The Commercial Appeal

Latest mock draft has Grizzlies taking Luka Doncic

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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.

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