2018 NBA Mock Draft: V1.0

Mark Wahlen

Mark Wahlen is a co-founder and contributor to The Five By 5.

1st Round

1. Atlanta Hawks
DeAndre Ayton
Ayton may not be the most natural fit next to their current young big man John Collins, but he has the highest ceiling of any player in this draft class, and the Hawks need all the talent they can get.
2. Orlando Magic
Trae Young
The Magic are reportedly looking to move on from Elfrid Payton and are in desperate need of a point guard and shooting. Trae Young fills both those voids as arguably the best shooter and guard in this draft class.
3. Sacramento Kings
Luka Doncic
The Kings have their point guard of the future in D'Aaron Fox, and already have a plethora of young bigs so going with a wing makes the most sense. Doncic, who is arguably worthy of the #1 pick in this draft, is an ultra skilled wing that would fit perfectly amongst the Kings young core and would provide a secondary ball handler to alleviate some of the pressure from Fox.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Marvin Bagley III
Dennis Smith Jr. and Marvin Bagley would provide an explosive 1-2 punch for the Mavericks moving forward. Bagley could play the C for the Mavs and Barnes could space the floor for and DSJ and Bagley pick and rolls as stretch 4.
5. Phoenix Suns
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Already committed to Devin Booker as the future face of their franchise, the Suns could opt to go with Jaren Jackson Jr, a young big who can play both sides of the ball. He'd compliment Booker nicely as he doesn't need to have the ball in his hands to be effective, and he could help improve and anchor the Suns terrible defense. His ability to shoot from the outside would also fit well with the Suns run and gun mentality. 
6. Memphis Grizzlies
Michael Porter Jr.
MPJ could arguably go much sooner in this draft, but many top teams will likely be scared away due to his back issues. However, with the Grizzlies already having an established core of Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, they can afford to swing for the fences and take the risk on MPJ. If his back doesn't cause lingering issues, he could be the 3rd star next to Conley and Gasol that could get them back into the playoffs next year.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
Collin Sexton
With LeBron likely leaving in free agency, the Cavs should focus on drafting the best talent available. Sexton is a fiery competitor that Cavs fans will appreciate, and he has the personality and talent to rebuild a team around in the post-LeBron era. And if LeBron stays, Sexton would give the Cavs an exciting playmaker who's more than a capable defender on the perimeter.
8. Chicago Bulls: 
Mo Bamba
The Bulls already have Markkanen, but drafting Bamba would give them a defensive anchor to pair with Lauri in the front-court. Markkanen could space the floor as a stretch 4 while Bamba creates a no fly zone in the paint on defense. They'd be one of the most exciting young front-courts in the NBA, and would fit well with their young guards of LaVine and Dunn.
9. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
Mikal Bridges
Hard to find a more perfect fit for player and team in this draft than Mikal Bridges and the 76ers. Mikal could contribute immediately, and would add to the 76ers weak wing rotations. His shooting, defense and local ties almost make too much sense for the 76ers.
10. Charlotte Hornets
Miles Bridges
The Hornets are looking to move Kemba Walker, and will likely lose him in free agency if they don't manage to find the right deal, but with no top 10 caliber point guard prospects left on the board, the Hornets should focus on drafting the best player available. Miles Bridges has a lot of talent, and can play either as a wing or a stretch 4. He will be a nice upgrade over the aging Marvin Williams.
11. Utah Jazz
Lonnie Walker IV
In the wake of Gordon Haywards decision to leave, the Jazz managed to find a gem in last years draft in Donovan Mitchell. However, the Jazz need another dynamic playmaker and scorer next to Mitchell to help alleviate opposing defensive pressure. They also need more shooting to better space the floor for Rudy Gobert. Lonnie Walker can provide all those things, and his tough nosed defense and strong off court intangibles are natural fits in Utah.
12. New York Knicks
Kevin Knox
The Knicks could look to pair up Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Knox in the front-court if they foresee Knox playing as a small ball 4. They could also slide Knox over to the wing and use his outside shooting to better space the floor for both KP and Kanter. Either way, his shooting and overall talent would be a welcomed addition to the Knicks weak forward rotations.
13. LA Clippers (via the Pistons)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
This is probably a bit of a reach pick at this point, but the Clippers could soon be shipping out more of their already weak guard depth, and with the high level guards already off the table, the Clips could swing for the fences with the high upside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He's not much of a shooter, but his defensive potential and offensive versatility would be a fun pairing with Beverly, Teodosic and whoever else they decide to keep.
14. LA Clippers
Wendell Carter Jr.
With the future of DeAndre Jordan uncertain, the Clippers could look to take advantage of this years draft class which is rich in big men. Wendell Carter Jr. isn't the most gifted perimeter defending big in the class, but he's very skilled in every other area of his game. He can shoot, pass, rebound, post-up and protect the rim. If he can figure out how to move his feet laterally on the perimeter, he could be a major problem for opposing teams for years to come.
15. Denver Nuggets
Dzanan Musa
The Nuggets need a true wing player to replace the aging Wilson Chandler and Musa would fir the bill nicely. He's a very skilled offensive player that would fit in perfectly to Denvers high octane offense. He has some health and defensive concerns, but he's worth the risk at this stage of the draft.
16. Phoenix Suns (via Bucks)
Chandler Hutchison
Having already snagged a big earlier in the draft, the Suns could look to add a dynamic wing to play alongside of Devin Booker and TJ Warren. Hutchison is older than some of the other prospects left on the board at this stage, but he's a two way wing that is oozing with NBA talent. He could start or come off the bench immediately for the Suns.
17. Philadelphia 76ers
Anfernee Simons
If you've been paying any attention at all to what's been happening with the 76ers 1st overall picked Markelle Fultz from last year, then you'll know that there's a chance that his shot is irreparably broken. Enter Anfernee Simons, who is often compared to a healthy and normal shooting Fultz. He's extremely young and will be coming into the NBA with no college experience due to a strange NBA eligibility technicality, but he's an intriguing guard that has NBA length, handles and shooting. He'd be a nice long-term prospect for the 76ers to take as a Fultz back-up plan.
18. Indiana Pacers
Jarred Vanderbilt
The Pacers are having a surprisingly good season so far with the revelation of Oladipo and Sabonis. They could look to add another wing player to their weak wing rotations by picking up Vanderbilt. He's not much of a shooter right now, but he's a hard nosed, hard working wing that can play the 3 or the 4. His best skills are his rebounding, passing and defense. If his shooting ever comes around, he could be a stud.
19. Washington Wizards
Daniel Gafford
The Wizards need some major help coming off the bench at essentially every position, but they also need to find a replacement for the aging Gortat who only has so many years left on his aging legs. Gafford is a nice long-term prospect that is an elite athlete. The way he moves reminds one of Anthony Davis, and he's fairly new to basketball, so his skill development thus far is impressive, and bodes well for his long term development arc. By the time Gortat is on his way out, Gafford could be a real player for the Wizards. And at this stage in the draft, there's not many "help now" players that would be more intriguing than the high upside Gafford.
20. Portland Trailblazers
Robert Williams
It seems like the same problem every year for the Blazers, but here we are again: they could really use a rim protecting big man. Well, maybe this is the year they finally get one in Robert Williams. He's got a lot about him that reminds you of DeAndre Jordan, but his production so far in his junior year has left a lot to be desired. His shooting is particularly bad, but on a Blazers roster that has Lillard and McCollum, Williams wouldn't be expected to stretch his game out beyond dunking the ball. His rebounding, shot blocking and overall athleticism would add a lot to the Blazers big man rotation.
21. New Orleans Pelicans
Hamidou Diallo
Diallo has had an up and down freshman season, but his physical and athletic tools are undeniably elite. He's also shot the ball much better than expected. There's a lot of question marks about his focus, mental toughness and his ability to attack off the dribble or create for others, but his upside is too much to pass up on at this stage of the draft, especially for a team like the Pelicans that desperately need more help on the wing.
22. Phoenix Suns (via Heat)
Shake Milton
The Suns have already addressed a couple area's of need in the draft, but they could still use an upgrade at point guard, and Shake is the best point guard prospect left on the board at this stage. He's a far cry from current Suns guard Tyler Ulis as Shake is tall, long and athletic. He has all the tools to be a starting caliber point guard (or 2 guard) in the NBA if he can figure things out at the next level.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves (via OKC)
Kris Wilkes
The Wolves are pretty much set on their core, so taking a guy like Wilkes, who would probably be a lottery caliber talent in next years draft if he returned to school, is great value for them at this stage of the draft. Wilkes is a talented wing that could play the 3 or 4 and would make for a nice long-term backup plan for the Wolves if they decide to move on from Andrew Wiggins.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
Chimezie Metu
Another great value pick at this stage in the draft, Metu is an NBA caliber athlete that is very skilled for his size. He can rebound, block shots and score in a variety of ways. He reminds a lot of LaMarcus Aldridge with his ability to score from the post and shoot the midrange shot, but similarly to LMA, there's some serious question marks about his personality and maturity. But to the Cavs, he'd be worth the risk at this stage.
25. Atlanta Hawks (via Wolves)
Troy Brown
Brown is a big, physical guard that excels at rebounding and is an underrated passer. He's a solid athlete that can score in the paint, but he isn't much of a shooter at this stage in his career. However, putting his skill set and raw tools in "Hawks university" could be the perfect match.
26. San Antonio Spurs
Landry Shamet
Shamet is a high IQ guard that can play either the 1 or the 2 and can either play on or off the ball. With the aging Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli looking to be on their way out of the league soon, Shamet would be a nice addition to the Spurs upcoming line of young guards. 
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors)
Gary Trent Jr.
He had a slow start to his college career, but Gary Trent Jr. has come on lately and has shown why he was such a highly sought after high school recruit. He possess a buttery smooth shot and has an NBA body. If he can figure out how to defend, create for others and attack off the dribble, he could develop into a lethal rotational shooter.
28. Boston Celtics
Jacob Evans
The Celtics seem determined to build a team of Kyrie Irving and a bunch of talented and athletic wings, and Jacob Evans would fit nicely into that equation. He's not as big or athletic as Jaylen Brown, Tatum or Hayward, but he's a rangy wing that can shoot, pass and defend. He's a little older, but that's not a bad thing for the Celtics as they'll want a young player who can help contribute right away.
29. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets)
Bruce Brown Jr.
Another classic Hawks guard prospect, Bruce Brown Jr. is a tough guard that is multi-talented. His shot is a big question mark, and he struggles to finish against length at times, but his profile matches with what the Hawks look for in prospects almost too perfectly. It remains to be seen if he'll play the 1 or the 2 in the NBA, but the Hawks could use more depth in both positions.
​30. Golden State Warriors
Brandon McCoy
McCoy is putting up big numbers on a weak UNLV team, and could probably be justified being taken earlier in the draft. However, there's serious question marks about his love for the game and overall impact on games. But with the Warriors being loaded at every position, they could take the gamble on McCoy and hope that their "royal jelly" could set him straight. If McCoy figures things out, he could certainly be a starting caliber C in the NBA that can play both sides of the ball.

2nd Round

31. Atlanta Hawks
Tyus Battle

32. Orlando Magic
Aaron Holliday

33. Sacramento Kings
Rawle Alkins

34. Dallas Mavericks
Rodions Kurucs

35. Phoenix Suns
Devonte Graham

36. Memphis Grizzlies
Khyri Thomas

37. Philadelphia 76ers (via Nets)
Mitchell Robinson

38. New York Knicks (via Bulls)
Allonzo Trier

39. Brooklyn Nets (via Lakers)
Justin Jackson

40. Phoenix Suns (via Hornets)
Jarrey Foster

41. Utah Jazz
Keita Bates-Diop

42. Philadelphia 76ers (via Knicks)
Trevon Duval

43. Detroit Pistons
Lagerald Vick

44. New York Knicks (via Clippers)
Jalen Brunson

45. Los Angeles Lakers (via Nuggets)
Grayson Allen

46. Milwaukee Bucks
Jontay Porter

47. Philadelphia 76ers
Jalen Hudson

48. Indiana Pacers
Mortiz Wagner

49. Denver Nuggets (via Trailblazers)
Sagaba Konate

50. Washington Wizards
Jevon Carter

51. Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans)
Terrence Davis Jr.

52. Houston Rockets (via Heat)
Deng Adel

53. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tra Holder

54. Charlotte Hornets (via Cavs)
Josh Okogie

55. Minnesota Timberwolves
Elie Okobo

56. San Antonio Spurs
Isaac Bonga

57. Phoenix Suns (via Raptors)
Yante Maten

58. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Celtics)
Marcus Foster

59. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets)
Arnoldas Kulboka
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​60. Denver Nuggets (via Warriors)
Kevin Hervey

Photo Credit:
DeAndre Ayton: PerformGrowUp
Trae Young: ABC News
Jaren Jackson Jr: Time In Cap
We do not claim ownership of any of the photo's used. All photo's have been used under the "fair use" guidelines.