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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round before 2018 NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Round 20 game between Real Madrid v Anadolu Efes Istanbul at Wizink Arena on January 25, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Luka Doncic, #7 guard of Real Madrid during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Regular Season Round 20 game between Real Madrid v Anadolu Efes Istanbul at Wizink Arena on January 25, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NC – MARCH 03: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball against Luke Maye #32 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – MARCH 03: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball against Luke Maye #32 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

7. player. 79. . Center. Duke Blue Devils. Wendell Carter Jr.

Age: 18 (4/16/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 259 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .564/.463/.733
Season Averages: 27.2 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 2.1 APG, 2.2 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The Dallas Mavericks have needed a franchise center since Tyson Chandler signed with the New York Knicks in 2011. While the All-NBA talent may be off the board, the Mavericks have a chance to select a perennial All-Star in Wendell Carter Jr.

I’ve compared Carter to Boston Celtics star Al Horford in the past, and with head coach Rick Carlisle, he could realize that very potential.

Carter isn’t elite in any one area, but he’s at least average in every phase of the game. That may not sound especially appealing, but it makes it possible for a coach to utilize said player in multiple roles and lineups—no matter who else is on the floor.

Carter’s ability to defend, rebound, shoot, and post up at respectable levels create that potential, while his passing ability could enable him to become a Horford-level high-post facilitator.

With a combination of Dennis Smith Jr., Harrison Barnes, and Carter, the Mavericks would have a solid core to develop. They should be able to play off of one another with skill levels and athletic abilities to either push the pace or slow the game down in the half court.

Dallas could go another direction with this pick, but finding a center who can anchor the interior for the next decade should be a top priority.

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