8 points, 9 seconds
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The 8 Points, 9 Seconds 2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

By Jacob Lane

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 9: UCLA guard Aaron Holiday (3) raises his arms in triumph during the semifinal game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the UCLA Bruins and the Arizona Wildcats on March 9, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 9: UCLA guard Aaron Holiday (3) raises his arms in triumph during the semifinal game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the UCLA Bruins and the Arizona Wildcats on March 9, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 03: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans speaks to the referee prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2018 in New York City. The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Michigan State Spartans 75-64. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

No.5: Atlanta Hawks — Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Missouri

While I think this draft class is very deep and could potentially have 5-6 star players, the talent level drops off significantly after Doncic, Porter Jr., Ayton, and Bagley III.

However, Jaren Jackson Jr. still has the potential to be a stud at the next level.

The freshman big man has been dominant at times, on both ends of the floor, for Michigan State. Standing at 6’11, with a standing reach of 7’4, the 18 year old (won’t turn 19 until September) is still very raw, with plenty of room for development. But we saw glimpses of stardom during the season.

According to sports-reference.com, Jackson Jr. is one of four players in college basketball to make at least 10 three-pointers, while averaging 3.0 blocks per game. Jackson also shot 39% from three this season, while averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Atlanta has the worst roster in the NBA in my opinion and should draft based off of talent and best player available instead from a position of need. In this case, Jackson Jr. is the best player on the board.

The Hawks and head coach Mike Budenholzer will need to be patient with the young forward, as he still is a few years away from reaching stardom potential.

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