Mock Draft: Post NBA Regular Season Edition

With the 2017-2018 NBA regular season officially over, let’s take a look at the official pre-lottery standings with a mock draft:

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, Wing, INTL
3. Dallas Mavericks: Marvin Bagley III, F, Duke
4. Atlanta Hawks: Michael Porter JR, F, Missouri
5. Orlando Magic: Jaren Jackson Jr, PF, Michigan State
6. Sacramento Kings: Mikal Bridges, Wing, Villanova
7. Chicago Bulls: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
9. New York Knicks: Miles Bridges, F, Michigan State
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
11. Charlotte Hornets: Collin Sexton, G, Alabama
12. LA Clippers: Wendell Carter, C, Duke
13. LA Clippers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
14. Denver Nuggets: Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
15. Washington Wizards: Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton
16. Phoenix Suns: Troy Brown, SF, Oregon
17. Phoenix Suns: Dzanan Musa, F, INTL
18. San Antonio Spurs: Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami (FL)
19. Atlanta Hawks: Zhaire Smith, Wing, Texas Tech
20. Indiana Pacers: Mitchell Robinson, C, USA
21. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
22. Chicago Bulls: Rawle Alkins, G, Arizona
23. Portland Trailblazers: Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State
24. Utah Jazz: Elie Okobo, G, INTL
25. LA Lakers: Landry Shamet, G, Wichita State
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Anfernee Simons, G, High school
27. Boston Celtics: Raymond Spalding, PF, Louisville
28. Golden State Warriors: Jontay Porter, PF, Missouri
29. Brooklyn Nets: Jacob Evans, Wing, Cincinnati
30. Atlanta Hawks: Shake Milton, G, SMU
31. Phoenix Suns: Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
32. Memphis Grizzlies: Chimezie Metu, PF, USC
33. Atlanta Hawks: Kostja Mushidi, Wing, INTL
34. Dallas Mavericks: Vincent Edwards, SF, Purdue
35. Orlando Magic: Gary Trent Jr, G, Duke
36. New York Knicks: Moritz Wagner, PF, Michigan
37. Sacramento Kings: Admiral Schofield, F, Tennessee
38. Philadelphia 76ers: Rodions Kurucs, F, INTL
39. Philadelphia 76ers: Svi Mykhailiuk, Wing, Kansas
40. Brooklyn Nets: De’Anthony Melton, PG, USC
41. Orlando Magic: Jevon Carter, PG, West Virginia
42. Detroit Pistons: Devonte Graham, PG, Kansas
43. Denver Nuggets: Jordan McLaughlin, PG, USC
44. Washington Wizards: Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV
45. Houston Rockets: Chandler Hutchinson, SF, Boise State
46. Brooklyn Nets: Melvin Frazier, Wing, Tulane
47. LA Lakers: Austin Wiley, C, Auburn
48. Minnesota Timberwolves: Isaac Bonga, Wing, INTL
49. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Hervey, PF, UT-Arlington
50. New Orleans Pelicans: Mustapha Heron, Wing, Auburn
51. Oklahoma City Thunder: Malik Pope, PF, San Diego State
52. Utah Jazz: Bruno Fernando, PF, Maryland
53. Indiana Pacers: Shamorie Ponds, G, St. John’s
54. Dallas Mavericks: Jaylen Hands, PG, UCLA
55. Charlotte Hornets: Bruce Brown, Wing, Miami (FL)
56. Philadelphia 76ers: Tony Carr, G, Penn State
57. Oklahoma City Thunder: PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky
58. Denver Nuggets: Robert Franks, Wing, Washington State
59. Phoenix Suns: Diego Flaccadori, G, INTL
60. Philadelphia 76ers: DJ Hogg, SF, Texas A&M

Explaining the Mavericks’ picks:

At #3, the talent and need are both addressed by taking Bagley. Bagley has an incredible work ethic, excellent basketball pedigree, and he is an elite athlete and elite rebounder. While his shot is a weakness, he was still able to hit occasional 3 pointers, but had a subpar free throw percentage. I believe he will be a great fit with Rick Carlisle, and he should be able to adjust with the roster build and excel in the pick & roll. You can read his full scouting report here.

At #34, I like the fit of Vincent Edwards. He poses excellent 3&D upside while also being a capable playmaker. Edwards could allow for both Dorian Finney-Smith and Wesley Matthews to become expendable. You can read his full scouting report here.

Lastly, with the 54th pick, I like the idea of taking a high upside PG in Jaylen Hands. Hands is an explosive and quick guard with an above average jump shot. He’s likely to profile as boom-or-bust, but that’s a risk worth taking at 54. While taking a PG may seem counterproductive with Dennis Smith, Hands is a project and could be put on a two-way contract or be held as a reserve that spends most of the season in the G-League, but practices with the Mavericks for his first year. If Hands develops properly, he may be able to be an off-guard, which is something Carlisle loves to utilize.