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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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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Mohamed Bamba #4 of the Texas Longhorns looks on against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Mohamed Bamba. 5. player. 79. . Center. Texas Longhorns

Age: 19 (5/2/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’0″, 225 pounds, 7’9″
Slash Line: .541/.275/.681
Season Averages: 30.2 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.2 ORPG, 3.6 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 3PM

The Dallas Mavericks have needed an anchor in the paint since Tyson Chandler signed with the New York Knicks in 2011. Thus, while there may be other positions that are worth targeting, the best player available fits the most glaring need.

With the fifth overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Mavericks select a franchise center with franchise player potential: Texas Longhorns star Mohamed Bamba.

Bamba entered the collegiate ranks as the ultimate hype story: A 7’0″ center with an uncanny 7’9″ wingspan and a modern offensive skill set. For as lofty as they may be, the comparisons to Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert were inevitable.

It’s still a rather high expectation, but Bamba went a long way towards justifying it during his freshman season with the Longhorns.

Bamba finished his freshman campaign with averages of 3.6 blocks per game and 4.8 blocks per 40 minutes. He ranked No. 5 in the country in block percentage, No. 15 in defensive rebound percentage, and a respectable No. 84 in offensive rebound percentage.

Coupled with a respectable jump shot, a better-than-advertised post game, and strong hands around the rim, Bamba could be the perfect understudy to Dirk Nowitzki.

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