Mock draft of entire first round:
News’ Frank Isola breaks down Round 1
#1 SUNS DEANDRE AYTON C | Arizona
The consensus top pick said he fully expects to his name to be called first. Versatile and athletic, Ayton is an impact player on both ends. Even in a guard driven league, you don’t pass on this type of talent.
#2 KINGS MARVIN BAGLEY III F | Duke
An athletic 6-foot-11 forward with an offensive game that suits the NBA. Bagley, a lefty akin to a young Walter Berry, needs to improve defensively. The Kings are still debating whether to take Luka Doncic.
#3 HAWKS LUKA DONCIC G | Real Madrid
A down year for internationals but not for Doncic, the youngest player in EuroLeague history to win MVP for both regular season and Final Four. At 6-8, he has point guard skills and a shooting guard’s range.
#4 GRIZZLIES JAREN JACKSON JR. F | Michigan State
This is where things can get interesting. Memphis would trade the pick if a team is willing to take Chandler Parsons’ contract. In that scenario you may see Michael Porter Jr. selected here.
#5 MAVERICKS MO BAMBA C | Texas
The kid from Harlem has all the physical tools. His drive has been questioned but with the right team — and that’s where Rick Carlisle comes in — Bamba could be a steal. Porter Jr. could potentially land here.
#6 MAGIC TRAE YOUNG PG | Oklahoma
The most intriguing player in the draft; is he another Stephen Curry or destined to be a back-up? He is on the smallish side but led the nation in scoring and in assists as a freshman. He’s a competitor.
#7 BULLS MICHAEL PORTER JR. F | Missouri
Some team has guaranteed Porter that they’re taking him and the Bulls make the most sense. Limited to 53 minutes as a freshman due to back surgery, he may be the best player in the draft.
#8 CAVALIERS WENDELL CARTER JR. F | Duke
His college choices came down to Duke or Harvard so that tells you the type of person we have here. Carter has Al Horford-like potential; can do a little of everything and is a winning player.
#9 KNICKS KEVIN KNOX SF | Kentucky
If Trae Young is available, Scott Perry will have a massive decision in his first draft in N.Y. If not, Knox, at 6-8, is an impressive prospect. He can run, shoot and defend. He needs to rebound better.
#10 76ERS MIKAL BRIDGES SF | Villanova
The prototype NBA player of today; long, athletic and with ability to make shots from behind the arc. The Knicks are contemplating selecting Bridges so it’s unlikely he’ll be on the board very long.
#11 HORNETS COLLIN SEXTON G | Alabama
The Hornets have talked about trading Kemba Walker in order to cut payroll. If Walker stays, Sexton could learn plenty as a first year back-up. He can create his own shot and has the tools to be a solid defender.
#12 CLIPPERS SHAI GILGEOUSALEXANDER PG | Kentucky
The Canadian may not fall this far. Could the Knicks pull off an upset by selecting Gilgeous-Alexander? Maybe. He’s a guard who excels in the pick-and-roll and can play on both ends.
#13 CLIPPERS MILES BRIDGES F | Michigan State
Tom Izzo has a habit of sending hardnosed, coachable players to the NBA and Bridges is no different. Bridges can defend multiple positions and is a solid catch-andshoot scorer.
#14 NUGGETS ROBERT WILLIAMS PF/C | Texas A&M
Questions about his drive and love for the game but none about his ability.
#15 WIZARDS LONNIE WALKER G | Miami
Didn’t crack the starting lineup until January but scouts love his potential. Could be this year’s Donovan Mitchell.
#16 SUNS ZHAIRE SMITH SG | Texas Tech
Resembles a young John Starks. Smith is a defensive-minded two-guard with offensive skills.
#17 BUCKS JEROME ROBINSON G | Boston College
Robinson, 21, can make an immediate contribution.
#18 SPURS DZANAN MUSA SF | Croatia
He is not the answer if Kawhi Leonard is traded. But Musa, who just turned 19, is an intriguing prospect.
#19 HAWKS MITCHELL ROBINSON Center
Hard to gauge potential since he didn’t play college or international ball. The Hawks are in a position to be patient.
#20 TIMBERWOLVES DONTE DIVINCENZO G | Villanova
The hero of the national-title game, DiVincenzo had a good showing at the draft combine. Big time athlete.
#21 JAZZ ELIE OKOBO G | Pau-Orthez (France)
The Jazz have an international roster and Okobo will mesh well with his countrymen Rudy Gobert.
#22 BULLS TROY BROWN G | Oregon
Still only 18, Brown is a competitive wing player with loads of potential.
#23 PACERS AARON HOLIDAY G | UCLA
Will be accompanied by his NBA brothers Jrue and Justin on Thursday. Pacers need to get younger in the backcourt.
#24 TRAIL BLAZERS KEVIN HUERTER SG | Maryland
Stays in the first round despite recent hand surgery. A knock down shooter.
#30 HAWKS JOSH OKOGIE SG | Georgia Tech
Okogie played for a bad college team but his 7-foot wingspan and versatility are made for the NBA.
#29 NETS JALEN BRUNSON G | Villanova
The Nets are in this for the long term and are about creating a culture. Brunson won big in college and is a consummate pro.
#28 WARRIORS GRAYSON ALLEN G | Duke
The Warriors need to replenish their bench and Allen has the shooting, toughness and attitude to spice things up a bit.
#27 CELTICS CHANDLER HUTCHISON G | Boise State
The belief is he has first-round promise, which is why he isn’t granting workouts. Bulls at 22?
#26 76ERS KEITA BATES-DIOP F | Ohio State
The Big Ten Player of the Year is another 22-year-old who put up big numbers — 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds — last season.
#25 LAKERS KHYRI THOMAS G | Creighton
The Lakers can use a mature presence and Thomas, 22, can defend his position and shot 41 percent on 3s last season.