NBA mock draft: Teams, players moving in lottery and first round
— -- Who's No. 1 now?
The trade deadline created a lot of movement in the 2018 NBA draft.?
Let's look at where the top prospects -- including Trae Young, Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Mohamed Bamba and Marvin Bagley III -- might land.
Our mock draft differs in two crucial ways from our recently updated top-100 prospect rankings. It uses ESPN's BPI to project the draft order, and it's adjusted for NBA team needs accordingly. It also attempts to project which players will ultimately end up declaring and keeping their names in the draft.
1. Phoenix Suns
Luka Doncic
Real Madrid
Age: 18.9
PG
Height:?6-foot-8 |? Weight: 228
The Suns' backcourt is a work in progress after Phoenix traded Eric Bledsoe and brought in Elfrid Payton for what may end up being a rental.
Doncic's size, skill level and versatility allow him to play anywhere from 1 to 4, but there's little doubt that he's at his best with the ball in his hands. He would fit very well with playmaking wings Devin Booker and Josh Jackson.
He's having a phenomenal season in Europe, posting historic numbers in the Euroleague and Spanish ACB for an 18-year-old.
Deandre Ayton also will get a long look here.
Starting salary: $8,095,680
2. Atlanta Hawks
Deandre Ayton
Arizona
Freshman
C
Height:?7-foot |? Weight: 243
The Hawks are not in a position to draft based on need at this stage of their rebuilding effort, and there are question marks about how well promising big man John Collins fits in alongside another center who doesn't protect the rim at an elite rate.
Nevertheless, Ayton has elevated himself into the conversation as a top-two pick with his incredible natural physical tools and high skill level. His rebounding and scoring prowess could be very attractive here, even if Mohamed Bamba might actually be a better fit stylistically.
Starting salary: $7,243,440
3. Sacramento Kings
Mohamed Bamba
Texas
Freshman
C
Height:?7-foot |? Weight: 207
None of the Kings' big men have emerged as franchise cornerstones at this stage, meaning it would be foolish to pass on a top-tier talent due to positional concerns.
Bamba will likely get some looks in the top two as well, given his rare combination of length, shot-blocking instincts and offensive promise. He is starting to make 3-pointers more consistently (10-for-28 in his past 15 games), and his unicorn potential gives him arguably the highest upside of any player in this draft.?
Starting salary: $6,504,600
4. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
Jaren Jackson
Michigan State
Freshman
C
Height:?6-foot-11 |? Weight: 242
At 6-foot-11 and 242 pounds, with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, it's very likely that Jackson will see significant minutes at center in the NBA as his promising frame fills out, rather than at the 4, as he mostly does in college at the moment. Jackson's ability to space the floor (44 percent from 3; 79 percent from the line), block shots (5.9 per 40 minutes), switch on every screen and, increasingly, put the ball on the floor from the perimeter make him an ideal fit for the modern NBA.
He has significant upside to grow into as well, as he's the youngest player currently projected to be drafted. Jackson is the exact type of player the Cavs sorely need on their roster right now, but he'd be a terrific building block to have regardless of what LeBron James decides to do.
Starting salary: $5,864,640
Cleveland will receive Brooklyn's first-round pick unprotected.
5. Orlando Magic
Marvin Bagley III
Duke
Freshman
C
Height:?6-foot-11 |? Weight: 234
Although there are some positional concerns regarding Bagley and his fit in the modern NBA, at some point his talent level and sheer production are likely too great to pass on.
The Magic could very well be in the market for a point guard, but there are still question marks about whether Trae Young and Collin Sexton are worthy of being picked this high. Bagley is likely best suited for the center spot, and his scoring instincts, rebounding prowess and athleticism would make for an interesting fit alongside building blocks Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac.
Starting salary: $5,310,720
6. Chicago Bulls
Michael Porter Jr.
Missouri
Freshman
PF
Height:?6-foot-10 |? Weight: 214
The Bulls have a gaping hole at the small forward position, and could use all the firepower they can find from the perimeter. Porter's ability to play alongside Lauri Markkanen should make him very attractive at this spot.
Porter came into the season with the hope of making a run at being the No. 1 pick in the draft, but unfortunately he hasn't been able to build his case because of a back injury. The results of his medical examination will play a significant role in where he is ultimately drafted, but NBA teams don't appear to be especially concerned right now about the nature of the injury and his long-term prognosis.
Starting salary: $4,823,520
7. Memphis Grizzlies
Trae Young
Oklahoma
Freshman
PG
Height:?6-foot-2 |? Weight: 176
Mike Conley is a Memphis cornerstone signed to one of the NBA's most lucrative contracts, but he is already 30 and has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons. With the Grizzlies' playoff run ending, they will have to think about entering a rebuilding stage -- including drafting for talent rather than need.?
Young has been mired in a prolonged shooting slump since exploding onto the national radar, but still is a very intriguing fit in today's NBA with his tremendous passing and scoring ability.
Starting salary: $4,403,280
8. Dallas Mavericks
Wendell Carter Jr.
Duke
Freshman
C
Height:?6-foot-10 |? Weight: 263
Carter's season got off to a slow start, but he has been Duke's best player in 2018 and has recaptured his status as a potential top-10 pick, which is where he started the season.
The Mavs could certainly use help in the frontcourt, and Carter's basketball IQ and versatility are promising in a number of ways.
Starting salary: $4,033,800
9. New York Knicks
Collin Sexton
Alabama
Freshman
PG
Height:?6-foot-2 |? Weight: 183
Frank Ntilikina has had some nice rookie moments, but the Knicks are finding out that the long-armed, 6-foot-5 guard seems better suited playing alongside a more dominant ball handler and shot creator who can take some of the scoring responsibilities off his shoulders.
Enter Sexton, with his tremendous aggressiveness driving the lane, taking off-the-dribble jumpers and putting defensive pressure on opposing guards. NBA teams have some concerns about Sexton's ability to stay healthy because of his reckless style of play. He has been dinged up much of the season, which hasn't helped matters.
Starting salary: $3,708,120
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
Mikal Bridges
Villanova
Junior
SF
Height:?6-foot-7 |? Weight: 200
The Sixers are in line to draft in the top 10 due to the shrewd Michael Carter-Williams trade made by Sam Hinkie three years ago (as long as the pick is not second, third, fourth or fifth, in which case it goes to Boston).
Shooting, defensive versatility and basketball IQ are what the 76ers need to continue to add, and Bridges brings all of them along with the ability to guard 1 to 4. He isn't as gifted a shot-creator as you'd like from a top-10 pick, but if he's playing alongside the likes of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, he won't need to be.
Starting salary: $3,522,480
Philadelphia will receive L.A.'s pick if it lands at No. 1 or Nos. 6-30. Otherwise, the pick goes to Boston. BPI projects a 92.5 percent chance the Sixers get this pick.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Miles Bridges
Michigan State
Sophomore
SF/PF
Height:?6-foot-6 |? Weight: 226
Charlotte continues to search for long-term solutions at both forward positions, and will likely look to add athleticism to what has become a fairly disappointing roster.
Bridges is a freakish athlete who has struggled at times to make the full-time transition to small forward, but he undoubtedly has potential as a two-way forward who can guard all over the floor and give you enough shooting, ballhandling and passing to get by at one of the most important positions in today's NBA.
Starting salary: $3,346,560
12. LA Clippers (via Pistons)
Kevin Knox
Kentucky
Freshman
PF
Height:?6-foot-9 |? Weight: 205
The Clippers will likely be looking to add athleticism, shooting and length at the forward positions, where they don't have much depth outside of Tobias Harris.
Knox hasn't had a very efficient freshman season, partially due to his playing out of position, but there's a significant market in the NBA for combo forwards in his mold who can make an open shot, defend multiple positions and offer some offensive versatility. He's one of the youngest players in this draft, so he still has plenty of room to grow.
Starting salary: $3,179,280
The Clippers will receive Detroit's pick if it falls outside the top four.
13.?LA Clippers
Robert Williams
Texas A&M
Sophomore
C
Height:?6-foot-9 |? Weight:?237
Williams has had a somewhat disappointing sophomore season while playing out of position as a power forward in traditional dual-post player lineups. His game is tailor-made for the NBA, though -- he has potential as a rim-running, pick-and-roll-finishing, shot-blocker/offensive rebounder in the Clint Capela mold.
With DeAndre Jordan in the final year of his contract, the Clippers could certainly look to Williams as a potential successor.
Starting salary: $3,020,280
14. Chicago Bulls (via Pelicans)
Lonnie Walker IV
Miami
Freshman
SG/SF
Height:?6-foot-4 |? Weight: 206
Chicago's wing rotation is still a work in progress, and could certainly use some more shooting, length and perimeter defensive prowess.
Walker started off the season poorly, but has been much better in ACC play, reestablishing himself as a potential lottery-caliber prospect. The lack of depth at the wing position certainly helps him as well.
His youth, strong frame, 6-foot-10? wingspan and ability to shoot with his feet set or off the dribble make him a candidate to rise even further during the pre-draft process as teams search for upside and diamonds in the rough.
Starting salary: $2,869,320
The Bulls will receive New Orleans' pick if it falls outside the top five.
15. Phoenix Suns (via Heat)
Daniel Gafford
Arkansas
Freshman
C
Height:?6-foot-11 |? Weight: 217
Gafford's tremendous physical tools and significant upside will likely mean his name is called somewhere in the top 20 on draft night, if he has a strong pre-draft process.
Unfortunately the glut of big men in this class (plus the lack of wings around the league) makes it difficult for him to crack the lottery in this team-needs-based mock draft. The Suns are one team that could potentially look for depth at the center spot, adding much needed rim protection and finishing ability as Alex Len enters free agency.
Starting salary: $2,725,680
Phoenix will receive Miami's pick if it is outside the top seven.
16. Portland Trail Blazers
Dzanan Musa
Cedevita
Age: 18.5
SF
Height:?6-foot-9 |? Weight: 195
Shooting and depth at the wing/combo forward spots will likely be priorities for the Blazers this offseason (not unlike most teams in the NBA).
Musa's size, scoring instincts and aggressiveness could be intriguing for Portland at this stage of the draft. He's one of the youngest players in this draft class, but he is already very productive in Europe, playing at a fairly high level.
Starting salary: $2,589,480
17. Indiana Pacers
Troy Brown
Oregon
Freshman
SF
Height:?6-foot-7 |? Weight: 210
Indiana's wing rotation could certainly use more depth, and Brown's versatility as a big ball handler, defender and rebounder is intriguing in a league that is starved for players at his position.
Brown's inconsistency as a perimeter shooter has made it difficult for him to fully break out, but being the third-youngest player in this draft class means he still has time to address that.
Starting salary: $2,460,000
18. Denver Nuggets
Chandler Hutchison
Boise State
Senior
SF
Height:?6-foot-7 |? Weight: 193
The Nuggets have been cycling through options at small forward all season and could very well look to address that position in the draft and/or free agency this summer.
Hutchison has made significant strides with his game as a senior. He looks primed to take advantage of the lack of wings in the draft -- and the NBA in general -- this June. He has outstanding physical tools and is a much-improved ball handler and perimeter shooter.
Starting salary: $2,337,000
19. Utah Jazz
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kentucky
Freshman
PG/SG
Height:?6-foot-6 |? Weight: 171
The Jazz might look for a versatile guard who can operate in different lineups without dominating the ball alongside Donovan Mitchell.
Gilgeous-Alexander has the size, length, multipositional defensive versatility and unselfishness needed to operate as a role player alongside a variety of different types of guards and wings.
Starting salary: $2,231,760
20. Milwaukee Bucks
Anfernee Simons
IMG Academy (HS)
Age: 18.4
SG
Height:?6-foot-4 |? Weight: 183
In recent years the Bucks have not been afraid to roll the dice on an unproven prospect with significant long-term upside. Simons is one of the least NBA-ready players in the draft, but he's intriguing due to his combination of youth, explosiveness and shot-making prowess.
He's a few years away from panning out, but at this stage of the draft, there isn't much risk, and adding a prospect with his upside would be intriguing. Eventually he could be a nice backcourt mate with Malcolm Brogdon while providing floor spacing for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Starting salary: $2,142,360
Phoenix will receive Milwaukee's pick if it lands in Nos. 11-16.?
21. Washington Wizards
Khyri Thomas
Creighton
Junior
SG/SF
Height:?6-foot-3 |? Weight: 210
Thomas is one of the better defenders in college basketball, capable of guarding three positions with his 6-foot-11 wingspan. He's also a willing ball-mover and a promising spot-up shooter and has exactly the type of grit and unselfishness the NBA covets in role players.
The Wizards, like most other teams, could use wing depth and might look to bolster their rotation with a player in Thomas' mold.
Starting salary: $2,056,680
22. Philadelphia 76ers
Aaron Holiday
UCLA
Junior
PG
Height:?6-foot-1 |? Weight: 185
Shooting, creativity and perimeter defense are all qualities the 76ers will likely look to continue to add to their backcourt rotation as they attempt to construct the right lineups to surround their building blocks of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
Holiday has broken through in a major way in his senior season, and would bring a number of very attractive traits with his microwave scoring ability, long wingspan and toughness.
Starting salary: $1,974,480
23.? Minnesota Timberwolves (via Thunder)
Bruce Brown
Miami
Sophomore
SG
Height:?6-foot-3 |? Weight: 200
Minnesota's guard and wing rotation will need to be shored up over the summer. Brown was in the midst of a disappointing sophomore season before breaking his foot and potentially ending his college career, but he has promise as an NBA prospect.
He's a willing passer, a lockdown defender and a gritty rebounder, and he has shown potential with his jump shot. There's a significant market for players in his mold, provided that he gets healthy and is able, in the pre-draft process, to recapture some of the momentum he lost.
Execs and coaches like Tom Thibodeau might fall in love with his toughness.
Starting salary: $1,895,520
Minnesota will receive Oklahoma City's pick if it is outside the lottery.
24.? San Antonio Spurs
Melvin Frazier
Tulane
Junior
SF
Height:?6-foot-6 |? Weight: 200
A significant part of San Antonio's wing rotation is up for free agency this summer, meaning this could very well be a position the Spurs look to address in the draft.
Frazier's stock has been moving in the right direction during a very impressive junior season at Tulane. He's a tremendous athlete, standing 6-foot-6 with a nearly 7-foot wingspan, and he's making 39 percent of his 3-pointers this season.?
Starting salary: $1,819,800
25. Atlanta Hawks (via Wolves)
Keita Bates-Diop
Ohio State
Junior
PF
Height:?6-foot-7 |? Weight: 235
With the second of their three first-round picks, the Hawks might look to add some depth at forward.
Bates-Diop has increased his stock dramatically with a breakout season. He has been moving among all of the frontcourt positions for surging Ohio State and looks like an ideal fit for the modern NBA if he can find a way to rev his motor into higher gear at the professional level.
Starting salary: $1,746,840
Atlanta will receive Minnesota's pick if it is outside the lottery.
26. Los Angeles Lakers (via Cavs)
Mitchell Robinson
College:? None
Freshman
C
Height:?6-foot-11 |? Weight: 215
The Lakers are sorely lacking athleticism and rim protection in their frontcourt, and might be willing to roll the dice on a project here.
Physically, Robinson is one of the most gifted prospects -- with impressive length, athleticism and shot-blocking instincts -- but he is a long way from contributing. The fact that he elected not to play college basketball this season won't help his NBA readiness, but at some point in the draft, he's worth taking a gamble on.
Starting salary: $1,689,000
The Lakers will receive Cleveland's pick if it is outside the top three.
27. Boston Celtics
De'Anthony Melton
USC
Sophomore
PG/SG
Height:?6-foot-3 |? Weight: 195
The Celtics have a tough decision in front of them with Marcus Smart entering free agency, and may need to find a cheaper backcourt option to avoid luxury tax issues.
Melton looked to be on the verge of a breakout season for USC before the FBI investigation shut him down indefinitely. His defensive versatility, toughness and intangibles make him a prospect worth investing in.?
Starting salary: $1,640,400
28. Brooklyn Nets (via Raptors)
Shake Milton
SMU
Junior
PG/SG
Height:?6-foot-6 |? Weight: 207
The Nets have plenty of work to do in building out their backcourt and wing rotations, and could look to draft a role player here who can do a little bit of everything.
A player such as Milton, who has the size and length to defend all three backcourt spots, can operate on or off the ball and is a consistent outside shooter, would make sense here.
Starting salary: $1,630,320
Brooklyn will receive Toronto's pick if it is outside the lottery.
29. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets)
Landry Shamet
Wichita State
Sophomore
PG/SG
Height:?6-foot-4 |? Weight: 188
With their third and final first-round pick, the Hawks may look to add some backcourt depth.
Shamet is shooting 45 percent from 3-point range on the season, combining a potent pull-up jumper with the ability to come off screens, and he's arguably the most consistent spot-up shooter in the college game. Shamet sees most of his minutes at point guard despite standing 6-foot-4, thanks to his terrific feel for the game and all-around creativity, but there are some question marks about his ability to create his own shot at the NBA level.
His size will allow him to play alongside a point guard, such as Dennis Schroder, while also handling backup playmaking responsibilities.
Starting salary: $1,618,320
Atlanta will receive Houston's pick if it is outside the top three.
30. Golden State Warriors
Chimezie Metu?
USC
Junior
PF/C
Height:?6-foot-10 |? Weight: 225
Golden State could lose several bigs this offseason and look to the draft for cheaper contributors.?
Metu's impressive frame, athleticism, skill level and feel for the game are attractive at this stage of the draft. He has shown flashes offensively both facing and with his back to the basket -- though he doesn't always play hard enough, considering his projected role.
Still, there is some upside left to be tapped into, and Metu could look much better alongside NBA players.
Starting salary: $1,606,680
Second round
31. Suns?
Grayson Allen | SG | Senior | Duke?
32. Hawks
Rodions Kurucs | SF/PF | ACB | Barcelona
33. Kings
Hamidou Diallo | SG | Freshman | Kentucky
34. 76ers (via Nets)
Jalen Hudson | SG | Junior | Florida
35. Magic
Devonte' Graham | PG | Senior | Kansas
36. Knicks (via Bulls)
Milik Yarbrough | SG/SF | Junior | Illinois St
37. Grizzlies?
Jacob Evans | SF | Junior | Cincinnati
38. Mavericks?
Trevon Duval | PG | Freshman | Duke
39. 76ers (via Knicks)?
Jevon Carter | PG | Senior | West Virginia
40. Nets (via Lakers)
Kevin Hervey | SF | Senior | Texas Arlington?
41. Magic (via Hornets)
Rawle Alkins | SG | Sophomore | Arizona?
42. Pistons
Brandon McCoy | C | Freshman | UNLV?
43. Nuggets (via Clippers)
Jalen Brunson | PG | Junior | Villanova?
44. Pelicans
Vincent Edwards | SF/PF | Senior | Purdue?
45. Rockets (via Heat)
Bonzie Colson | PF | Senior | Notre Dame?
46. Pacers
Allonzo Trier | SG | Junior | Arizona?
47. Mavericks (via Blazers)
Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk | SG | Senior | Kansas?
48. Lakers (via Nuggets)
Alize Johnson | PF | Senior | Missouri St?
49. Jazz
Elie Okobo | PG | France | Pau-Orthez?
50. Suns (via Bucks)
Ethan Happ | PF/C | Junior | Wisconsin?
51. 76ers
Arnoldas Kulboka | SF | Italy | Capo D'Orlando?
52. Wizards?
Billy Preston | PF | Adriatic | Igokea?
53. Thunder?
Amine Noua | PF | France | Villeurbanne?
54. Spurs?
Ray Spalding | PF | Junior | Louisville?
55. Wolves
MiKyle McIntosh | SF/PF | Senior | Oregon?
56. Hornets (via Cavaliers)
Karim Jallow | SF | Germany 3 | Bayern Muenchen II?
57. Thunder (via Celtics)
Moritz Wagner | C | Junior | Michigan?
58. Suns (via Raptors)
Matur Maker | PF | HS Post-Grad | Mississauga Prep
59. 76ers (via Rockets)
Maximo Fjellerup | SF/PF | Argentina | Bahia Blanca?
60. Nuggets (via Warriors)
Isaac Haas | C | Senior | Purdue
