NBA Mock Draft; Chronicle Edition

Attempting to do a mock draft for any pro sport isn’t easy. They’re never right. And there are always trades which blows up any prediction of how the picks play out. Nevertheless, here is my 2018 NBA mock draft. I only did the first round. If you want second round predictions, you are bored. 1. Phoenix Suns- Luka Doncic, Slovenia. Doncic is a pick and roll savant at point guard. Doncic’s court awareness is NBA ready and at his size (6’8”; 225), Doncic is ready to go head to head with some of the best lead guards in the NBA. Doncic should pair really well with Devin Booker. Doncic is next level at finding shooters. 2. Sacramento Kings- Marvin Bagley III, Duke. Bagley should quickly become the focal point of a Sacramento offense looking for a versatile scorer. Bagley’s defense will need to improve but his offensive repertoire is unmatched in this draft. 3. Atlanta Hawks- Deandre Ayton, Arizona. The Hawks get lucky as most draft analysis has Ayton as the top player. Ayton is the big man that Atlanta has been waiting for, pairing with Shröeder since the departures of Horford and Milsap. 4. Memphis Grizzlies- Jaren Jackson, Jr., Michigan State. Memphis is strong at point and center which makes sense for them to pass on Young and Bamba. Jackson is a lengthy, versatile four-man that could plug right into the starting lineup. 5. Dallas Mavericks- Mohammed Bamba, Texas. Dallas should be a huge player in the free agency market. They could save big bucks by drafting a big instead of signing a big, Boogie Cousins or Deandre Jordan. Or allow Bamba to contribute when he’s ready if Dallas does sign a big man in free agency. Bamba showed some versatility and will have the longest wingspan in the NBA from day one. 6. Orlando Magic- Trae Young, Oklahoma. The Magic seem to have missed on Hezonja and also traded Elfrid Payton. Their search for a lead guard has them choosing between Young and Sexton at 6. I believe Sexton is the better player but Young is the sexier pick here. 7. Chicago Bulls- Wendell Carter, Jr., Duke. Carter will join Markannen in the front court as the Bulls attempt to put together a roster with young studs. 8. Cleveland Cavaliers- Colin Sexton, Alabama. The Cavs will have an interesting offseason. They’ll either build a roster to attract Lebron or they’ll build a roster to overcome Lebron’s departure. Sexton fills both needs. Sexton’s drive and demeanor stand out. His athleticism and scoring ability are tough to match in this draft. 9. New York Knicks- Michael Porter, Jr., Missouri. Porter was thought to be a top 3 pick prior to the college hoops season. Knicks would theoretically get a steal with the ninth overall pick......if they don’t blow it. 10. Philadelphia 76ers- Mikal Bridges, Villanova. Bridges wouldn’t need to switch addresses as he adds depth to an Eastern Conference contender. 11. Hornets- Kevin Knox, Kentucky 12. Clippers- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky 13. Clippers- Robert Williams, Texas A&M 14. Nuggets- Miles Bridges, Michigan State 15. Wizards- Troy Brown, Oregon 16. Suns- Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech 17. Bucks- Lonnie Walker, Miami 18. Spurs- Donte DiVencenzo, Villanova 19. Hawks- Melvin Frazier, Tulane 20. Wolves- Kevin Huerter, Maryland 21. Jazz- Elie Okobo, France 22. Bulls- Anfernee Simons, HS 23. Pacers- Omari Spellman, Villanova 24. Blazers- Chandler Hutchison, Boise State 25. Lakers- Mitchell Robinson, USA 26. 76ers- Jerome Robinson, Boston College 27. Celtics- Jalen Brunson, Villanova 28. Warriors- Khyri Thomas, Creighton 29. Nets- Aaron Holiday, UCLA 30. Hawks- Gary Trent, Jr., Duke