Latest mock draft has Grizzlies taking Luka Doncic
USA TODAY canvassed multiple league executives in shaping our latest mock draft. The real draft is Thursday in New York.
1. Suns: Deandre Ayton, Arizona, C, freshman, 7-1, 250: Suns GM Ryan McDonough called Ayton’s workout “phenomenal,” and it would be a shock if they went another route.
2. Kings: Michael Porter Jr., Missouri, F, freshman, 6-10, 215: The Kings are known to be enamored with Porter but are still trying to gather the latest medical information. If they’re convinced he’s fully healthy, he could be the combo-forward they’ve been searching for.
3. Hawks: Marvin Bagley III, Duke, F, freshman, 6-11, 234: If Bagley learns to rely on his 3-pointer a bit more, he’ll be a matchup nightmare for opposing big men. The Hawks would get immediate offensive help with this pick, and Bagley would be afforded time to improve his defense.
4. Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid, G, 6-8, 220: The Grizzlies are several pieces from contending for the postseason, but Doncic, the EuroLeague MVP, is the most polished and accomplished prospect among the elites. He immediately gives Memphis another primary ballhandler and someone capable of stretching the floor.
5. Mavericks: Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State, F, freshman, 6-11, 242: Viewed as perhaps the prospect with the most room to grow both physically and offensively, Jackson is an immediate asset on the defensive end..
6. Magic: Mo Bamba, Texas, C, freshman, 6-11, 225: Similar to Jackson, Bamba is already NBA-ready on the defensive end.
7. Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr, Duke, F, freshman, 6-10, 259: Carter represents a safe, solid pick with low risk.
8. Cavaliers: Trae Young, Oklahoma, PG, freshman, 6-2, 180: Is anyone surprised Young wasn’t able to maintain his furious scoring pace for an entire season?
9. Knicks: Collin Sexton, Alabama, PG, freshman, 6-3, 190: An aggressive, confident scorer who could thrive as the lead guard.
10. Sixers: Mikal Bridges, Villanova, G, junior, 6-7, 210: Given Bridges’ experience and strengths, he’s likely an immediate contributor at the next level.
11. Hornets: Miles Bridges, Michigan State, F, sophomore, 6-7, 225: The Hornets need help all over, and Bridges is a position-less wing.
12. Clippers: Lonnie Walker, Miami (Fla.), G, freshman, 6-5, 204: The Clippers are in a unique position to draft back-to-back lottery players, affording them a chance to make a riskier move with one of their picks.
13. Clippers: Robert Williams, Texas A&M, C, sophomore, 6-10, 241: As for that risk, it comes in the form of Williams, who has tantalizing tools for the modern NBA.
14. Nuggets: Kevin Knox, Kentucky, F, freshman, 6-9, 215: Not many forwards can create offense off the bounce like Knox, and it’s impossible to ignore his versatility.
15. Wizards: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky, G, freshman, 6-6, 180: Give him a few years to develop more of an offensive repertoire, and GilgeousAlexander is an ideal NBA point guard.
16. Suns: Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech, G, freshman, 6-5, 195: A freak athlete.
17. Bucks: Aaron Holiday, UCLA, G, junior, 6-1, 185: Would be less of a risk than the Bucks are typically accustomed to drafting. He’s a poised, crafty ballhandler.
18. Spurs: Troy Brown, Oregon, F, freshman, 6-7, 215: Potentially a lot of value in Brown, who does a lot of things well but nothing great.
19. Hawks: Elie Okobo, Pau-Orthez (France), G, 6-3, 180: The lefty has good outside touch, a quick first step and a deft midrange game.
20. T-Wolves: Dzanan Musa, Cedevita (Croatia), F, 6-9, 195: Needs to add significant bulk to his frame.
21. Jazz: Kevin Huerter, Maryland, F, sophomore, 6-7, 190: No one helped themselves more at the draft combine, excelling in scrimmages.
22. Bulls: Chandler Hutchison, Boise State, G, senior, 6-7, 197: Hutchison pulled out of the NBA draft combine, but the athletic, four-year wing would fit the bill.
23. Pacers: Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova, G, sophomore, 6-5, 205: Parlayed his strong Final Four and draft combine showing into a likely first-round pick.
24. Trail Blazers: Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State, F, junior, 6-7, 235: Good mobility, anticipation and athleticism.
25. Lakers: De’Anthony Melton, Southern California, G, sophomore, 6-4, 190: Despite withdrawing from USC earlier this season, Melton remains an intriguing prospect.
26. Sixers: Jerome Robinson, Boston College, G, junior, 6-6, 191: It’s not hard to see what scouts like about Robinson.
27. Celtics: Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech, G, sophomore, 6-4, 213: Good size and a great motor.
28. Warriors: Khyri Thomas, Creighton, G, junior, 6-3, 210: Steady and with great length.
29. Nets: Jacob Evans, Cincinnati, G, junior, 6-6, 210: With good size and strength for his position, can be an immediate contributor on defense.
30. Hawks: Mitchell Robinson, Chalmette High School, C, 7-0, 233: Might be the most enigmatic prospect in the draft.