continue to get better. Kurucs is one of the more intriguing sleepers in this draft.

42. Indiana Pacers - Billy Preston | SF | Kansas | Cleveland Cavaliers

This is probably way too high for an undrafted guy, but can you justify picking any other second round guy over this kid? He's got a ton of potential, but obviously his development ran into a few obstacles last year. He's got a chance to prove himself this summer and he's just the type of kid Jon likes to go for.

43. Houston Rockets -  Bruce Brown | SF | Miami | Detroit Pistons

Brown won't max out as anything more than a role player, but lands in a decent situation without a ton of competition. He really needs to improve his catch and shooting ability to get there though. The defense is really nice and he does the kind of dirty work that will really endear him to his teammates and coaching staff.

44. Brooklyn Nets -  Jarred Vanderbilt | PF | Kentucky | Denver Nuggets

He's got a lot of red flags in the medical department, but when healthy this guy is long and athletic like most Kentucky big men. Won't hurt you on the perimeter and will struggle vs bigger guys at the next level. The Nets have enough assets to take a flier here.

45. Brooklyn Nets -  Isaac Bonga | SF | Germany | Los Angeles Lakers

Young 18 year old who has skills like a point-forward. Lakers reportedly love this guy and he should develop another year overseas. He's a nice stash for any team.

46. Orlando Magic -  Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk | SG | Kansas | Los Angeles Lakers

Mykhailiuk has a very "Lebron friendly" game which helps his chances to get into the rotation. He's only 20 and obviously has a role in the NBA as a sharpshooter.

47. Sacramento Kings -  Keita Bates-Diop | SF | Ohio State | Minnesota Timberwolves

He's the type of guy that Thibs loves to develop so he lands in a good place in Minnesota. Undersized, but has a long wingspan that he takes advantage of on defense. Could become a rotation piece sooner or later. He also has the big name school on his resume. 

48. Cleveland Cavaliers -  Justin Jackson | SF | Maryland | Orlando Magic

Kawhi Leonard 2.0 when you look at the measurables, but obviously he's got a ton of work to be mentioned in the same conversation. He's a project, but the ceiling is up there.

49. Houston Rockets - Malik Newman | SG | Kansas | Los Angeles Lakers

The name is bigger than the actual player at the moment, but Newman showed out in the NCAA tourney and there's hope he can carry that momentum into the NBA. He was once mentioned as a potential lottery selection for a reason and that upside alone will get him picked around here.

50. Orlando Magic - Allonzo Trier | SG | Arizona | New York Knicks

The kid is uber-athletic and can fill it up from all over the court. Will likely develop in the G League this year, but has the upside you want this late in the draft. 

51. Phoenix Suns -  Kevin Hervey | SG | UT-Arlington | Oklahoma City Thunder

A better shooter than the %s suggest, Hervey could be an exciting fit next to Westbrook and PG. He's torn both ACLs so hopefully the knee issues are behind him. 

52. Indiana Pacers - Trevon Duval | PG | Duke | Houston Rockets

A big name who did not live up to expectations in college, I think there's a punchers chance he gets drafted around here. He's got a lot of work to do, but he was a top prospect for a reason and it's not like you're reaching for him over any better prospects here.

53. San Antonio Spurs -  Alize Johnson | SF | Missouri State | Indiana Pacers

He's drawn some Draymond Green comparisons for his scrappy style, but Johnson may actually develop into a better shooter. Relentless rebounder, Johnson won't be a lock down defender like Dray, but is a great glue guy to have.

54. Brooklyn Nets -  Kostas Antetokounmpo | SF | Dayton | Dallas Mavericks

He's got the 'Greek Freak' genes in his measurables, but wasn't that impressive at Dayton. He's got enough of a ceiling to warrant a selection in this draft and it's not like Brooklyn needs him to be productive right away.

55. Philadelphia 76ers -  Shake Milton | PG | SMU | Philadelphia 76ers

Milton was deadly from 3 in college and will have a lot of space to work with playing with Simmons and Embiid in Philly. He's not very athletic and probably can't create his own shot at the NBA level, but like many of these guys he fits a role.

56. LA Clippers -  De'Anthony Melton | PG | USC | Houston Rockets

No college tape last year makes it tough to evaluate Melton, but the Rockets like him and he was really good his freshman year. Plays pesky defense and is dangerous in the open court. Once he knocks off the rust, it should be interesting to see how he develops.

57. Boston Celtics - Rawle Alkins | SG | Arizona | Toronto Raptors

A slasher combo guard who played a big role for Zona the last two seasons, Alkins is a scorer who will put pressure on the defense. I'm surprised he went undrafted in the league, but I think someone could pick him up in here.
58. New Orleans Pelicans -  Issuf Sanon | PG | Ukraine | Washington Wizards

He'll develop overseas for a year, but Sanon is only 18 and has plenty of time to grow. He's very raw, but has nice aggression for such a young player. This is the definition of a flier pick.

59. Miami Heat -  Tony Carr | PG | Penn State | New Orleans Pelicans

Great size for a PG and can make a shot from anywhere on the court. Carr is a polarizing prospect, but was drafted and the Pelicans probably want to develop him in the G-League. 

60. Phoenix Suns -  Devon Hall | PG | Virginia | Oklahoma City Thunder

Very little chance that Hall sees the floor this year, but he's pretty much NBA ready as a bench player. His intangibles are very good and like most Virginia players he plays good defense. 

[Heat GM (Bryan)]

You did a really good job here. For someone who doesn’t give away anything about my picks, you did well to see what I might be thinking.
Great read so far

[Golden State Warriors (Caleb)]

If this doesn't get you pumped for the draft idk what will. Thanks for doing this Skip!

[Toronto Raptors (Perk)]

Tough way to find out I didn't have a pick lmao

[Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst)]

First round complete, look for the second round by this weekend.

[Skip Bayless (Bball26 Analyst)]

Second round is complete

Hope y'all enjoyed.