It’s never too early to take a look at the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft, especially with the NCAA tournament underway. Here is our first mock draft with the Indiana Pacers currently selecting at 21.
March Madness is here, the Indiana Pacers are third in the Eastern Conference, and the NBA draft is still months away.
So instead of keeping all of those things in separate boxes, why don’t we combine them all like a mid-90s Miller Light commercial?
That’s right, let us present to you 8 Points, 9 Seconds first mock draft of the season. A few months ago we might have been talking about just how high in the draft the Pacers would be selecting, but now Indiana is looking to hold on to home court advantage in the first, and maybe even in the second round.
Obviously, not every pick here is taking part on March Madness (see No.1), but if you are looking for a guide for who to watch in the Big Dance then Dylan Hughes has you covered.
Without further delay, here’s how the 2018 NBA Daft might play out.
No.1: Memphis Grizzlies — Luka Doncic, SG/SF, Real Madrid
A lot of people out there are 1000% against taking foreign players with the top 2-3 picks (thanks, Darko). But this isn’t just another unknown foreign player with “potential.”
Luka Doncic has been on the NBA radar for the last two years or so, and in my opinion is the best player available in this year’s draft.
This kid can literally do it all. He scores, he passes, he rebounds, he defends, he’s athletic, he’s long, and most importantly he is a winner.
Doncic has played at the highest level in Spain for the last couple of years and has been the Euroleague’s leader in player efficiency this past season. He’s also in the top 10 in assists per game, and the second-best scorer, in what many would consider the premier basketball league outside of the NBA. Did I also mention he’s just 18 years old?
Doncic projects to be a wing in the NBA, and primarily will play off the ball if the Grizzlies chose to keep Mike Conley Jr. But just like Giannis Antetokoumpo and LeBron James (not comparing him to these players, just pointing out their abilities to play PG) Doncic can play make at a high enough level to be a team’s starting point guard.
Memphis is desperate for a star to rejuvenate their franchise, which has been abysmal (injuries have plagued them) since the ol’ grit & grind days with Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Marc Gasol.
Doncic will be a franchise changing talent, and I fully expect him to develop into a superstar in this league for many years to come.
No. 2: Phoenix Suns — DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
While I believe Doncic is the best player in the entire world in the 2018 draft class, I believe Arizona’s DeAndre Ayton is the best prospect coming out of college basketball.
While I think this pick could be Marvin Bagley III, Michael Porter Jr. or a handful of others as the Phoenix Suns desperately need talent with Tyson Chandler aging fast and Alex Len being an unrestricted free agent after this season., Ayton is the best player for the team and will be a dominant NBA big from day one.
Standing at 7’1 & 250 pounds, the freshman from Arizona is ready to play in the NBA like yesterday. Averaging 20.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, Ayton has shown that he can do everything in the NBA.
Ayton is elite in the post, is an elite rebounder, with the ability to step out to the elbow and knock down jump shots consistently.
No.3: Dallas Mavericks — Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
Dallas is in the same boat as Phoenix. They just need talent, regardless of who the player is. While getting Ayton or Doncic would be nice, being able to select Bagley is a great consolation prize.
Marvin Bagley III reclassified after committing to Duke last summer, and once he stepped on the floor in Durham, he quickly showed he may be the best player in college basketball at the ripe age of 17.
There aren’t many players in the country who have the combination of skill, size, and motor that the Mavericks will receive from Bagley. Not to mention, Bagley may be the best rebounding big man coming out of college basketball in quite some time (averaged 14 rebounds a game, per 40 minutes).
There is so much to love about Bagley III, who is averaging 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block per game, while shooting 60% from the field. However, serious questions surround what position Bagley plays at the next level. Standing at 6’11 and weighing at 235 pounds, Bagley III likely plays the 4, but would need to put on some muscle in order to withstand the rigors of the NBA, and make up for his lack of length. There’s also some clamoring for Bagley III to play on the wing due to his athleticism and skill, however Bagley only made 20 three’s this season, shooting just 36%.
At the end of the day, Bagley’s talent is undeniable. And at just 18 years old, Bagley’s motor, position versatility and athleticism makes him the perfect fit on a struggling Dallas team in desperate need for a star.
No. 4: Sacramento Kings — Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri
Out of all the names at the top of this draft, Michael Porter Jr. has the most questions, and it’s not even close.
Porter Jr. was the top recruit in the 2017 class, and was widely considered to be a lock for the #1 pick. However, after suffering a back injury in the opening seconds of Missouri’s season opener, the 6’10 wing has played in only one game this season.
Even with injury questions, Porter Jr. should be a top five pick, as he still could be the best player in this draft class down the road. Having the ability to shoot from deep, create for himself off the bounce, as well as score in the post, all bode well for him being a future all-star.
Pairing Michael Porter Jr, with last year’s top 5 pick De’Aaron Fox, alongside of former North Carolina forward Justin Jackson, gives Sacramento a great young core to move forward with
If medical reports clear Michael Porter Jr. and show no long-term damage, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him potentially go higher than #4.
If Porter Jr. is able to lead the Missouri Tigers on a deep tournament run, there’s a good chance his stock could go through the roof.
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.
No. 6: Cleveland Cavaliers (from Nets) — Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Finally, the mythical “Brooklyn pick” that we’ve heard about for what seems like 15 years, will be used this season. Cleveland will be making the selection after acquiring the pick from Boston in the Kyrie Irving deal this past summer.
This will be one of the most talked about draft picks in recent years, as Cleveland could be on the verge of losing LeBron James, again. If the Cavs do lose The King, this pick will be all about rebuilding.
If not, then Cleveland will be looking for a player who can come in right away and provide something to their lineup to get them back to the championship.
Mo Bamba would be the selection for me. There aren’t many players who stand at 7’0 tall, 230 pounds, who can block shots at an elite level (truly game changing level) while being able to stretch opposing defenses with his shooting.
Bamba’s offensive numbers this season have been a bit disappointing, as he’s averaged just 13 points per game, shooting 54% from the field, 29% from three, and 61% at the charity stripe. While the freshman center didn’t shoot great this season, you can see that the potential to eventually be a good shooting big is there.
Consistency is also an issue for the developing big, but you could easily see why scouts are drooling over a 7 foot center, with an 8 foot wing span. There was the 22 point, 15 rebound, 8 against Kansas, 24 and 12 against Iowa State, 16 and 16 against Baylor, and 25 and 15 against Ole Miss.
Bamba could be a very special player down the road with the right coaching and development. For a team like Cleveland, it’s too early to tell what his role might be during his rookie season. Will LeBron be back? Or will Mo Bamba be the new star in The Land?
No.7: Orlando Magic — Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
Trae Young is likely going to win the Naismith Player of the Year in College Basketball this season, and deservedly so. There hasn’t been a more electrifying and fun player to watch in the NCAA since possibly Stephen Curry, which many people have compared Young to.
Only one other player in the history of college basketball, has ever done what the freshman point guard out of Oklahoma has accomplished this season. Young is the first player since Dick Groat (Duke, 1951-52) to lead the country in both scoring, and assists.
Young has season averages of 27.4 points, and 8.8 assists per game, doing so on a rather efficient 19 shots per game. He’s scored 30+ points in 9 different games this season, while posting 4, 40+ point games. He’s also had 11, 10+ assist games, and broke the NCAA record for most assists in a game with 22 (he also was the first player in 20 years to have a 25+ point, 20+ assist game).
Down the stretch of season Young faltered a bit as opposing defenses put a lot of pressure on him, and his play wasn’t great. This raised questions of how well he can make plays at the next level with bigger defenders, especially with his smaller frame. These struggles have even had scouts and draft pundits compare him to former top 10 pick, and college basketball legend Jimmer Fredette.
I think Young has the potential to be a very good starting point guard at the next level, especially when the pressure isn’t on him to be the “only guy” like it is at Oklahoma. But as far as my opinion goes, I don’t see Young being able to replicate the success Steph Curry has had at the NBA level. (that may be obvious)
No. 8: Chicago Bulls — Mikal Bridges, SF, Villanova
Mikal Bridges isn’t the best player on his own team, but finds himself as the 8th pick in the NBA Draft.
Bridges has emerged in his junior season as the nation’s top 3 & D wing that many scouts and coaches thought he could be. With that in mind, it’s not difficult to see why his skills will be highly valued in the upcoming draft.
At 6’7 with a 7’0 wingspan, Bridges projects to be an elite wing defender at the next level. But it’s his improvement from the three point line, and overall scoring that has helped him rise up draft boards. After averaging just 9 points per game and shooting 33% from deep as a sophomore, Bridges has doubled his scoring to 18 ppg, while shooting 43% from three.
Bridges still needs to improve his ball handling as well as his ability to create off the dribble and make plays for others, as he’s averaged just 2 assists per game (1 turnover).
Pairing Mikal Bridges with Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine, will give the Bulls one of the most athletic and dynamic backcourts in the league.
No. 9: New York Knicks — Wendell Carter Jr., PF/C, Duke
Two Duke big men in the top 10? That’s crazy right?
Wendell Carter Jr. would be a superstar on just about any other team in college basketball, but even with a bigger name in Marvin Bagley III sharing the front court, Carter Jr. has been sensational for the Blue Devils in his freshman season.
The 6’11 big man has averaged an astonishing 20.3 points and 14 rebounds per 40 minutes, and has an 126.4 offensive rating.
Carter Jr. is one of the most consistent big men in this draft, and will be a solid pro for many years to come. With Carter Jr., the New York Knicks get the perfect fit to go with superstar Kristaps Porzingis and rebounding machine Enes Kanter, while giving them their big man of the future.
While Carter isnt the most athletic or explosive player, he has solid fundamentals in the paint and score from just about anywhere on the floor. He’s a very good passer, a solid defender, with an NBA ready body.
No. 10: Charlotte Hornets — Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky
For the second year in a row the Charlotte Hornets take a Kentucky player with their first round pick.
Unlike last year with Malik Monk, I think they are getting a guy who is going to be a better NBA player than he is college player in Kevin Knox.
Being from Louisville and being a Louisville fan, I am way too familiar with Kevin Knox and have gotten to watch him a few times this season.
The 6’9, 215 pound combo forward has had plenty of ups and downs during his freshman season with UK. While Knox has looked like a future NBA all-star at times, he’s also looked like a late round flier at times due to his inconsistency and bad body language.
However, Knox has turned it on late for the Cats showing his ability to knock down spot up jumpers at an extremely high clip, while also scoring off pull-up jumpers. Knox will certainly need to improve those numbers to become more consistent, as his season averages don’t tell the full story (44% from the field, 35% from deep).
The Hornets haven’t had great luck with Kentucky players (i.e, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) but in Knox they get a nice combo forward who could be an eventual replacement for Marvin Williams, and will pair nicely with Kemba Walker, Malik Monk, and Nic Batum.
No. 11: Philadelphia 76ers (from LA Lakers) — Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Due to the Lakers pick falling out of the top 3, the 76ers make the selection here.
There’s not a hotter player in all of college basketball right now than Collin Sexton, coming off the best buzzer beater of the season.
Collin Sexton is a point guard in the mold of guys like John Wall, and De’Aaron Fox to his ability to get north-south and attack the basket at a high level.
With a former NBA head coach at the helm in Alabama, Sexton should be extremely prepared to make the jump into the NBA.
While I’m not sure about the fit next to Ben Simmons, with both being “true point guards,” Sexton has the ability to score at a high level off the ball.
No. 12: Los Angeles Clippers (from Detroit) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
The Clippers make their first of two lottery selections.
Standing at 6’6 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the size you want at the point guard position to go along with a great skillset.
Gilgeous-Alexander was a relatively unknown commodity coming into the ’17-’18 season, and wasn’t even being talked about as a potential first rounder, but has burst onto the scene averaging 13.6 points and 5 assists.
The freshman point guard has been the best player on the UK team that features 3 or 4 potential first rounders, including Kevin Knox, and likely will be an even better pro.
No. 13: Utah Jazz — Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State
The Jazz struck gold last season with the 13th pick (trading with Denver for Donovan Mitchell) so why can’t they do it again?
Miles Bridges likely would have been a top 10 selection had he come out after his freshman season, but instead, the 6’7 forward made the decision to go back to Michigan State and come out in this year’s draft.
While he’s not made the jump in his second season in East Lansing, Bridges is still an absolute steal at 13 and very well could develop into a starting forward and maybe even an all-star player.
Bridges projects to be a combo forward at the next level, who does well on both ends of the floor. He scores at a nice level (16.9 points per game), mostly around the rim, but does occasionally step out and knock down three’s.
The area I worry about is his ability to create for himself. While he’s an extremely athletic college player, I’m not sure how that will translate at the next level. Nonetheless, the rebuilding but not so-rebuilding Utah Jazz get another nice piece to go along with Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell.
No. 14 Los Angeles Clippers — Gary Trent Jr., SG, Duke
C.J. Williams, Jamil Wilson, Sean Kilpatrick, Tyrone Wallace, and Sindarius Thornwell… Those are the players who have started at shooting guard for the Clippers this season.
Shall I say more?
With their second pick, the Clippers get another dynamic, young player for their back court. Just like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Gary Trent Jr. has great size for his position (6’6) and has been extremely productive in his freshman season (14.3 ppg, 42% shooting from 3)
What hurts Trent Jr. at the next level is his lack of explosiveness and speed. Will he be able to beat NBA athletes off the dribble? I wouldn’t be overly worried about it, as the Duke guard has consistently found a way to score all season long.
No.15: Phoenix Suns (from Miami) — Lonnie Walker IV, SG, Miami
Lonnie Walker IV hasn’t been as dynamic this year as many expected him to be coming into the season, but that shouldn’t stop him from being a top 20 pick in the 2018 draft.
Walker is athletic as all get out, has great length for only being 6’4, is a nice shooter, and has the ability to create off the dribble. All of these traits and skills combine to make him a potential starter.
However, he’s not ready to contribute just yet, which I think we saw this season. In his freshman season, Walker IV averaged 11.5 points per game on 41% shooting (35% from 3), and struggled with consistency.
Walker will need a year or two of growing and learning, paired with some time in the G-League, which makes Phoenix the perfect fit.
No. 16 Phoenix Suns (from Milwaukee) — Troy Brown Jr., SG/SF, Oregon
When your team is as bad as the Phoenix Suns you don’t worry about anything other than taking the best player available.
Troy Brown Jr. could go anywhere from 11-25 come June, and just like Lonnie Walker IV he’s got a lot of potential in the NBA.
There wasn’t a lot from the 2017-18 season that stood out from Troy Brown Jr. aside from his size (6’7, 215 pounds) and athleticism. Brown will need to improve his shooting and become a more consistent scoring threat, but his potential as a 3-D wing make him a nice value pick at 16 for Phoenix. He will have plenty of room to grow as the team attempts to rebuild.
No. 17: Philadelphia 76ers — Dzanan Musa, SF, Bosnia
I won’t sit here and act like I know a lot about Dznan Musa from Bosnia & Herzegovina. I think you would be able to sniff out that BS.
But here’s what I do know. Musa plays for KK Cedevita in Croatia, has averaged 12 points, and 3 rebounds per game, shooting 48% from the field in 22 minutes per game, according to Draftexpress.com.
Musa has great size for a SF, standing at 6’9. But 76ers fans will likely need to be patient, as Musa is not quite ready for the NBA.
No. 18: Denver Nuggets — Mitchell Robinson, PF/C, Western Kentucky
Here is our first true unknown player of the 2018 NBA Draft.
Mitchell committed to Western Kentucky, showed up on campus, left campus, said he was transferring, came back to campus, and then left again to “pursue the NBA Draft.”
Mitchell is a former McDonald’s All-American with all the talent in the world, and could be a very nice big man down the road. He’s likely the most athletic big on the back side of the first round and will excel in pre-draft workouts because of it.
No. 19: Washington Wizards — Anfernee Simons, SG, IMG Academy
Anfernee Simons is still technically in high school and is likely to go to college, but will be able to declare for the draft if the interest is there due to him being a “post-grad” one year removed from high school.
Simons is a straight baller and I think if he went to college he’d be a top 10 pick next year. Simons has great athleticism, a great knack for scoring the ball, and has the position versatility scouts are looking for at guard.
He’ll absolutely need to spend a year or two in the G-League in order to develop, but could be a huge steal for the Wizards down the road.
No. 20: Minnesota Timberwolves – Keita Bates-Diop – SF – Ohio State
Keita Bates-Diop is another player who wasn’t on the NBA radar coming into the 2017-18 college basketball season. But after leading Ohio State to a 24-8 record, while winning Big Ten Player of the Year, Bates-Diop is now looked at as a first-round lock.
The senior forward improved significantly from his junior to senior season, finishing the year averaging 19.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, while shooting 48% from the field. Bates-Diop has a knack for scoring, doing so very well from just about everywhere on the floor.
With the NBA becoming more and more “position-less” finding players who can do everything is key. Bates-Diop isn’t a guy who can bring the ball up the floor and get your offense going, and could face problems trying to go 1-on-1 with quality defenders. However, with the other skills that are present with the 22-year-old, this is something that can be avoided.
No. 21: Indiana Pacers — Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
The Holiday family has already made its impact felt in the NBA. First, it was Jrue, then Justin, and next up is Aaron Holiday from UCLA.
Aaron Holiday has been absolutely sensational for a depleted and young UCLA team this season, and is a huge reason they are even in the NCAA tournament.
The junior point guard has had a career season averaging 20 points, and nearly 6 points per game, including an incredible 26 points per game over the last six games of the season, which locked up a bid to the NCAA Tournament for the Bruins.
Holiday is an extremely athletic, and skilled guard with a very good all-around game. He can score at a high level, has a great shooting touch, while also having the ability to pass the ball well. Holiday is at his best when tasked with driving/attacking the basket, and using his quickness and athleticism to beat his man off the dribble.
When Holiday is able to attack not only does it open up the ability to score inside, but it forces his man to back off of him just enough to open up the 3 point shot (Holiday has shot 43% from deep this season), as well as opening up passing lanes for him to get his teammates going.
Though Holiday has been more of a combo-guard at the college level for UCLA, I expect him to transition to playing the point at the next level. While he’s just 6’1, which is a bit small compared to other lead guards in the NBA, his quickness and length make up for that.
When it comes to the other end of the floor, Holiday does have the ability to guard and has a knack for coming up with deflections and steals. But due to size, he may struggle to guard bigger guards at the next level.
While at UCLA, Holiday has been a “score first” guard, but I can easily see him playing much like current Pacer, and former UCLA Bruin Darren Collison. Collison was a scoring guard in college, mostly due to the talent around him, but has become a pass-first guard in the NBA who attacks when given the chance.
Holiday would add a nice scoring punch to the Pacers lineup, and could become a very good point guard down the road.
No. 22: San Antonio Spurs — Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV
Brandon McCoy has had a great year for a very mediocre UNLV team in his freshman season. With per 40 minute averages of 24.1 points and 14.4 rebounds per game, you’d think McCoy could be a 20/10 guy at the next level.
Here’s the problem. McCoy is an old-school center, who gets all of his points around the basket and doesn’t t shoot the ball outside the paint. He is a dominant rebounder and could develop into a Clint Capela type of center with the right team.
Pop has done a great job with developing guard DeJounte Murray, who was a very raw freshman coming out of Washington. I think he could do the same with McCoy.
No. 23: Atlanta Hawks — Shake Milton, PG/SG, SMU
Looking for a future Jimmy Butler type of player who gets drafted in the latter part of the first round and goes on to be a future all-star? Look no further.
Shake Milton is hands down my favorite player in this draft. He’s got incredible size for a point guard, standing at 6’6, he has a great stroke (shot 42% from 3) and has gotten significantly better each of his three years at SMU.
Atlanta needs playmakers and talent. They get both in this draft.
No. 24: Los Angeles Lakers — Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky
Hamidou Diallo almost came out of “school” (was a redshirt at UK last season) for the 2017 draft, and likely would’ve been a first rounder.
Many expected him to be a lottery pick in the 2018 draft, but there’s been a lot of flaws exposed in his game while playing at Kentucky.
He’s extremely athletic and can get you buckets in transition, and also has good size at 6’5. But outside of that, there’s not much in terms of substance to his game. He will need to shoot the ball much better (33% from 3) as well as learn to create for others (averaging 1.6 assists per game).
The Lakers have a good G-League team that has developed a lot of talent, and Diallo should be able to spend a season there learning how to be an NBA player.
No. 25 Chicago Bulls — Daniel Gafford, PF/C, Arkansas
At 6’11. 235 pounds Gafford already has an NBA ready body, and we saw that this season at Arkansas. The freshman won’t come to the NBA as the next great “stretch 4 or stretch 5” but instead fits the mold of a more 1990’s NBA big man.
Gafford excels in pick & rolls as well as posting up and is a highly effective scorer around the rim, averaging 12 points on just 7 shot attempts per game. While he hasn’t shot a single three this season, or many jump shots for that matter (just 18 total this season), which doesn’t fit with the new “ideal big man” in the NBA, Gafford’s ability to score does translate at the next level (I.e, Clint Capela).
No. 26: Portland Trail Blazers — Chandler Hutchison, SF, Boise State
Here’s what I wrote about Chandler Hutchison back in February, it’s still true.
"Chandler Hutchison is one the least known draft prospects but has been one of college basketball’s biggest breakout players in the 2017-18 season, and is currently shooting up draft boards. Hutchison has great size, great touch, is aggressive at attacking the glass for a wing, and has the potential to be a very good 3 & D player at the next level. While he is a senior (that seems to carry a negative connotation these days) his development hasn’t stopped and he’s shown he has the potential to get better."
Portland gets a 3-D wing, who is ready to contribute in the rotation from day one.
No. 27: Boston Celtics — Rodions Kurucs, SF, Latvia
Another foreign player who is likely to be a “draft and stash.” Kurucs would have been a first round pick had he stayed in the draft last year, but instead chose to stay overseas and improve his game. At 6’10 Kurucs has great size for a wing, and has nice potential to be a good shooter.
Boston is loaded with talent, especially younger players, and it is more likely that they package a few of them and possibly this pick in order to get back an established veteran who can help them win a championship,
No.28: Brooklyn Nets — Landry Shamet, PG, Wichita State
There’s not a better passing point guard in this class, aside from Trae Young, than Landry Shamet.
The junior guard out of Wichita State has great size for a point guard at 6’4, and has a natural feel for the game. As mentioned, he’s a very good passer, averaging 5.5 assists per game.
While you’d think that number would be higher, Wichita State has relied on their lead guard to be their primary scorer, which won’t be the case at the next level.
Shamet is a genius on the pick-and-roll, has a great hesitation dribble, see’s the floor very well, and has a great basketball IQ.
The Nets need talent, but more importantly, they need players who know how to win. Shamet brings both to the table.
No. 29: Golden State Warriors — Jaylen Adams, PG, St. Bonaventure
Jaylen Adams is one of the best players in college basketball that you’ve never heard of. The senior guard has even led his team to their first NCAA tournament victory in 48 years.
Adams can score with the best of the players in this draft, while also having the ability to create for his teammates and make them better.
With Shaun Livingston getting up there in age, Adams would be a great player to develop behind Stephen Curry.
No. 30 Atlanta Hawks — Jontay Porter, PF/C, Missouri
Once again I can’t stress enough that the Hawks need young talent. So how about taking the youngest player in the draft?
Jontay is the younger brother of Michael Porter Jr. and reclassified to join him at Missouri this season. While Michael didn’t get to play at all, Jontay stared for the Tigers and showed that he has the ability to be a good NBA player as well.
Next: The Book is better: What has Trevor Booker shown us?
Porter isn’t the most athletic big in this class by any means, but he is a very skilled player who has the ability to score in a lot of ways. The 6’11 freshman averaged 10.1 points per game, and 6.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 37% from deep, while only playing 24 minutes per game. However, per 40 minutes he averaged 16 & 11, which paints a better picture of his abilities.