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Photo Credit: NBC Sports
1. Phonix Suns- DeAndre Ayton, Big, Arizona
The Phoenix Suns lucked out with the first overall pick in the draft. DeAndre Ayton is one of the safest players in the draft, and even averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds per game in his time at Arizona. Phoenix pairs Ayton with star Devin Booker in an offseason where the front office has made it clear they want to be aggressive.
2. Sacramento Kings- Luka Doncic, Guard, Slovenia
The Sacramento Kings should pick the best player available with the second overall pick. That player is Luka Doncic. The Kings don't have a draft pick next year, so if they don't 'hit' on a player with this selection, their front office could be in trouble. Luka Doncic is the most surefire player in this draft, and the best European player we have ever seen.
3. Atlanta Hawks- Jaren Jackson, Big, Michigan State
The Atlanta Hawks have room for error with this draft, which most teams cannot say. They will likely be selecting between Marvin Bagley, Jaren Jackson, and Trae Young. It may come down to personal preference from the General Manager, but the Hawks should shoot for the stars since they have all of their future picks. Jaren Jackson has arguably the highest ceiling in this draft and should fit very well next to John Collins. If he fills out his frame well enough, Jackson could be one of the best centers in the NBA one day.
4. Memphis Grizzlies- Michael Porter, Forward, Missouri
The Memphis Grizzlies have been involved in all kinds of rumors. From trading this pick altogether to trading up to the first overall pick, people don't know what to believe. However, the one name that has been consistently linked to the Grizzlies is Michael Porter. Porter, who didn't play the majority of the 2017-18 NCAA season with a back injury, should be one of the largest flyers in this draft. If it turns out he's fully healthy, the Grizzlies get a huge steal with the fourth overall pick.
5. Dallas Mavericks- Marvin Bagley, Big, Duke
The Dallas Mavericks have all-but-publicly said that they are tanking. Dennis Smith Jr. is one of the best young guards in the NBA, and with Dirk retiring soon, it's time the Mavericks draft another big that should be successful for a long time. Bagley has many similarities with Nowitzki, as well. He can stretch the floor and was an absolute monster offensively for the Blue Devils. Bagley struggles defensively, and if he can improve in that area, should be a great player for a long time.
6. Orlando Magic- Mohammed Bamba, Big, Texas
One thing the Orlando Magic have made apparent is that they prefer length and defensive ability over offensive creating. Mo Bamba has one of the highest ceilings in this draft. With the recent hiring of coach Steve Clifford, this principle is merely reinstated. Clifford, who was with Charlotte last year, also had success with another defensive-minded big in Dwight Howard. Hopefully, this is a great fit for both sides.
7. Chicago Bulls- Wendell Carter, Big, Duke
Wendell Carter would be a great fit with the Chicago Bulls. Paired with Lauri Markkanen to stretch the floor, the Bulls would have a very solid young core of Dunn, LaVine, Valentine Markkanen, and Carter. Wendell Carter doesn't put up sexy numbers by any means, but his advanced stats are incredible. He is a top-five player in this class.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers- Trae Young, Guard, Oklahoma
The Cleveland Cavaliers should do everything in their power to get Lebron to stay... except trade this pick. If the Cavs do indeed trade this pick, they are forfeiting their future to better their odds at signing a player that likely will decide to leave their franchise. Trae Young is one of the most electric players entering the draft. His playmaking and scoring ability alone makes him an interesting pick for whichever team chooses him.
9. New York Knicks- Mikal Bridges, Wing, Villanova
The Knicks need three-point shooting on their team. At the trade deadline, they dealt their best shooter, Doug McDermott, for Emmanuel Mudiay. Mikal Bridges is an instant-impact player who should be in the NBA for 10+ years. Bridges has one of the most translatable skill-sets in this draft.
10. Philadelphia 76ers- Miles Bridges, Forward, Michigan State
The 76ers need to replace a ton of role players in this draft. With Redick, Belinelli, and Ilyasova all on expiring deals, the 76ers will have to make the most of their draft picks assuming they want to add another All-Star in free agency. Bridges is a guy that can step into a rotation immediately and be a guy that delivers on both sides of the ball. He can shoot, defend, and downright dominate people with his athleticism.
11. Charlotte Hornets- Shai GIlgeous-Alexander, Guard, Kentucky
The Charlotte Hornets need a rotational guard. With Kemba Walker involved in trade talks, it's very possible that the Hornets may need a starting point-guard soon as well. SGA brings defensive versatility, shot creation ability, and offensive aggressiveness. If it's between him and Collin Sexton, Charlotte should choose the player with the higher ceiling.
12. *Phoenix Suns- Collin Sexton, Guard, Alabama
The Phoenix Suns have been rumored to be interested in Collin Sexton and Trae Young. With Young already off the board, the Suns make a move up for Sexton to secure their young core. Sexton has a pitbull mentality on defense and is very aggressive on offense. If his jump shot improves, you could be looking at a top-ten point-guard.
13. Los Angeles Clippers- Kevin Knox, Forward, Kentucky
The Clippers are another team that wants to be active this offseason. They may look to trade up in this draft to secure Michael Porter, but if he isn't available, they may take the next best thing. Knox has a lot of two-way potential and is an absolute killer in transition.
14. Denver Nuggets- Troy Brown
Denver Nuggets fans have been pleading for another wing. Wilson Chandler is decent, but certainly nothing special. Troy Brown is a team-first player who could improve the Nuggets young core over time. They have been very good in the draft over the past few seasons, selecting Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Nikola Jokic in the past five years.
15. Washington Wizards- Lonnie Walker, Wing, Miami
16. *Los Angeles Clippers- Robert Williams, Big, Texas A&M
17. Milwaukee Bucks- Zhaire Smith, Wing, Texas Tech
18. San Antonio Spurs- Keita Bates-Diop, Forward, Ohio State
19. Atlanta Hawks- De'Anthony Melton, Guard, USC
20. Minnesota Timberwolves- Dzanan Musa, Wing, Bosnia and Herzegovina
21. Utah Jazz- Elie Okobo, Guard, France
22. Chicago Bulls- Chandler Hutchison, Wing, Boise State
23. Indiana Pacers- Shake Milton, Guard, SMU
24. Portland Trail Blazers- Kevin Huerter, Wing, Maryland
25. Los Angeles Lakers- Mitchell Robinson, Big, USA
26. Philadelphia 76ers- Khyri Thomas, Guard, Creighton
27. Boston Celtics- Melvin Frazier, Wing, Tulane
28. Golden State Warriors- Jerome Robinson, Guard, Boston College
29. Brooklyn Nets- Jacob Evans, Wing, Cincinnati
30. Atlanta Hawks- Afernee Simons, Guard, USA
Trades:
Phoenix Suns Receive: Milos Teodosic, 12th pick (Collin Sexton)
LA Clippers Receive: Tyler Ulis, 16th pick (Robert Williams), 31st pick, 2021 Miami Heat First Round Pick (If lands in top ten, defers to two later second round picks)