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The NBA draft lottery has concluded, and the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns will be the teams picking in the top three. There were no surprises that were too major, although the Kings jump from six was significant. The lottery always tends to affect how the draft goes down. Last year, the Sixers jumped into the top three and ended up trading for Markelle Fultz. Two years before that, the Lakers jumped from fourth to second and selected D’Angelo Russell, going against the contrary belief that they would select Jahlil Okafor.
1. Phoenix Suns- Luka Doncic, Guard, Real Madrid
The Suns get the best player in the draft with the first overall pick. He may not have the most upside in the draft, but his floor is superior to anyone in this year’s draft. Doncic is a Guard/Wing combo who is a great passer and scorer. Doncic paired with Booker should be a very fun combination to watch.
2. Sacramento Kings- DeAndre Ayton, Center, Arizona
The Kings snag a great all-around offensive center. Ayton has one of the highest ceilings in the draft and the ability to explode at any moment. Ayton should fit nicely in an offense that already features De’Aaron Fox and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
3. Atlanta Hawks- Marvin Bagley, Center, Duke
While Bagley has been falling in most mock drafts recently, the Hawks will likely pick him up here. Bagley has incredible offensive talent and will be a nice change of pace playing alongside a rebounder and enforcer in John Collins. Bagley should be able to step in right away as one of the top scoring options.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- Jaren Jackson Jr., Center, Michigan State
Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of the most debated prospects this year. There is no doubt about his defense and versatility, but there are some concerns about his ability to stay on the floor. All in all, the Grizzlies get a player who can play the power-forward while Gasol is still in Memphis and an eventual replacement at center.
5. Dallas Mavericks- Mohamed Bamba, Center, Texas
Another high ceiling player, Bamba has great defensive potential and has even come long ways on his shot over the course of the college basketball season. The Mavericks currently do not have a starting caliber center on their roster and Bamba is one of the best players in the draft. It’s a near perfect fit.
6. Orlando Magic- Trae Young, Guard, Oklahoma
The Orlando Magic traded starting point-guard Elfrid Payton for a second-round pick on the day of the trade deadline. It’s currently the biggest hole on their roster and Young shot the air out of the ball for Oklahoma. This pick simply makes too much sense.
7. Chicago Bulls- Michael Porter Jr., Forward, Missouri
The Chicago Bulls drafted Lauri Markkanen with the seventh pick in last year’s draft after trading Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That pick has given the team a direction, and I think that MPJ would make a lot of sense here. Porter is an offensive threat who does not have many limitations. While he didn’t play much in college, the upside is certainly there.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers- Wendell Carter Jr., Center, Duke
The Cleveland Cavaliers have Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love rotating at center. They don’t have a true center on their entire roster. Wendell Carter could step in and start right away. He doesn’t put up great stats, but Carter brings all-world defense and a great work ethic.
9. New York Knicks- Mikal Bridges, Wing, Villanova
Ever since trading away Doug McDermott, the Knicks have needed a 3-D type player. Mikal Bridges is a guy that can step in right away and be a starter. Bridges is one of the most developed players in this draft but still has lots of potential to be discovered.
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Miles Bridges, Forward, Michigan State
The 76ers do not have much wing and forward depth after Saric and Covington, so picking up one here to solidify the rotation makes a lot of sense. Bridges is an explosive athlete who can play either forward position. He brings defense and leadership to whichever team decides to take him on draft night.
11. Charlotte Hornets- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard, Kentucky
It is very likely Kemba Walker leaves the Charlotte Hornets next offseason, or maybe Walker is even traded on draft night. Either way, the backup point-guard depth last season for Charlotte was horrendous so if they can find a way to sure up their rotations with new head coach James Borrego, it might do them wonders.
12. Los Angeles Clippers- Robert Williams, Center, Texas A&M
The first of two picks, Williams offers immediate help to the Clippers after DeAndre Jordan presumably leaves. He can play the four or five spot and has the potential to develop into a very good starter for the team.
13. Los Angeles Clippers- Collin Sexton, Guard, Alabama
Collin Sexton adds a scoring mentality, defense, and leadership to a guard group that was plain bad last year. He should be able to replace Patrick Beverley, who missed last season with an injury anyways. Sexton might even start right off the bat if Doc Rivers knows what he is doing.
14. Denver Nuggets- Zhaire Smith, Wing, Texas Tech
The Nuggets’ fans always seemed to be complaining about Wilson Chandler last year. With this pick, they add a lot of athleticism and upside. Smith should be able to compete for a starting spot and give the Nuggets a very nice lineup of Murray/Harris/Smith/Millsap/Jokic
15. Washington Wizards- Jontay Porter, Center, Missouri
16. Phoenix Suns- Mitchell Robinson, Center, Western Kentucky
17. Milwaukee Bucks- Kevin Knox, Forward, Kentucky
18. San Antonio Spurs- Dzanan Musa, Wing, Bosnia and Herzegovina
19. Atlanta Hawks- Lonnie Walker, Wing, Miami
20. Minnesota Timberwolves- Troy Brown, Wing, Oregon
21. Utah Jazz- Chimezie Metu, Forward, USC
22. Chicago Bulls- Khyri Thomas, Wing, Creighton
23. Indiana Pacers- Chandler Hutchison, Wing, Boise State
24. Portland Trailblazers- De’Anthony Melton, Guard, USC
25. Los Angeles Lakers- Brandon McCoy, Center, UNLV
26. Philadelphia 76ers- Anfernee Simons, Guard, USA
27. Boston Celtics- Omari Spellman, Center, Villanova
28. Golden State Warriors- Hamidou Diallo, Wing, Kentucky
29. Brooklyn Nets- Rodions Kurucs, Forward, Barcelona
30. Atlanta Hawks- Jalen Brunson, Guard, Villanova