NBA DRAFT PICK ANALYSIS
Breaking down the early picks in Thursday’s NBA draft:
1. Suns: Deandre Ayton, Arizona, freshman, C, 7-1, 250 — Ninth year in a row a freshman has gone No. 1. Imposing, athletic and able to knock down shots away from the basket, Ayton was always the right pick. His defense will develop, but no other prospect has his dominant tools. With Ayton, Devin Booker and last year’s lottery selection Josh Jackson, the Suns are building a promising foundation.
2. Kings: Marvin Bagley III, Duke, freshman, F, 6-11, 211 — Despite rumors the Kings were linked to Michael Porter Jr., Bagley is the safer pick and potentially the more productive one. Bagley can play inside, hit consistently from the 3-point line and create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. The Kings get some sorely needed offensive identity with this selection.
3: Hawks: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid, G,
6-8, 220 — Fifth international player to be taken among the top three picks. The Real Madrid sensation was traded to Dallas thanks to a proposed draftnight deal that swapped the No. 3 and No. 5 picks. The Hawks end up with the No. 5 pick, Oklahoma star Trae Young; the Mavericks also sent a future firstround pick to the Hawks.
4. Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson, Jr., Michigan State, freshman, F, 6-11, 236 — Known more for his defensive instincts and versatility at Michigan State but showed enough on offense to imagine him being a potential stretch-five. Once he fills into his body, Jackson could be a dominant player on both ends.
5. Mavericks: Trae Young, Oklahoma, freshman, G, 6-2, 177 — Was dealt to Atlanta in a trade for Luka Doncic. Young is one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. Few question his offensive instincts, which have been compared to those of Steph Curry, but it’s fair to wonder about Young’s defense and how well his frame will hold up at the next level. It’s less of a risk for the Hawks, who also get another firstround pick from Dallas next year.
6: Magic: Mo Bamba, Texas, freshman, C, 7-1, 225 — Bamba, whose legendary wingspan of 7-foot-10 will automatically be the longest in the NBA, is an immediate difference-maker on defense. If he can improve on offense — and he’s trying to develop his jumper — teams could regret passing on Bamba given his massive potential.
7. Bulls: Wendell Carter, Duke, fresh- man, F, 6-10, 251 — As polished as any freshman in the draft, has excellent footwork, is poised with his back to the basket and can stretch the floor from outside.
8. Cavaliers: Collin Sexton, Alabama, freshman, G, 6-2, 183 — Whether LeBron James is part of their future, the Cavs needed to upgrade the backcourt. Sexton is an aggressive, downhill scorer who can create offense. He’s also an underrated defender.
9. Knicks: Kevin Knox, Kentucky, freshman, F, 6-9, 215 — 9. Long and versatile, the epitome of a positionless player. New York’s pick has to be considered alongside Kristaps Porzingis, and Knox should help fortify a mobile frontcourt for years.
Check out all the NBA draft picks at nba.usatoday.com.