In mock draft, Ayton goes to Suns
USA TODAY canvassed multiple league executives in shaping our latest mock draft. The real draft is next 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. His length and timing are outstanding, and given his comfort from the perimeter, he could be the prototypical NBA big man in a few years.
6. Magic: Mo Bamba, Texas, C, freshman, 6-11, 225: Similar to Jackson, Bamba is already NBA-ready on the defensive end, and there’s a question as to how far he’ll be able to stretch the floor when he’s not demoralizing defenses with alley-oop finishes. Bamba, who will have the longest wingspan in the NBA at 7-10, is the kind of physical freak teams might regret passing on.
7. Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr, Duke, F, freshman, 6-10, 259: Carter represents a safe, solid pick with low risk. He’s polished, but not plodding, with great footwork and high basketball IQ.
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? The Cavs might benefit because other teams tried to poke holes in his obvious talent.
9. Knicks: Collin Sexton, Alabama, PG, freshman, 6-3, 190: An aggressive, confident scorer who could thrive as the lead guard. The guard-depleted Cavs are known to be interested in Sexton as well.
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, filling a wing position that nearly every team covets.
11. Hornets: Miles Bridges, Michigan State, F, sophomore, 6-7, 225: The Hornets need help all over, and Bridges is a position-less wing who could play small forward and power forward in smaller lineups.
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. Walker, a raw, physical guard, offers a scoring mindset combined with a versatile profile on the defensive end.
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. He also doesn’t have much of an offensive arsenal anywhere outside the paint, and 47 percent on free throws is scary.
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. He needs to add muscle, and any team must be patient with him, but there’s significant upside.
15. Wizards: Shai Gilgeous-Alexan- der, Kentucky, G, freshman, 6-6, 180: Give him a few years to develop more of an offensive repertoire, and Gilgeous-Alexander is an ideal NBA point guard. His length, passing and defense are all intriguing, but don’t expect him to orchestrate an NBA offense as a rookie.
16. Suns: Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech, G, freshman, 6-5, 195: A freak athlete, stunning in transition and finishes dunks that hardly look feasible. His defensive instincts are there, too, but teams will have to grapple with what else he’s able to create on offense.
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, and with two brothers already in the league, he has an obvious NBA pedigree.
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. His defensive instincts are probably his best asset, and with the right coaching and system, he could develop a more enhanced offensive game.
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. There usually aren’t many potentially starting-caliber guards left this late in the draft.
20. T-Wolves: Dzanan Musa, Cedevita (Croatia), F, 6-9, 195: Needs to add significant bulk to his frame, not necessarily to compete offensively but because he could be a liability on defense. He’s a rangy shooter and a creative fin- isher with good vision; offenses won’t stall with him in the rotation.
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 of prospects the Bulls have drafted in the past.
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. He is a downhill scorer, crafty finisher from multiple angles and someone who makes his teammates better.
24. Trail Blazers: Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State, F, junior, 6-7, 235: Good mobility, anticipation and athleticism, and his face-up game was an asset in college. As a redshirt player, there are legitimate questions as to how much he’ll improve.
25. Lakers: De’Anthony Melton, Southern California, G, sophomore, 6-4,
190: Despite withdrawing from USC earlier this season, Melton remains an intriguing prospect thanks to his defensive intensity and transition ability.
26. Sixers: Jerome Robinson, Boston College, G, junior, 6-6, 191: It’s not hard to see what scouts like about Robinson. He’s a poised, steady guard with good size who can occasionally explode to the rim. He’s a comfortable scorer, who could easily command a second unit off the bench.
27. Celtics: Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech, G, sophomore, 6-4, 213: Good size and a great motor, but his offensive instincts can feel a little hectic at times. He should immediately be able to hold his own on the defensive end.
28. Warriors: Khyri Thomas, Creighton, G, junior, 6-3, 210: Steady and with great length, low-risk, heady, won’t make unforced mistakes and can stretch the floor with his offense.
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 and should have no trouble in a switchheavy defense. His three-point shooting ability could be a bonus.
30. Hawks: Mitchell Robinson, Chalmette High School, C, 7-0, 233: Might be the most enigmatic prospect in the draft, with a range as high as just outside the lottery all the way until the second round. Size and talent are there, but teams could have questions about his drive and commitment after he skipped his lone year in college basketball.