2018 NBA Mock Draft: Updated Top 14 after the Lottery

The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery is in the history books. Here are early projections for the New York Knicks and the rest of the NBA following the event.

Tuesday, May 15 was one of the most important dates of the 2018 NBA offseason. Four teams are still playing, but for 14 of the other 26 franchises, all eyes were glued to a different program presented by the Association.

The 2018 NBA Draft Lottery was held on Tuesday, as 14 franchises had their respective fates determined by the unpredictability of ping pong balls—because sports.

With the top 14 set, it’s only rational to evaluate what these franchises may be thinking. There was minimal movement early in the reveal, but as soon as the first seven teams were slotted, madness ensued across the board.

In the end, it was the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks that won the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery and sent the rest of the Association into a proverbial spiral.

With a new top three, the assumptions about who will be available further down the board have changed. That will impact the Knicks, amongst other franchises, as they look to maximize the value of their first-round draft pick.

The question is: How did the 2018 NBA Draft Lottery impact the New York Knicks and the rest of the top 14 picks in the annual selection process?

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 recently hired Igor Kokoškov to fill the vacancy at head coach. In addition to boasting a decade of experience as an NBA assistant coach, Kokoškov was the head coach of the Slovenia men’s national team that won the gold medal at EuroBasket 2017 in Turkey.

One of the stars of Slovenia’s run to the improbable gold medal was Luka Doncic, but that doesn’t mean the Suns are going to make that obvious selection.

Kokoškov was an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns when Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire were wreaking havoc. He was also an assistant coach for Utah Jazz teams that wholeheartedly embraced the importance of big men who can protect the paint and provide value offensively.

While closer to the Stoudemire mold than that of Rudy Gobert, Deandre Ayton would be the perfect selection for Kokoškov as he attempts to rebuild the Suns.

Ayton is a physically dominant player with a modern offensive game and a powerful presence on the boards. He can team with Devin Booker to create the high-low balance that works in every era, and would work well with Elfrid Payton if the goal is to establish the pick and roll.

Ayton is the best pure talent in the 2018 NBA Draft and a perfect fit for a Suns team that desperately needs to achieve stability at the center position.

Knicks Note: The New York Knicks would love to get Deandre Ayton, but the odds of him sliding to No. 9 are astronomical.

Age: 19 (2/28/1999)
Height & Weight: 6’8″ & 218 pounds
Slash Line: .464/.306/.806
Season Averages: 24.6 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 ORPG, 4.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.5 3PM

The Sacramento Kings have intriguing pieces in place, including point guard De’Aaron Fox and wings Bogdan Bogdanovic and Buddy Hield. The Kings lack direction, however, and a dynamic playmaker would certainly change that.

Marvin Bagley III also makes sense for the Kings, but this franchise needs a player who can make those around him better—and Doncic fits the bill.

Doncic is a 6’8″ playmaker with a tight handle, deep range on his jump shot, and a rare fearlessness as a facilitator. His court vision is advanced, which implies that he and Fox could help facilitate an offense that ranked No. 29 in the NBA in points per 100 possessions in 2017-18.

Furthermore, Fox could focus more on defense with the facilitating burden alleviated by a natural playmaker who can work all three perimeter positions.

There are concerns about Doncic’s ceiling due to his lackluster athleticism, but he’s as skilled as any prospect in recent memory. He can play both with and without the ball, and was an 18-year-old star in a competitive league that often bases playing time on age and experience.

There are other options to consider, but Doncic is the No. 2 player in the 2018 NBA Draft and the perfect fit for a Kings team that needs to play like a team again.

Knicks Note: The New York Knicks have scouted Luka Doncic, but it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be available at No. 9 overall.

Age: 18 (9/15/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 242 pounds, 7’4″
Slash Line: .513/.396/.797
Season Averages: 21.8 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 ORPG, 1.1 APG, 3.0 BPG, 1.1 3PM

The Atlanta Hawks have a solid young roster that has a chance to develop into one of the most promising units in the NBA. Dennis Schröder is a productive point guard, Taurean Prince is already a quality two-way wing, and John Collins is an explosive athlete at the 4-spot.

As the Hawks weigh their options at No. 3 overall, the question simply becomes: Would they rather have an elite center or a dynamic wing?

Marvin Bagley III and Michael Porter Jr. make sense here, but for the time being, I’m going with Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Michigan State Spartans. Jackson has the tools to be a defensive anchor at center, which would make a pairing of he and Collins one with captivating potential.

Both are explosive athletes who can play above the rim, with Collins dominating as a rebounder and Jackson thriving as a shot-blocker.

Offensively, Jackson can space the floor with an efficient outside shot and the handle to attack a closeout. He’s flashed the ability to score from the post, as well, which creates the foundation for the belief that he could be a No. 1 scoring option with time to develop.

Jackson is still just 18 years of age, thus giving him the combination of size, length, athleticism, skill, and youth that teams covet at the top of the draft.

Knicks Note: Few players would fit the New York Knicks better than Jaren Jackson Jr., but it’s a pipe dream at this point.

Age: 19 (3/14/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’11”, 234 pounds, 7’0.5″
Slash Line: .614/.397/.627
Season Averages: 33.9 MPG, 21.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 4.0 ORPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 0.7 3PM

The Memphis Grizzlies have a star-caliber point guard and an All-NBA center, but there isn’t much else in place. Memphis should realistically hit the rebuild button, but the front office appears to be committed to winning as many games as possible with the core it has in place.

As the Grizzlies attempt to return to the playoffs and give Mike Conley and Marc Gasol one more shot at a championship, the obvious void is that of a go-to scorer.

Luka Doncic would’ve been tempting, but the answer for the Grizzlies at No. 4 is Duke Blue Devils star Marvin Bagley III. He’s a dynamic scoring threat with ideal size and length for either forward position, as well as a dominant rebounder who can alleviate pressure from Marc Gasol.

Bagley could be a pick and roll threat with Conley, provide high-low balance with Gasol, and thrive as the isolation scorer whom Memphis has long been missing.

Defensively, Bagley needs to add more bulk to his frame, but he’s capable of making an impact already. He has long arms and active hands that he utilizes in an ideal manner, as well as a solid IQ as far as knowing where to be and when to be there are concerned.

The upside comparison is evolving for Bagley as the 2018 NBA Draft nears, but he continues to look the part of a focused and determined Michael Beasley.

Knicks Note: Marvin Bagley III will be near the top of the draft board, but much like Deandre Ayton, the New York Knicks won’t have much of a chance to get him.

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

I understand why this would be viewed as too obvious, but Mohamed Bamba is the perfect prospect for Rick Carlisle and the Dallas Mavericks. He’s an elite shot-blocker and a physical anomaly who can fill the longstanding void down low, as well as a modern offensive big.

If the Mavericks are looking for an heir apparent to Dirk Nowitzki and a long-awaited replacement for Tyson Chandler, Bamba could be both.

In the modern NBA, having a center who can run the floor, work the pick and roll, and shoot the three-ball would be of indescribable value. There are few players who check all three of those boxes, which is a major reason Bamba is becoming such a coveted prospect.

Not only does Bamba boast a 7’9″ wingspan, but he has an improving post game, intriguing range on his jump shot, and a potentially perfect mentor in Nowitzki.

Defensively, Bamba proved he’s more than just a player with a big wingspan by ranking No. 5 in the country in block percentage. He’s also an excellent rebounder, ranking No. 14 in defensive rebound percentage and No. 84 in offensive rebound percentage.

For the Mavericks, the opportunity to add a true rim protector who also checks multiple boxes on offense should be one that they cherish.

Knicks Note: Mohamed Bamba could conceivably slide beyond the top five, but the New York Knicks would likely have to trade up to get him.

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

If the Orlando Magic are going to return to prominence, then they’ll need to find direction on offense. Improving defensively will certainly be a key, but the Magic desperately need a player who can run the offense and provide a sense of direction.

If the goal is to re-sign Aaron Gordon this summer, then selecting a point guard should be a relatively easy decision for the Magic at No. 6 overall.

Trae Young has his issues, but he’s the best shooter and facilitator in the 2018 NBA Draft. Most will focus on his scoring ability, and with good reason, but it’s his court vision that makes him such a compelling prospect.

Even when Young can’t get his shot going, he can orchestrate an offense in both transition and the half court with his handle, vision, and passing ability.

When a defender attempts to go under the pick and roll, Young can make them pay with his jump shot. If it were Aaron Gordon or Nikola Vucevic who were diving or fading off of a high screen, it would become an even more difficult play to defend.

Perhaps there are better players than Young, but this is an example of when fit truly does matter for an organization that’s hoping to stabilize its future.

Knicks Note: Trae Young should be viewed as a legitimate option for the New York Knicks, point guard or not.

Age: 19 (6/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 215 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .333/.300/.778
Season Averages: 3 GP, 17.7 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 ORPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 3PM

Wendell Carter Jr. is an option for the Chicago Bulls, but in this NBA, a team without a high-level small forward isn’t a contender at all. The likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, Paul George, and LeBron James are shining examples of how stiff the competition is at the 3.

Thankfully for the Chicago Bulls, Michael Porter Jr. has all of the tools to be one of the next great small forwards in the Association—health permitting.

Porter missed significant time in 2017-18 due to injuries, but don’t be fooled into thinking he’s anything less than a special talent. He’s an excellent rebounder with the positional versatility to play the 4, as well as the size and length to defend the position.

At small forward, Porter can utilize that combination of size, length, and athleticism to overwhelm the average opponent for a Bulls team that already has a solid foundation in place.

In Chicago, Porter would be playing alongside three other cornerstones: Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Lauri Markkanen. That would make the game easier for him on offense, as he could pick his spots instead of having to force the issue.

Over time, fans will likely come to see the All-NBA ability that Porter possesses with range on his jump shot, explosive finishing ability, and vision as a passer.

Knicks Note: If Michael Porter Jr. falls two spots further, he’s the pick for the New York Knicks.

Age: 19 (1/4/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 190 pounds, 6’7″
Slash Line: .447/.336/.778
Season Averages: 29.9 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 3PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers have options here, but finding a point guard certainly sounds like a sensible move. With or without LeBron James, the 2018-19 Cavaliers are going to be in a position where youth and athleticism will be of critical value.

A healthy George Hill could start for a James-led contender, but Collin Sexton could be the athletic heir apparent who leads Cleveland into the future.

Sexton is a 6’2″ point guard with a 6’7″ wingspan and a killer instinct that simply can’t be denied. Comparing him to Kyrie Irving wouldn’t be fair, but he proved in college that he relishes the opportunity to play under the spotlight.

With a quick first step, acrobatic finishing ability, and the shooting ability to hold the opposition accountable, Sexton could be a perfect fit alongside James.

If James isn’t a part of the equation, then Sexton gives the Cavaliers a leg up on the competition. He’s a penetrating point guard who plays unselfishly and shines under pressure, which would at least give Cleveland its first building block ahead of a tanking season.

Regardless of what transpires with James, selecting a player of Sexton’s caliber would go a long way towards improving the future of the organization.

Knicks Note: The New York Knicks have been linked to Collin Sexton. He’ll be an option for the orange and blue come June.

Age: 21 (8/30/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’7″, 210 pounds, 7’2″
Slash Line: .512/.435/.848
Season Averages: 32.0 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 2.6 3PM

The New York Knicks have no shortage of options here, including athletic wings and a skilled center. Scott Perry has made it clear that the Knicks will select the best player available, however, stating that there’s a need to acquire talent.

In the spirit of that approach, the Knicks select the best player remaining on the board: Villanova Wildcats small forward Mikal Bridges.

Defensively, Bridges has the length, footwork, and athleticism to become an ace at the next level. He excels at keeping slashers in front of him, has the length to defend shooters at all five positions, and has vast experience in the NCAA equivalent of a postseason setting.

For a Knicks franchise that desperately needs a wing who can defend at a high level, Bridges certainly makes sense at any and every point of the top 10.

Offensively, Bridges is a lights-out three-point shooter who would address the Knicks’ primary area of weakness on offense. In 2017-18, the Knicks ranked No. 29 in the Association in three-point field goals made and No. 27 in three-point field goals made.

Some question Bridges’ offensive creativity, but with a solid handle, ambidextrous finishing ability, and an elite jump shot, he fits what this team needs.

Age: 18 (8/11/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9″, 215 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .445/.341/.774
Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 3PM

The Philadelphia 76ers have high-level players at every position on the floor—literally. Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz are former No. 1 overall draft picks sharing a backcourt, and Joel Embiid, Dario Saric, and Robert Covington form quite the frontcourt.

That makes a trade the most likely outcome, but in this scenario, the 76ers utilize the No. 10 overall selection to select a potential upgrade over Saric.

Saric is a fine player, but Kevin Knox is a perfect fit for what the 76ers are attempting to build. He’s a 6’9″ hybrid forward with a 7’0″ wingspan and the versatility to play and defend both the 3 and the 4 spots at a potentially high level.

It’s possible that Saric would outplay Knox and render this pick obsolete, but what is it for if not taking a chance on a talent with All-Star potential?

Offensively, Knox has the handle to attack a closeout, the range to shoot with efficiency, and the ability to finish with power or finesse at the rim. Defensively, he could play a physical brand once his body fills out and is already disruptive with his length.

There are other options here, including a trade, but Knox is the prospect who makes the most sense for the 76ers at this point of the NBA Draft process.

Knicks Note: Kevin Knox is on the radar for the New York Knicks. Expect him to garner serious consideration.

Age: 18 (6/24/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 180 pounds, 6’10”
Slash Line: .556/.450/.717
Season Averages: 28.4 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 3PM

The Charlotte Hornets opted against trading Kemba Walker, which implies that the goal is still to build around him. They’ll have limited time to do so, as Walker is entering a contract year that could prove to be his last in Charlotte.

In order to ace the No. 11 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft and help Walker win, the Hornets must select the best player available.

Zhaire Smith may not be ranked this high by all, but he’s a player whom the Hornets should give serious consideration to selecting. He’s an explosive athlete who can play above the rim and become a one-man wrecking crew in transition.

With a perimeter trio of Walker, Malik Monk, and Smith, the Hornets would have a group of players who could bring both skill and explosiveness to the offensive end of the floor.

Defensively, Smith utilizes his length, strength, and athleticism to swarm ball-handlers in an Andre Roberson capacity. Offensively, his raw skill is put to its best possible use by his advanced basketball IQ and instincts—traits that few possess at this stage of their development.

Smith may be something of a project, but even if he can’t help Walker in the short-term, he represents a long-term star to build around.

Knicks Note: Zhaire Smith received serious consideration for the New York Knicks, but I ultimately passed on him—for now. He’s Top 5 on my board.

Age: 19 (4/16/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 258 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .561/.413/.738
Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 2.0 APG, 2.1 BPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 3PM

The Los Angeles Clippers could lose the entirety of the former core within one calendar year. Chris Paul departed in 2017, Blake Griffin was dealt to the Detroit Pistons in 2018, and DeAndre Jordan could walk as soon as this summer.

Thankfully for the Clippers, they could have a chance to select Duke Blue Devils center and Al Horford carbon copy Wendell Carter Jr. at No. 12 overall.

Carter has the size, length, and build to be a physically overwhelming force along the defensive interior. He’s a respectable shot-blocker with the mobility to defend the pick and roll, which should appeal to the Clippers as they build for the modern NBA.

Carter is also an excellent rebounder whose production at Duke was limited by the presence of Marvin Bagley III—a tremendous rebounder in his own right.

Offensively, Carter has the ability to pass from the high post, space the floor with his jump shot, and score from the low block. There’s still work to be done in terms of polishing his fundamentals, but he has strong hands and the raw skill set to be an impact player.

If the Clippers are aiming to create a high-low balance that adheres to modern standards, then selecting Carter would be an excellent way to accomplish such.

Age: 19 (7/12/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 180 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .485/.404/.817
Season Averages: 33.7 MPG, 14.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.1 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 0.6 3PM

The Los Angeles Clippers have talent, but Jerry West didn’t come to the organization to build a solid team. West is in the business of building contenders, which often entails taking chances on polarizing prospects with high ceilings.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander certainly fits the bill as a player who isn’t as explosive as some would like him to be, but could develop into the complete package.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a 6’6″ point guard with a tight handle, a 7’0″ wingspan, and versatility as a scorer. He’s an excellent finisher due to his size, length, and solid leaping ability, but his skill set isn’t to be underestimated or overlooked.

Gilgeous-Alexander can finish in a variety of ways, including a pretty floater, a number of acrobatic moves in traffic, and an at least respectable step-back jumper.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s jump shot is a work in progress, but he doesn’t force the issue. He knows how and when to utilize the three-ball as an asset, and is the proper coaching away from turning it into a reliable strength that maximizes his scoring potential.

Throw in Gilgeous-Alexander’s status as a top-five facilitator in this draft class, as well as his profound defensive potential, and he could be West’s next star.

Age: 20 (3/21/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 225 pounds, 6’9″
Slash Line: .463/.369/.883
Season Averages: 31.2 MPG, 16.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 2.0 3PM

The Denver Nuggets have a number of intriguing options here, including Texas A&M Aggies star Robert Williams. With Miles Bridges still on the board, however, the Nuggets instead take a chance on a prospect who’s as promising as he is divisive.

Bridges is an undersized forward, but he has the skill set and athleticism that would perfectly fit the Nuggets’ system on both ends of the floor.

Bridges is 6’6″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, which is egregiously undersized for a small forward. Bridges plays bigger than he is, however, due in large part to his powerful 225-pound frame and his explosive leaping ability.

Bridges has no trouble whatsoever playing above the rim, and doesn’t show remorse when posting opponents up with an intriguing blend of power and finesse.

In terms of his offensive skill set, Bridges can shoot off the bounce, attack a closeout, and help set opponents up as a distributor. Defensively, he knows how to crowd a ball-handler’s space and does a solid job of defending bigger players.

There are understandable reasons for hesitation, but in Denver, Bridges could be an ideal fit alongside Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Nikola Jokic.

Knicks Note: Miles Bridges has been tied to the New York Knicks. If his wingspan checks out as longer than 6’9″, he’ll be a far more attractive prospect.

Must Read: David Fizdale believes Kristaps Porzingis can win MVP

The question is: How will the New York Knicks adjust to changes to the order of the 2018 NBA Draft?