USA TODAY International Edition
Ayton, Doncic top prizes in league’s tank race
USA TODAY’s first 2018 NBA mock draft (order based on inverse standings as of March 13, taking into account trades and draft protections; the draft lottery is May 15).
1. Memphis: Deandre Ayton, Arizona, C , Fr., 7-1, 250: First-team All-American averaged about 20 points and 11 reounds while leading the Wildcats to the Pac-12 title. 2. Phoenix: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid, G, 6-6, 218 — At 19, already has three years of pro experience, elite stroke and superb passing ability.
3. Atlanta: Marvin Bagley III, Duke, F, Fr., 6-11, 234 — Skill set and athleticism make him comparable to Chris Bosh; averaged more than 20 points and 11 rebounds. 4. Orlando: Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State, F, Fr., 6-11, 242 — Hasn’t been the Spartans’ best player but showed the most two-way potential of any player in the country.
5. Sacramento: Mohamed Bamba, Texas, F, Fr., 6-11, 225 — Averaged 13.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.7 blocks.
6. Cleveland (via Brooklyn): Michael Porter Jr., Missouri, F, Fr., 6-10, 215 — Long absence with back injury shouldn’t overshadow his promise as a future all-star.
7. Dallas: Trae Young, Oklahoma, G, Fr., 6-2, 180 — Country’s leading scorer and assists man struggled in second half of season.
8. Chicago: Wendell Carter Jr., Duke, F, Fr., 6-10, 259: Averaged about 14 points and nine rebounds. Duke’s most underrated player. 9. New York: Collin Sexton, Alabama, G, Fr., 6-3, 190 — Outplayed Trae Young in a Jan. 27 matchup; shown NBA talent all season.
10. Charlotte: Mikal Bridges, Villanova, G, Jr., 6-7, 210 — Came out of nowhere,
averaging 18 points; can guard four positions, shoots the three well.
11. L.A. Clippers (via Detroit): Miles Bridges, Michigan State, F, Soph., 6-7, 225: Stat line (about 17 and seven both seasons) didn’t jump; neither did his draft stock. Outside shooting could cost him.
12. Philadelphia (via Lakers): Robert Williams, Texas A&M, C, Soph., 6-10, 241 — Runs floor like a wing while dominating interior with his blocking ability.
13. San Antonio: Kevin Knox, Kentucky, F, Fr., 6-9, 215 — Wildcats’ best player, averaging more than 15 points and five boards.
14. Denver: Dzanan Musa, Cedevita (Croatia), SF, 6-9, 195 — Streaky shooter who isn’t gun shy; good first step and a quick release. 15. Phoenix (via Miami): Troy Brown, Oregon, F, Fr., 6-7, 215 — Not overwhelmingly athletic but has knack for creative finishes and scoring in tight spaces. 16. Phoenix (via Milwaukee): Lonnie Walker, Miami (Fla.), G, Fr., 6-5, 204 — Slow start because of meniscus surgery but came on strong. Solid three-point shot (34%) and a slasher’s mentality.
17. Utah: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky, G, Fr., 6-6, 180 — Averaged about 14 points and five assists, particularly impressive in a 30-point outing vs. Vanderbilt in January.
18. Philadelphia: Daniel Gafford, Arkansas, F, Fr., 6-11, 234: Surprisingly bouncy, with good energy and slippery with his back to the basket. Tough to ignore his defensive potential; he had four games of at least five blocks.
19. L.A. Clippers: Chandler Hutchison, Boise State, SF, Sr., 6-7, 197 — Led the Mountain West in scoring (19.3 points), and his smooth transition game, coupled with his outside shooting, could make him an ideal fit in today’s NBA. 20. Washington: Mitchell Robinson, C, 7-0, 233: Left Western Kentucky to focus on working out ahead of the draft. That should justifiably raise concerns. Moves exceptionally well for a big man.
21. Atlanta (via Minnesota): Khyri Thomas, Creighton, G, Jr., 6-3, 200 — Plays with a veteran’s savvy and is adept at creating offense in isolation. He probably best projects as an off-ball guard, but his three-point stroke is NBA ready.
22. L.A. Lakers (via Cleveland): Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State, F, Jr., 6-7, 235 — Averaged 20 points and nine rebounds and drastically improved his threepoint shot.
23. Chicago (via New Orleans): Aaron Holiday, UCLA, G, Jr., 6-1, 185 —Younger brother of NBAers Jrue and Justin Holiday, Aaron averaged more than 20 points and nearly six assists.
24. Minnesota (via Oklahoma City): Bruce Brown Jr., Miami (Fla.), G, Soph., 6-5, 202 — A late-season foot injury stopped him, but he averaged 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
25. Indiana: Anfernee Simons, IMG Academy, G, 6-4, 177 — Not a lock to go into draft. Crafty scorer and a deceptive dribbler with a developing outside stroke. 26. Portland: Jontay Porter, Missouri, F, Fr., 6-11, 240 — Younger brother of Michael Porter probably benefited with his brother’s injury. Lefty averaged more than 10 points and six rebounds.
27. Boston: Shake Milton, SMU, G, Jr., 6-5, 205 — Averaged 18 points and did a little of everything before suffering a season-ending hand injury in February. 28. Brooklyn (via Toronto): Landry Shamet, Wichita State, G, Soph., 6-4, 180 — Averaged about 15 points and five assists against better competition this season in the American Athletic Conference. 29. Golden State: De’Anthony Melton, Southern California, G, Soph., 6-4, 201 — The combo guard sat out season and eventually withdrew from school as a result of a connection to FBI’s bribery scandal. 30. Atlanta (via Houston): Grayson Allen, Duke, G, Sr., 6-5, 205 — He’s 6-5 and far from a true point guard (though he did average 4.5 assists this season) but can shoot with best of them. His defense will need to improve.