NBA Mock Draft 2018: Edition 1 (Combine Edition)

Deandre Ayton, Arizona to Phoenix

1. Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton, F/C, Arizona
After coming out on top in the lottery, Phoenix has a big decision to make: look to add a franchise big man in Ayton, or possibly add the best International prospect ever, Luka Doncic. Doncic makes a lot of sense in their offense, but my bet is that they will stick with the prospect in their own backyard, Arizona's Deandre Ayton. The powerful center already has NBA size and legitimate Hall-of-Fame potential. The Suns haven't had a dominant big since Amare Stoudemire before injuries, an issue Ayton would solve from the get-go.
2. Sacramento Kings
Luka Doncic, G, Slovenia
In a Draft filled with big men, Luka Doncic demands respect, thanks in large part to an impressive resume at just 19 years old. The Real Madrid wing recently won a Euroleague Championship and MVP on top of it, playing like the best player on the court as a teenager. The Slovenian has a smooth offensive game that can hurt defenses in a variety of ways. Sacramento GM Vlade Divac was an International pick himself, and wouldn't pass on the chance to add this dynamic prospect from across the pond.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Jaren Jackson, F/C, Michigan State
Ayton and Doncic are thought of nearly everywhere as the top two prospects in this Draft, but after them, it gets interesting. There is a ton of talent and elite potential, beginning with Michigan State product Jaren Jackson. Jackson's stats aren't necessarily eye-popping (10.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG) but his upside is what has scouts so excited about him. He is already an established rim protector that can hit threes and run the floor, who should only get better. The Hawks would love pairing him with John Collins, another athletic big that is dangerous in transition.
4. Memphis Grizzlies
Marvin Bagley III, F, Duke
Memphis once had one of the most effective and well-built frontcourts in the NBA, with vets Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph leading the charge. However, Randolph is gone, and it looks like Gasol's time in Memphis is going to come to a close in the near future. The Grizzlies would love if Bagley, who was superb in his lone season at Duke, is available here. He is already a proven offensive threat, and has the chance to get better on the other end. Bagley would be a fine piece to add as Memphis begins what should be a lengthy rebuild.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Mo Bamba, F/C, Texas
Much like Phoenix did with Ayton, Dallas should stay in their own state to land a dynamic frontcourt piece in Mo Bamba. A former five-star recruit, the former Texas Longhorn awed scouts with an astounding 7'9" wingspan and 9'6" standing reach, paired with superb athleticism. He is going to be a dominant rim protector right away in the Association, and he has as much upside as anybody in this Draft. He should be an ideal addition to a frontcourt slowly moving away from longtime centerpiece Dirk Nowitzki.
6. Orlando Magic 
Trae Young, G, Oklahoma
The Magic have not made any significant progress in their rebuild since Dwight Howard left town in 2012, and it isn't clear what their direction is at this point. It is clear that they haven't had a proven, go-to scorer for some time now, which could all change by adding Trae Young. Even though he slumped in the season's second half, Young has limitless range from the perimeter and his impressive passing abilities make his teammates better from the get-go.
7. Chicago Bulls
Wendell Carter, F/C, Duke
Bagley's frontcourt mate at Duke may not have his upside, but Wendell Carter is still a Top 10 pick in this Draft. Carter brings a proven rebounding prowess, versatility defensively and an improving offensive game all to the table, along with an underrated jumper. The Bulls would love to add the youngster to a frontcourt that already includes Lauri Markkanen.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri
We still don't know what LeBron's future in Cleveland looks like, but if the Cavaliers are trying to convince him to stay adding a talent like Porter would go a long way. The nation's No. 1 recruit entering the 2017 season, we didn't get to see much of Porter due to injury, but there is no denying his talent when healthy. If teams stay away from him, Cleveland snatching him up at eight would be a huge steal.
9. New York Knicks
Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
The Knicks did just use a high first-rounder last season to draft Frank Ntilikina at point guard, but it will be tough for the new management to ignore Alabama's Collin Sexton. Sexton is the type of explosive, fearless offensive weapon that can take over games, and he can also grow into an impact defensive player. Adding him could move Ntilkina to the off-guard spot, giving the Knicks a young, high-upside backcourt.
10. Philadelphia Sixers
Mikal Bridges, G/F, Villanova
A major guiding force for both of Villanova's National Titles these last three years, Mikal Bridges is a surefire lottery pick. He is the prototypical three-and D wing that are a hot commodity in today's NBA, evidenced by the contracts we've seen shelled out to guys like Allen Crabbe and Otto Porter over the past few years. For a Sixers team getting better, adding a well-built like Bridges who can do so many little things, is a huge help.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
New GM Mitch Kupchak has an interesting situation in Charlotte. The Hornets are good enough to be in the Playoff race, but aren't serious contenders in today's NBA. That leaves them stuck in the late lottery, a frustrating spot for any franchise. However, Kevin Knox is the type of high risk, high reward prospect that sometimes works out in these spots. He flashed serious scoring potential this season for the Wildcats, and can play multiple positions.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
Robert Williams, F, Texas A&M
It looks like DeAndre Jordan could be out of Los Angeles this off-season, considering the rebuilding stage the Clippers appear to be entering. Jerry West could add his replacement right here, Robert Williams, who just happens to come from Jordan's alma mater. Williams is an absolute beast on lob passes like Jordan, and has a great feel around the rim. He also offers a higher ceiling than Jordan, who is getting past his prime anyways.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Miles Bridges, G/F, Michigan State
With the pick they acquired from Detroit in the Blake Griffin deal, the Clippers add a well-rounded, quality swingman in Miles Bridges. Bridges was slightly disappointing after coming back for his sophomore season in East Lansing, but showed an improved three-pointer. In today's positionless NBA, he could help at any number of positions and offers very little risk.
14. Denver Nuggets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
Denver watched with horror as the pick they traded to Utah this past Draft was used to add point guard Donovan Mitchell, who should win Rookie of the Year. They won't make the mistake again, using this late lottery selection to add a backup point guard. Gilgeous-Alexander is a fine offensive player with a great feel for the game. He slides in nicely behind fellow Kentucky Wildcat, Jamal Murray.
15. Washington Wizards
Landry Shamet, G, Wichita State
Washington snuck into the Playoffs this season despite not having John Wall for a big chunk of the year. They have been unable to get over the hump with the Wall-Bradley Beal pairing, and it will be interesting to see how much longer they stick with that duo going forward. With that being said, adding depth behind those two would be a wise move, and Landry Shamet is a skilled, fundamentally sound guard that should bring energy off the bench.
16. Phoenix Suns
Troy Brown, G, Oregon
The Suns have lacked a consistent point guard for some time now, and they are incredibly thin in the backcourt heading into this off-season. Troy Brown saw his stock rise a ton with a strong second half to the season, and has a versatile offensive game. He could be just the jolt the Phoenix backcourt needs.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Zhaire Smith, G, Texas Tech
They may be equipped with one of the sport's best young players in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Milwaukee still isn't at a Championship level. Much can be attributed to a porous defense, which struggled mightily all year long. Zhaire Smith is a rock-solid offensive piece, but his real skillset is defensively, where he can lock down wings and create transition opportunities for this offense.
18. San Antonio Spurs
Gary Trent Jr., G/F, Duke
The Spurs are getting old throughout their roster, and there are some serious concerns about the depth in San Antonio. They could solve some of those questions by adding Duke wing Gary Trent Jr. Playing in an offense predicated around their two bigs, Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter, Trent wasn't able to shine, but showed elite shooting promise. He could eventually become the next Danny Green, who is reaching the end of his prime.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Lonnie Walker IV, G, Miami
Outside of Dennis Schroeder, who could be dealt this off-season, Atlanta is prepared to completely redo their backcourt, which has no long term pieces. They could start by adding an explosive difference-maker in Lonnie Walker. The Miami product is awfully streaky, but he has the raw talent to develop into something special.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton
Jamal Crawford probably won't be back in Minnesota next season, opening a big hole in the rotation for the Wolves. Tom Thibodeau would love to add a hard-working, defensive-skilled wing here, and Creighton's Khyri Thomas fits the bill. Thomas is a physical defender with length, and he can really stroke it, a huge need for Minnesota.
21. Utah Jazz
Omari Spellman, F/C, Villanova
A big cog in the middle of Villanova's National Title squad, Omari Spellman models his game after Draymond Green, which would be a huge help for the Jazz. Already equipped with a rising star (Donovan Mitchell) and a good defensive core, Spellman could be a energetic force off the bench that can rebound, shoot and defend.
22. Chicago Bulls
Chandler Hutchison, F, Boise State
With Jimmy Butler long gone, Chicago needs to upgrade the wing. They will look to change that late in the first round by selecting Chandler Hutchison out of Boise State. Hutchison had a strong Combine and brings versatility, the ability to defend multiple positions and offensive upside.
23. Indiana Pacers
Anfernee Simons, G, IMG Academy (HS) 
Due to the fact he is spending a post-grad year at IMG Academy (he technically graduated from Edgewater High School), Anfernee Simons becomes the rare prospect to forgo college basketball. He still has a chance to go in the first round because of his athleticism and overall upside. The Pacers would love another young backcourt piece, considering how thin they are.
24. Portland Trail Blazers
Dzanan Musa, F, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Musa is the type of prospect that is becoming increasingly popular in today's NBA; he is a well-built 6'9" forward with length and shooting touch. He projects very favorably as a stretch four, although he is more natural at small forward. Portland could use some shooting and length on the wing, opening up this offense more for Damian Lilliard.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
Mitchell Robinson, C, USA
There are few prospects as confusing as Mitchell Robinson in this Draft, but he has big-time potential. Robinson originally committed to Western Kentucky as a high-profile recruit, but choose not to enroll. He has spent the last few months preparing for the Draft, where teams will be intrigued by his size, strength and power on the block. The Lakers would like to develop a big man, with Brook Lopez probably a one-year rental.
26. Philadelphia Sixers
Kevin Huerter, G/F, Maryland
Kevin Huerter had a great Combine, shooting the ball incredibly well and measuring very well. He has a chance to sneak into the late lottery, or stick around the mid-first. If he is available here, the Sixers would jump on a chance to add another lengthy shooter. He could fill in for J.J. Reddick, who is overpriced and will likely hit free agency this summer.
27. Boston Celtics
Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova
Prior to his breakout National Championship Game, Donte DiVincenzo was little known and not considered much of a Draft prospect. He has followed that showing up with a strong showing at the Combine, and it looks like he has a good chance to go in the first round. The Celtics could use a high energy wing with decent shooting touch like him to develop.
28. Golden State Warriors
Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
While a lot of attention deservedly goes to Golden State's stars, their impressive depth is a major reason why this team is so tough to hang with for 48 minutes. They could a dynamic young guard from inside the state in UCLA's Aaron Holiday. The younger brother of New Orleans' Jrue, Aaron Holiday is quick, a superb ball-handler and a solid defender.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
There was no better player in college basketball than Villanova's leader, Jalen Brunson. He doesn't have the ceiling of other players in this Draft, but a guy like him could be a huge get for the Nets. Brooklyn is incredibly young and lacks leadership, something a steady, intelligent playmaker like Brunson could bring.
30. Atlanta Hawks
Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV
With their third selection of the first round, the Hawks continue improving their thin frontcourt. Brandon McCoy isn't a huge name, but he produced while at UNLV this year, and has the skills to be an elite-level rim protector. Getting him late in the first, with his upside if he can improve offensively, is quite the get for Atlanta.