2018 Lottery Mock

* I know that these are not the final standings* 

1. Pheonix Suns – DeAndre Ayton – I feel like he is the best prospect in the draft and proved it on the court. I had trouble ranking him this high before the season because there were questions about his motor. He proved the critics wrong, he was consistent and aggresive all year. This is the perfect player that fits the surrounding pieces. The Suns look to have an elite young wing duo, in Jackson and Booker, and a potential dominate big. 

2. Memphis Grizzlies – Luka Doncic – He has been dominate in the second to best league in the world. He NBA-ready and make the Grizzlies battle for the playoffs in the first year. He’s an elite passer for a wing player, can shoot the ball, has a nice feel for the game, and can create for himself. I have concerns about his body type and athleticism, but he’s been dominate all year. Grizzlies can compete with Conley, Doncic, and Gasol.

3. Dallas Mavericks – Marvin Bagley – There are defensive concerns surrounding Bagley that would keep him from being the number one pick. He has everything you want offensively in the modern NBA. He can play in the post, run the floor, spread the court, and he’s a plus athlete. Dennis Smith and Bagley can form a deadly PG/PF duo in the years to come. 

4. Atlanta Hawks – Jaren Jackson – This was a troubling pick for me. I didn’t feel like the Hawks need Jackson, due to John Collins. But, Jackson has untapped potential and he can potentially play the 5 once he get adjusted to the NBA, mentally and physically.

5. Orlando Magic – Trae Young – This may be a little too high for Young, given his 2nd half struggles. But, I don’t believe they would take another forward in the draft, since taking Hezonja, Aaron Gordon, and Jonathan Isaac. Michael Porter could be the pick, but they need star power and a point guard. Trae Yound is the best scorer and passer in this class. 

6. Chicago Bulls – Michael Porter Jr. – Michael Porter is my third ranked prospect, it’s not due to his time in college. I had him number one on my preseason big board, but the in-season injury cost dropped him in the mock. It seems like he wants to be a Bull, post tons of photos in Bulls attire and attended Bulls game. I can see him withholding information to drop to the Bulls. A Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, Michael Porter, and Lauri Markkanan would be a top 5 young core. 

7. Sacromento Kings – Mo Bamba – This is not a real "sexy" pick, but he has the chance to be Clint Capela. He will be able to block shots, alter shots, finish in the paint, and even shoot from the mid range. The Kings don’t really have nothing going for them, they are going to be bad next year. They have some nice talent, but they have to see who’s going to be around in the long term. 

8. Cleveland Cavs – Wendell Carter – Some games Carter appears to be the best prospect on Duke roster. He reminds me of Derrick Favors in his game and body type. Cleveland really lucked out by getting the 8th pick in the draft. 

9. New York Knicks – Collin Sexton – Strong, physical scoring guard. He has that Russell Westbrook/Dame Lillard scoring mentality. Will attack and attack and attack anyone that’s in his way. He has that toughness that New York would love and he would fit will next to Frank Ntilikina. I know Trey Burke has been playing phenomenal, but he’s not the future of the Knicks. Collin Sexton would give them a bonafide scorer.

10. Philadelphia 76ers – Mikal Bridges – You can never have enough wing players on your roster. If any player make sense for any team, that player is Mikal Bridges to the Sixers. He’s from Philly, played at Villanova, and his mother works for the Sixers. He brings an elite three point shooter, defender, IQ, and winning culture to the Sixers. He is a two time national champion and has improved drastically over his three years in college. Even if the Sixers get Paul George or LeBron James, Mikal Bridges still make sense.

11. Charlotte Hornets – Miles Bridges – The Hornets could go any with this pick because they can go many ways with this roster. They might want to go full rebuild and have Malik Monk run the show for the foreseeable future. I have them taking Bridges given his scoring mentality and positional versatility. 

12. Los Angeles Clippers – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – I believe he will go down as the best point guard in this class. His game/style of play remind me of Gary Harris and Kawhi Leonard. He plays at his own pace, don’t get speed up, can create his own shot, can shoot the ball from all over the court, and can pass the ball. Clippers get their point guard of the future and the center piece of their rebuild.

13. Los Angeles Clippers – Kevin Knox – The wing is the second youngest player on the list and has proven to be a pretty good scorer at Kentucky. He has positional size, plus athleticism, and is fundementially sound. A Shai and Knox duo is a nice start to the Clippers rebuild.

14. Denver Nuggets – Robert Williams – The Nuggets needs depth and a huge way. Robert Williams would give the Nuggets some toughness, athleticism, positional size, and youth at the power forward position. Would be a nice backup to Millsap.