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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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PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners drives to the basket against Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 15: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners drives to the basket against Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at PPG Paints Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

. Point Guard. Oklahoma Sooners. Trae Young. 4. player. 38

Age: 19 (9/19/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 180 pounds, 6’4″
Slash Line: .422/.360/.861
Season Averages: 35.4 MPG, 27.4 PPG, 8.7 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 3.7 3PM

Whether or not you believe Trae Young should be a top-five draft pick, the Orlando Magic need a point guard. One could argue that Orlando simply needs talent and should thus select the best player available, but in this era, subpar point guard play is a death sentence.

In order for the Magic to complete a rebuild that will still likely require time after the 2018-19 season, finding a franchise point guard will be a critical task.

Collin Sexton is an option here, but Young is the type of dynamic playmaker whom the Magic have been missing for far too long. As evidenced by his past moves, general manager John Hammond knows the importance of such a player.

Hammond is the individual who executed the selections of Brandon Jennings in the 2009 NBA Draft and Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2013.

While Sexton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander possess star potential, Young is the dynamic playmaker who can immediately change the culture. He’s an elite three-point shooter, and while his shot selection could certainly improve, that can be said for a vast majority of 19-year-old players.

What separates Young from the pack as far as offensive NBA potential is concerned: In addition to being the best shooter at his position, he’s also the best facilitator.

The New York Knicks would have to at least consider Young if he falls to No. 9 overall.

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