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2018 NBA Mock Draft: A full first round following National Championship Game

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. player. 66. . Center. Arizona Wildcats. Deandre Ayton

Age: 19 (7/23/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 250 pounds, 7’5″
Slash Line: .612/.343/.733
Season Averages: 33.5 MPG, 20.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 3.4 ORPG, 1.6 APG, 1.9 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 3PM

The Phoenix Suns have a rising star at shooting guard in former Kentucky Wildcats star Devin Booker. There are quality players at every other position on the floor, but no one who has truly solidified their status as a franchise cornerstone.

Some may exaggerate the decline of the big man, but the reality is that an elite high-low balance has won in every era of NBA basketball—and there’s no reason it can’t still work.

Ayton is a physically dominant center with a modern offensive game and explosive athleticism. He can play from the post and set the tone as a rebounder, and has the skill level to operate from midrange or step outside for a three-point shot.

That versatility is rare for a big man, which makes Ayton’s overwhelming leaping ability, powerful frame, and gargantuan 7’5″ wingspan even more compelling.

For Phoenix, having a star at both shooting guard and center would position it to make a serious run at a return to prominence. Booker is an elite shooter and a dynamic slasher who can play both with and without the ball, and Ayton has the same type of potential as a big.

If the New York Knicks fail to secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, it’s fair to assume that Ayton will be off the board before they have a chance to select him.

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