NBA Mock Draft 7.0 (Final NBA Mock Draft)

NBA Mock Draft 7.0 (Final NBA Mock Draft)

1) Sixers (from Celtics) – Markelle Fultz, Point Guard (Washington): The Sixers get their guy. This team is going to have crazy potential. I know we all doubted, but maybe more teams should “Trust the Process”.

2) Lakers – Lonzo Ball, Point Guard (UCLA): We now know that Paul George is headed for LA in 2018, but other teams could sweep in to try and convince him to change his mind. The Lakers would love to have Lonzo with Paul George for the future, but they might have to trade the pick to keep a Cleveland or Boston from getting Paul’s services. Also, the Lakers won’t have the cap space to sign PG13 at a max deal next season. 

3) Celtics (from Sixers) – Jayson Tatum, Small Forward (Duke): The Celtics have not worked out Ball or Jackson, which leads me to believe that Tatum is their guy. The way Tatum plays fits a hole the Celtics have. They have been rumored in a few trades recently since this trade went down, but if they keep it, I fully expect them to take Jayson Tatum. 

4) Suns – Jonathan Isaac, Forward (Florida State): I wasn’t sure if Jackson or Isaac made more sense here, but I made a case for both. Jackson to me is more of a 2 that can play 3, where Isaac is more of a 3 that can play the 4. Isaac’s length and athleticism have been a huge upside that makes him able to guard 2-5, where Jackson couldn’t really bang in the post.  Also, Jackson had a weird shot form that is inconsistent. I like Isaac’s potential overall better than Jackson’s. 

5) Kings – De’Aaron Fox, Point Guard (Kentucky): If Fox can fall to the Kings at 5 they will be in heaven. There are a lot of possibilities in the Top 4. From movement via trade or teams drafting best player over need. The Kings don’t want to deal their 2 picks in the Top 10, but it’s likely. They want Fox. Fox wants them. Teams know this and could play hardball. 

6) Magic – Josh Jackson, Guard/Forward (Kansas): Jackson could go from picks 2-6. I know it doesn’t make sense for him to drop this low, but I do believe it’s possible. The only player that he might not be drafted below is Isaac. Isaac will most likely be the Magic’s pick if Jackson goes to the Suns at 4. 

7) Timberwolves – Lauri Markkanen, Power Forward (Arizona): Markkanen will mostly likely come off the bench if the Wolves don’t trade the pick to Chicago for Jimmy Butler. Markkanen has the tools though to be on the floor with KAT, Wiggins and the rest of the starters when they go to their small ball lineup. Talented for sure, but will need a coach like Thibs to really push him to his potential. 

8) Knicks – Malik Monk, Shooting Guard (Kentucky): The Knicks need a scorer who can create off the dribble. Monk is one of the purest scorers in the draft. This is a perfect fit. 

9) Mavericks – Frank Ntilikina, Combo Guard (France): The Mavericks have an assistant coach on their staff that coached Ntilikina overseas in France. They’re all in on Ntilikina if he’s there at 9. 

10) Kings – Justin Jackson, Small Forward (UNC): if the Kings are able to draft Fox with the 5th pick they won’t need a point guard here. Jackson fits a hole they have at the small forward and he has loads of potential to be a player in this league. 

11) Hornets – Luke Kennard. Shooting Guard (Duke): There haven’t been any other reports that the Hornets are looking elsewhere other than Kennard. They love his game and it appears they will be taking him at 11. However, anything can happen on Draft night.

12) Pistons – Dennis Smith Jr., Point Guard (North Carolina State): It isn’t out of the realm of possibilities that Smith could fall this low if things fall as they have in this Mock. Smith Jr. is a talented player. If the Pistons do shop this pick, a lot of teams will be interested with the level of talent there is at 12. 

13) Nuggets – John Collins, Power Forward (Wake Forest): Denver could use a four that is able to stretch the floor. While I like Zach Collins, I like John Collins better. John is more polished and he fits the needs of the Nuggets overall. 

14) Heat – Zach Collins, Forward/Center (Gonzaga): Collins won’t be the Heat’s first pick, but if he’s there, I think Miami has to select him. He has all the tools you look for in a young big man, but there are reasons to be cautious. He’s still very raw. I think this could be another Cole Aldrich type of player. One that could be a bust or one that makes a difference. I think Spoelstra will utilize Collins properly. 

15) Trailblazers – Ike Anigbogu, Center (UCLA): The Blazers need a center that can help protect the rim. With John Collins and Zach Collins off the board, I believe the Blazers will go for a center. Ike Anigbogu is a perfect fit with Portland. 

16) Bulls – Donovan Mitchell, Shooting Guard (Louisville): If the Bulls can unload Butler to Minnesota for Kris Dunn, they’d have a nice backcourt for the future. Two guys who can defend and score. It would be something special. Regardless, the Bulls need a shooting guard and Mitchell is too good to pass on here. 

17) Bucks –  OG Anunoby, Forward (Indiana): Recent mock drafts have OG going 19th overall or lower. I don’t think that he gets passed the Bucks. Milwaukee is full of young, lengthy wings and bigs. They need more big men to help rebound, so they could go Allen or Giles here, but i think Anunoby would fit their mold better. 

18) Pacers –  Harry Giles, Power Forward (Duke): Pacers fans are really eager to see who could possibly be teamed up with Myles Turner and Lance Stephenson for the future. With Paul George declaring his desire to leave in FA, the Pacers will either add a young piece via trade or an additional draft pick. Tough days are ahead for the Pacers, but they have a history of drafting well. 

19) Hawks – Jarrett Allen, Center (Texas): I absolutely love Allen’s potential. This might be the steal of the draft. Now with Howard leaving for Charlotte, they will look for a center. 

20) Trailblazers – TJ Leaf, Power Forward (UCLA): Leaf is sliding into the early 20’s and I fully expect the Blazers to go after him. They need a stretch 4.

21) Thunder – Semi Ojeleye, Power Forward (SMU): Thunder fans have been wanting an impact player. Ojeleye may be a bit of stretch here at 21, but he’s got all the tools to do it. 

22) Nets – Justin Patton, Center (Creighton): I like the low post skills of Patton and his ability to grow as a pro. With Brooklyn dealing Lopez to the Lakers, they will need a center. 

23) Raptors – Bam Adebayo, Center (Kentucky): Bam is a super athletic Big who can rebound and defend. He doesn’t have much of an offensive game, but his defensive presence will be made known. 

24) Jazz – Isaiah Hartenstein, Power Forward/Center (Zalgiris): Long, athletic, a shooter and a solid passer. I like Hartenstein’s game, but I still need to see more since we are limited to Euro League footage.

25) Magic – Jordan Bell, Power Forward (Oregon): This college prospect made a name for himself in the NCAA tournament and I fully expect him to be drafted based on the skills he displayed in the tourney. 

26) Trailblazers – Terrance Ferguson, Shooting Guard (Australia): Ferguson might go a little higher than 26, but I can see him sliding, too. Some scouts have said he’s “over hyped”. We’ll see. 

27) Lakers (from Nets) – Kyle Kuzma, Power Forward (Utah): Kuzma has been rising in recent Mock Drafts and I think his ability to play a stretch four will entice a team like the Lakers to reach for him. 

28) Lakers – Anzjes Pasecniks, Center (Latvia): If the Lakers keep this pick, I think they may take a draft and stash type player. Especially after acquiring Brook Lopez. 

29) Spurs – DJ Wilson, Power Forward (Michigan): Wilson is the type of player that a team could take a risk on. He’s long, athletic and can play the stretch four, possibly the five.  

30) Jazz – Caleb Swanigan, Power Forward/Center (Purdue): The Jazz (and many other teams) are high on Swanigan. He’s got all the skills you look for in a big. 

Round 2:

31) Hornets (From Hawks) – Derrick White, Guard (Colorado): White had a standout senior season and looks for his experience and overall skills to be enough to land him in the late 1st/early 2nd round territory.

32) Suns – Tony Bradley, Center (UNC): Teams have been fascinated with Bradley’s overall skills, but he is a tad heavy in the legs.  He will be a contributor wherever he goes though.

33) Magic – Tyler Lydon, Forward (Syracuse): Lydon is a freak athlete that can do a little bit of everything.  He reminds me of a Derrick Williams type of player.

34) Kings – Ivan Rabb, Power Forward (Cal): The Kings would be lucky to grab a power forward who can rebound the ball well here in the 2nd round.  Rabb is a first round potential that appears to be underappreciated in this year’s draft.

35) Magic – Juwan Evans, Point Guard (Oklahoma State) Orlando could use a point guard off the bench.  Evans could go to the Magic with the 25th pick honestly, but I expect him to slide to the 2nd round because of his size.

36) Sixers – Mathias Lessort, Power Forward (France): The Sixers have multiple 2nd round picks so stashing a player like Lessort makes sense.

37) Celtics – Frank Jackson, Point Guard (Duke): With the Celtics passing up on a point guard in the Top 3, they could look to add one here in the Duke standout Jackson.

38) Bulls – Jonah Bolden, Forward (Australia): Os Davis from the Grueling Truth expressed his fascination with Bolden in our latest Podcast.  This type of talent isn’t just something you pass on.  The Bulls need help in all areas.

39) Sixers – Alec Peters, Power Forward (Valpo): I believe that Peters has the right type of skills to fit into what the Sixers are trying to build.

40) Pelicans – Josh Hart, Shooting Guard (Villanova): The Pelicans need to add more shooting.  They did, however, trade for the 52nd pick so they could be targeting multiple players.  Josh Hart fits an area of concern for them.

41) Hawks (From Hornets) – Johnathan Motley, Center (Baylor): With the Hawks dealing Howard, they need more help in the front court.  Motley also played at Baylor with Hawks forward Taurean Prince.

42) Jazz – Edmond Sumner, Point Guard (Xavier): This could be a disappointing season for the Jazz if they lose Hayward and Hill.  They’ll have lots of holes on their depth chart and will be more than likely in the rebuilding era.

43) Rockets – Thomas Bryant, Power Forward/Center (Indiana): The Indiana standout has the skills that most modern day bigs have.  He’ll need to work on his defense and lateral quickness, but he could be an asset to the Rockets.

44) Knicks – Monte Morris, Point Guard (Iowa State): The Knicks are just a mess right now.  We have zero idea what Jackson is doing and if Porzingis is traded tomorrow I will be disappointed for the fans of New York.

45) Rockets – Sterling Brown, Shooting Guard (SMU): With Lou Williams and Ryan Anderson on the trading block, the Rockets are going to need more help.  Preferably cheaper help.

46) Sixers – Alberto Abalde, Small Forward (Spain): Abalde has really developed a skill to score the basketball.  The Sixers need some scoring but the key to drafting Abalde is the ability to draft and stash him, but don’t discredit the tons of potential he has.

47) Pacers – P. J. Dozier, Guard (South Carolina): Dozier has a lot of talent and is considered a combo guard.  He adds size and length for both guard positions and will get better over time.

48) Bucks – Sindarius Thornwell, Shooting Guard (South Carolina): The Bucks could use a player like Thornwell to add to their depth.  He is a talented guard.

49) Nuggets – Alpha Kaba, Power Forward (France): Kaba has the coolest name in the draft and might be the Mega Leks best player entering the Draft this year.

50) Sixers – Luka Bozic, Point Guard (Croatia): In a draft and stash type prospect, the Sixers could pair up Saric with fellow Croatian, Luka Bozic.

51) Nuggets – Dillon Brooks, Small Forward (Oregon): The Nuggets are in hopes to sign and trade for Paul Millsap as the Hawks seem to rebuild.  I like Brooks as a solid bench player for Denver.

52) Pelicans (From Wizards) – Frank Mason, Point Guard (Kansas): The Pelicans get back into the latter part of the draft after trading Frazier to the Wizards.  Frank Mason was a collegiate standout at Kansas and the Pelicans could use a backup point guard.

53) Celtics – Jaron Blossomgame, Small Forward (Clemson): Blossomgame is a very athletic forward and he has proven that he can play on both ends of the court.  Sounds like a Celtics guy to me.  I see him as more of a Jerebko replacement.

54) Suns – Devin Robinson, Forward (Florida): He is still a work in progress but he has a lot of similarities to Blossomgame. He would be a good backup to Bender.

55) Jazz – Wesley Iwundu, Guard/Forward (Kansas State): I’ve seen Iwundu all over the place in Mock Drafts but don’t understand the inconsistency.  He’s solid but he still has a lot to prove.

56) Celtics – Nigel Williams-Goss, Point Guard (Gonzaga): I love Williams-Goss’ abilities to be a playmaker.  He’s a lanky point guard that could cause problems for other teams.

57) Nets – Cameron Oliver, Power Forward (Nevada): Super athletic who can rebound.  He still needs to prove his worth, but he is a solid player who could make an impact.

58) Knicks – Tyler Dorsey, Guard (Oregon): Dorsey is able to play the 1 or the 2.  He could go undrafted but I love the way he thrived in the NCAA Tournament.  His potential is loaded.

59) Spurs – Dwayne Bacon, Shooting Guard/Small Forward (Florida State): If the Spurs are going to trade Aldridge and/or Green, Bacon would be the best guy to draft at 59.  He is full of potential and Pop would get the most out of him.

60) Hawks – Kobi Simmons, Point Guard (Arizona): Last but not least, Kobi Simmons.  Simmons is a two-way player that has potential to be a pro.  He should have stayed in college another year, but he is too talented to pass up.