2018 NBA Mock Draft: Where will all the Lottery picks go?
Chris IsemanCHICAGO— The 2018 NBA Draft order is set.
The Phoenix Suns have the No. 1 spot, followed by the Sacramento Kings and the Atlanta Hawks.
The Knicks will pick No. 9, which was exactly where they were projected to pick.
Over the next few days, teams will meet with prospects and gather more information during the NBA Combine here in Chicago.
By the time the week is over, they will have a better idea of who they want to learn more about.
But for now, let's take a look at who the lottery teams just might take with an early mock draft.
1. Phoenix Suns
DeAndre Ayton
A dynamic, game-changing center who starred at Arizona. It would make plenty of sense for the Suns to keep him in Arizona.
2. Sacramento Kings
Luka Doncic
A heralded Slovenian point guard would give the Kings another young talent to build with alongside De'Aaron Fox.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Marvin Bagley III
The Duke PF/C averaged 21 points per game and shot 61.4 percent from the field in his only season as a Blue Devil.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr.
A big man would shot nearly 40 percent from three and would fit perfectly in today's NBA.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Mohamed Bamba
The 6-foot-11 center from Texas averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. It makes sense he would stay in Texas.
6. Orlando Magic
Wendell Carter Jr.
A solid player on both ends of the floor, the Duke star is one of the top players on the board.
7. Chicago Bulls
Michael Porter Jr.
He only played three games for Missouri this season because of injury but he's considered one of the most talented players on the board, and the Bulls could use a small forward.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Trae Young
Cleveland could use a point guard regardless of whether or not LeBron James returns next season. The Oklahoma star would be a good fit for the Cavs, giving them a lethal three-point threat.
9. New York Knicks
Mikal Bridges
He makes a lot of sense for the Knicks. A small forward who's an excellent three-point shooter who can guard the three-point line effectively.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
Miles Bridges
The other Bridges would be a nice addition to the Sixers as they continue to cement themselves as an Eastern Conference threat.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Collin Sexton
An incredibly athletic point guard who still needs to develop a consistent three-point shot but has the potential to be an elite guard in the NBA.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Kentucky star is a solid player on both ends of the floor who got better and better in his freshman year with the Wildcats.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Lonnie Walker IV
A 6-foot-4 shooting guard, he has the potential to be a strong defensive player in the NBA.
14. Denver Nuggets
Robert Williams
A 6-foot-9 center out of Texas A&M, Williams shot 63.2 percent from the field and averaged 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game.
Email: iseman@northjersey.com
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