We’re now less than 48 hours away from the NBA draft. This is usually the time when things are heating up, but this year has been oddly quiet. There have been a few trade rumors here and there, but nothing that seemed to have any momentum behind it. There does appear to be a little uncertainty with the Kings pick at No. 2 which could set off a domino effect depending on which player they go with.
1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona (Previous – DeAndre Ayton)
Height: 7’0″ | Weight: 260 pounds | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 20.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.9 BPG
Update: No changes here. Ayton is the best player in this draft and Phoenix doesn’t appear to have any serious offers to trade out of this pick.
Original: The Suns would be making a major mistake picking anyone besides DeAndre Ayton with this pick. They could use a long-term solution at the point guard spot too, but with no elite options available in this draft, Ayton is the way to go. Ayton bucks the trend of the new-age outside shooting big man. He’s strong and gifted offensively down low and can step out and hit the mid-range jumper when needed. Basically, he’s a throwback to the days of Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon. Imagine a young Dwight Howard if he had a mid-range jump shot. Scary thought, isn’t it? Ayton should come off draft boards in the early part of the middle rounds.
2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III, F/C, Duke (Previous – Luka Doncic)
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 235 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 21.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG
Update: If anyone can challenge Ayton for the No. 1 pick, it’s going to be Bagley. With Doncic falling, Bagley slides up to No. 2 where his offensive abilities will be a welcomed addition to an offensively limited Kings frontcourt.
Original: As good as Ayton is offensively, Bagley is better. The 6’11 big man can do it all. He can dominate in the paint, hit the mid-range jumper, and even step beyond the arc and drain the occasional trey. With his size, it’d be nice if he contributed more in the defensive stats, but his offensive upside is arguably the highest in this draft. For a statistical comparison, think Blake Griffin. Bagley is a safe bet to be the top offensive rookie next season.
3. Atlanta: Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State (Previous – Marvin Bagley III)
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 240 | Age: 18 (Freshman)
Stats: 10.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 BPG, 51.3 FG%
Update: With Atlanta set at point guard, expect them to still look to add some muscle in the frontcourt. Jackson doesn’t possess Bagley’s offensive upside, but his shot blocking and rebounding will be a big boost for Atlanta who ranked 25th in rebounding this past season.
Original: Jackson is this year’s “raw with tons of upside.” If you’ve read any of my basketball columns before, you’ll know I love using per36 numbers or per40 when it comes to the NCAA. Jackson’s per40 numbers last season were off the charts at 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks. He can even step outside and drain the occasional trey. It might take him some time to find his footing in the NBA, but the upside here is enormous, making him a very desirable dynasty target.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid (Previous – Jaren Jackson Jr.)
Height: 6’8″ | Weight: 220 | Age: 19
Stats: 14.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.4 APG (Europe)
Update: The Doncic slide finally comes to an end. Mike Conley is still in town for another three seasons, but is entering the twilight of his creer and has had a hard time staying healthy lately. Doncic has the size to play next to Conley on the wing and having two ball handlers like this on the court at one time will cause headaches for opposing defenses.
Original: Some have deemed Luka Doncic arguably the best prospect to ever come out of Europe. That’s some really high praise with all the European talent we’ve had over the last two decades, but he has the raw talent to live up to the hype. Doncic’s skillset will allow him to flourish at either guard position, as he has the court vision of a point guard and the shooting abilities of a wing. He’s young and still learning the game, but should be able to make a strong impact later on in his rookie season, contributing solidly in points, rebounds, and assists. To start, though, he can be left on the waiver wire.
5. Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas (Previous (Mohamed Bamba)
Height: 7’0. Weight: 225. Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 12.9 BBG, 10.5 RPG, 3.7 BPG, 54.1 FG%
Update: Bamba would make sense in Memphis, too, but the lanky center told Memphis not to draft him. Maybe he doesn’t like Elvis or country music, who knows. But this means that Bamba will still likely be here for Dallas to scoop up. Another thing to keep an eye on is a potential trade. The Celtics were rumored to want to trade up for Bamba, but it doesn’t sound like much materialized.
Original: With Dallas set in the backcourt, look for them to draft a big man here to play next to the ageless German wonder, Dirk Nowitzki. Bamba isn’t as advanced on the offensive end as the men above, but his defensive contributions will make him a fantasy force in time. Bamba has the upside of a Rudy Gobert in the rebounding and blocked shot categories and would have a chance to start right out of the gate for Dallas.
6. Orlando Magic: Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri
Height: 6’10” | Weight: 215 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG (3 games)
The Magic could very easily go point guard here, as they desperately need one, but they’ll be hard-pressed to pass on Michael Porter Jr. if he’s still available. Unfortunately, back surgery robbed us of a Porter collegiate season this winter, sans about 52 minutes of action in three meaningless late-season games. Last fall, Porter was heavily in the running for the No. 1 overall pick. Now, he’s an intriguing, yet risky lottery pick. He reminds me a lot of Aaron Gordon, who he’d be lining up next to in the Orlando frontcourt if this selection comes to fruition. There are some defensive challenges here, but the offensive upside is enormous. It might just take him some time in his rookie season to realize that after all the time off.
7. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr., F/C, Duke
Height: 6’10” | Weight: 260 | Age: 19 | Last: 7 (Freshman)
Stats: 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG, 56.1 FG%
While not as offensively gifted as his frontcourt teammate at Duke, Wendell Carter Jr. still has the makings of a future All-Star big man. Carter can score from anywhere on the offensive end, including from beyond the arc. Of course he can. Every big man can shoot from deep these days. While he’s able to shoot from deep, don’t expect him to go out there much as he’s the strongest on the post and with his mid-range game. Carter’s Duke stats you see above are a solid baseline for his expected stat line in the NBA.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Trae Young, G, Oklahoma
Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 180 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 27.4 PPG, 8.8 APG, 3.7 3PG
The Cavaliers could look a whole lot different in a month or two, depending on where LeBron James decides to play next season. With that likely not being Cleveland, there will be a major scoring and ball handling void that will need to be filled. Obviously, no one can take James’ place, but drafting a guard like Trae Young will be a good first step for the Cavaliers in a probable rebuild. Young led the nation in both points (27.4) and assists (8.7) last season while proving to be a dangerous threat from downtown. In the right situation, Young can be one of fantasy’s top rookies next season.
9. New York Knicks: Mikal Bridges, F, Villanova
Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 210 | Age: 21 (Junior)
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 43.5 3PT%
I almost thought we were going to get out of the lottery without a multi-year college player being selected. With Carmelo Anthony out of town, the Knicks could greatly benefit from a wing that can score and shoot from deep. Villanova forward, Mikal Bridges, fits that mold as good as anyone available with this selection. Bridges vastly improved his three-point shooting as his collegiate career progressed, going from 29.9% to 39.3% to 43.5% on 6.0 attempts per game in his final season as a Wildcat. Bridges should slide right into the starting lineup and provide double-digit scoring, solid defensive stats, and nearly two threes per game in his rookie season.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Robert Williams III, F/C, Texas A&M
Height: 6’9″ | Weight: 240 | Age: 20 (Sophmore)
Stats: 10.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG
The 76ers could go a few different ways with this pick, but pairing up Williams with Joel Embiid might prove too difficult to pass up. With Williams at the four, Dario Saric could slide over to the three with Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz (maybe?) in the backcourt. Williams is just 2-for-30 from downtown over his two collegiate seasons, so don’t expect him to magically start contributing there. He’s best down low, working on the post with his back to the basket and is one of the best rebounders and low-post defenders in this draft. This pick makes a lot of sense for Philadelphia, but Williams’ fantasy impact would be limited here with all the other options on this roster.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
Height: 6’9″ | Weight: 215 | Age: 18 (Freshman)
Stats: 15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 34.1 3PT%
The Hornets are set at point and center, so expect them to look for a wing that can score with this draft pick. There are a few available here, but Kevin Knox’s upside makes him an intriguing selection for Charlotte. Knox was arguably the best player on Kentucky last season and gave us plenty of glimpses of his 20+ PPG scoring potential. Playing on Charlotte is a great landing spot for him as they won’t need him to start right away. Knox projects as a plus scorer, adequate three-point shooter, and solid rebounder at the NBA level.
12. Los Angeles Clippers: Collin Sexton, G, Alabama
Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 190 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.6 APG
Sexton could honestly go as early as eight to New York, but his subpar defense and passing skills will likely cause him to slide a few spots on draft night. Don’t expect him to get past the Clippers who need a long-term point guard option. Trust me, Austin Rivers isn’t the answer. Sexton likely wouldn’t start out of the gate, but his scoring abilities will make him a popular waiver wire target later in the season once he does take over at point.
13. Los Angeles Clippers: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State
Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 225 | Age: 20 (Sophmore)
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.1 3PG, 36.4 3PT%
To pair with Sexton, expect the Clippers to grab a versatile wing that can score and shoot from the outside like Miles Bridges. Bridges averaged 17.0 points and 2.0 3PG in his two seasons at Michigan State and showed that he can score from anywhere on the court. On top of that, Bridges is an above-average rebounder and more than capable defender that should contribute solidly in rebounds and blocks. With the chance to start right away, Bridges makes for an intriguing late-round flier in fantasy drafts.
14. Denver Nuggets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G, Kentucky
Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 180 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 14.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG, 48.5 FG%
This pick screams guard to me as Denver is set down low with Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap. Drafting a player like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would give the Nuggets some flexibility in the backcourt as both he and Jamal Murray have the ability to play both guard positions. Gilgeous-Alexander fits the mold of a “better in real life than fantasy” player. His outside game needs a lot of work, but he is good off the dribble and getting into the paint, which is where he does most of his damage. He can be ignored in fantasy drafts this fall.
15. Washington Wizards: Mitchell Robinson, C, High School
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 230 | Age: 20
Stats: 25.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 6.0 BPG (High School)
Call this a reach if you want, but it makes a lot of sense. The Wizards don’t have any glaring immediate needs but are potentially losing both Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat to free agency after next season. Robinson is risky here, sure, but also has the upside of a top-10 pick. The problem with Robinson is that he hasn’t played competitively in almost a year and a half and skipped the draft combine as well. This isn’t a pick for 2018-19, so feel free to completely ignore Robinson this season.
16. Phoenix Suns: Aaron Holiday, G, UCLA
Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 185 | Age: 21 (Junior)
Stats: 20.3 PPG, 5.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.7 3PG
After addressing their need down low, Phoenix really needs to fill their glaring hole at the point guard position. With Devin Booker entrenched at shooting guard, bringing in a strong passer and ball handler like Aaron Holiday makes a lot of sense. Oh yeah, Holiday can score some, too. As you can see in his stats above, Holiday really flourished in his final collegiate season and has the polish to step right into the starting lineup next to Booker. If Holiday falls into a starting situation like this, he would make for an intriguing lottery pick at the tail end of fantasy drafts for his contributions in points, assists, and three-pointers.
17. Milwaukee Bucks: Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton
Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 210 | Age: 21 (Junior)
Stats: 15.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 1.9 3PG
Milwaukee could use a center, but with none worthy of taking here, I expect them to boost their perimeter defense with a guard like Khyri Thomas. The upside here isn’t overly high, but Thomas does a lot of things well. For a comparison, think along the lines of Avery Bradley.
18. San Antonio Spurs: Lonnie Walker IV, G, Miami
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 190 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 11.5 PPG, 41.5% FG, 1.8 3PG
Wow, this is weird. When’s the last time the Spurs picked in the teens? With Tony Parker in the twilight of his career and not much depth in the backcourt in general, San Antonio will likely be looking there with this pick and Lonnie Walker is intriguing. He could honestly sneak into the back of the lottery but his inconsistent freshman season at Miami will likely cause him to slide a few spots into the late-teens. Walker is a solid defender and gets most of his points from driving to the hoop. Basically, everything the Spurs love. Don’t expect Walker to make much of an impact this season but is intriguing in dynasty formats.
19. Atlanta Hawks: Gary Trent Jr., G, Duke
Height: 6’6″ | Weight: 210 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.6 3PG, 40.2 3PT%
The Hawks desperately need some outside shooting and Trent fits the mold perfectly. During his only season at Duke, Trent averaged 2.6 three-pointers per game while making just over 40% of his attempts from downtown. Often overlooked due to the other big names around him, Trent has a real chance to be one of the biggest surprises of the 2018 draft class. Not saying he’s going to be a star or anything, but don’t be surprised if he turns into a Tim Hardaway Jr. type of player due to his athleticism and outside shooting.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 205 | Age: 21 (Junior)
Stats: 13.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.1 3PG
DiVincenzo’s strong play in the NCAA tournament vaults him into the first-round here. The Timberwolves are returning their entire starting lineup and most key bench pieces, so they can get creative here. One area this team needs is outside shooting and DiVencenzo will certainly help there. Dynasty leaguers should look to stash him, but re-draft leagues can safely ignore.
21. Utah Jazz: Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State
Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 235 | Age: 22 (Junior)
Stats: 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 1.9 3PG
With Derrick Favors likely gone to free agency, the Jazz have an opening at power forward. Keita Bates-Diop might only be 6’7, but he has a strong frame that should allow him to fit right in at the four. And with the Stifle Tower (best NBA nickname) at center, the Jazz can afford to give up a little size at the four. Bate-Diop is an intriguing offensive player that can carve out some fantasy value if he lands a starting gig this season. He can score from all over, rebound, and block a shot here and there. Keep an eye on him.
22. Chicago Bulls: Anfernee Simons, G, IMG Academy
Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 180 | Age: 18 (High School)
Even without playing any college ball, Simons still qualifies for this year’s draft after going to prep school and is one of the most intriguing players available late in the first round. With the Bulls in full rebuild mode, they can afford to take a chance with a project like Simons who does have some solid offensive upside. For fantasy purposes, he’s nothing more than a dynasty stash.
23. Indiana Pacers: Jalen Brunson, G, Villanova
Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 190 | Age: 21 (Junior)
Stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.2 3PG
The Pacers lose a ton of players after next season, including starting guard Darren Collison. There are still several solid guards on the board, but none offer upside that can compare to Jalen Brunson who improved every year at Villanova, turning into a well-rounded scorer and capable distributor. Brunson next to Victor Oladipo makes for an exciting backcourt capable of dropping 40+ points per night. If Brunson lands a starting role at any point this season, look out. There’s solid upside here in points, assists, and three-pointers.
24. Portland Trailblazers: Zhaire Smith, G, Texas Tech
Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 195 | Age: 18 (Freshman)
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 55.6 FG%
There’s not much to say here. Smith is limited offensively but a solid defender that would perfectly compliment the offensive dynamo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Smith could carve out some deep-league value due to his defensive contributions, but that’s about it.
25. Los Angeles Lakers: Moritz Wagner, C, Michigan
Height: 6’11” | Weight: 230 | Age: 20 (Junior)
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.6 3PG, 39.4 3PT%
The more I think about it, the more I like Wagner as a fit on the Lakers. There’s a glaring hole at center, and Wagner could really flourish with Lonzo Ball getting him open looks. He doesn’t defend as well as you’d hope for a guy his size, but the offensive upside should help offset that. Sound like anyone we know? Cough, cough, Brook Lopez. In a starting situation, Wagner has some late-round fantasy upside.
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Grayson Allen, G, Duke
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 205 | Age: 22 (Senior)
Stats: 15.5 PPG, 4.6 APG, 1.7 SPG, 2.8 3PG
This makes so much sense it hurts. Philadelphia is likely going to let J.J. Redick and his downtown prowess walk away to free agency, so adding a strong outside shooter like Allen will fill some of that void. Plus, Allen’s pesky/irritating demeanor will fit right in with the rest of the 76ers roster. This is more of a depth move giving Allen little chance of having much fantasy value this season.
27. Boston Celtics: Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV
Height: 7’0″ | Weight: 250 | Age: 19 (Freshman)
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG, 54.5 FG%
McCoy is exactly the type of player the Celtics need. He’s big, can rebound, and is an above-average defender. With one or both of Greg Monroe or Aron Bayne likely gone, McCoy can fill that void and provide some depth behind Al Horford. Don’t expect fantasy value any time soon, but dynasty owners should keep him on their radar if he moves into the starting lineup down the road.
28. Golden State Warriors: Chandler Hutchison, F, Boise State
Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 200 | Age: 22 (Senior)
Stats: 20.0 PG, 7.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.5 3PG
The Golden State Warriors are stacked. You know it, I know it, aliens on Pluto know it. They don’t really have any one area to address so I expect them to grab someone that can help them right away. Hutchison made major improvements during his last two seasons at Boise State, developing an outside shot and becoming an above-average defender. He is a great piece for the Warriors, but will have no fantasy value any time soon.
29. Brooklyn Nets: Omari Spellman, F, Villanova
Height: 6’9″ | Weight: 245 | Age: 20 (Freshman)
Stats: 10.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Call me crazy, but it’s kind of hard to rebuild when you basically trade away all of your lottery picks. Oh well, the Nets will have to make due with what they have. Spellman is a perfect frontcourt complement to Jarrett Allen. Spellman is a stretch four with a decent outside shot when he’s open and a plus rebounder to boot. He likely won’t have much fantasy value this season but is one to watch in dynasty formats.
30. Atlanta Hawks: Troy Brown, G, Oregon
Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 215 | Age: 18 (Freshman)
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.2 APG
This might end up being a tad low, but the fact that Brown struggles with his shot will likely cause him to slide towards the end of the first round. The Hawks could use the depth and will gladly take Brown if he’s still available here. Even though he struggles with his shot, Brown contributes in other areas and could carve out some Evan Turner level of fantasy value.
Eric Cross is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Eric, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @EricCross04.
