We're only one day away. Soon all 30 NBA teams will be making selections in hopes that these young men will better their franchise. For some, the day will be one to look back at as they draft future NBA All-Stars, for others it may spell another year of poor recruiting. All will be revealed in its allotted time. For now, we predict which prospects are going to which NBA squad.
1- Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
Height: 7'0" | Weight: 260 pounds | Age: 19
Stats: 20.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 61.2% FG
Arguably the player in the draft with the most potential, the Suns look unlikely to pass on the big man out of Arizona. With Devin Booker as their primary ball handler, a big man down low is exactly what the Suns are looking for.
2- Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III F/C, Duke
Height: 6'10" | Weight: 235 | Age: 19
Stats: 21.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 61.4% FG
There have been a lot of reports regarding the Kings wanting to trade down in the draft, however if that doesn't come to fruition, the Kings will go with Marvin Bagley III. Unlike Michael Porter Jr., Bagley hasn't had a run in with injuries and can provide instantly.
3- Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid
Height: 6'8" | Weight: 220 | Age: 19
Stats (all competitions): 14.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.6ย APG
Playing already a season in the European league and winning a championship and an MVP, Luka Doncic seems to be the most ready player in the draft. The Hawks are still in pursuit of that superstar talent and if they keep their pick this high, Doncic is the way they'll go.
4- Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State
Height: 6'11" | Weight: 235 | Age: 18
Stats: 10.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.0 BPG
With the sun setting on Gasol's career, the Grizzlies are going to need to look to the future; and Jackson might be it. At 6'11", Jackson could grow to be one of the league's elite defenders and a key piece to a championship run in the Grizzlies future.
5- Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
Height: 7'0" | Weight: 225 | Age: 19
Stats: 12.9 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.7 BPG
Mo Bamba is one of the naturally talented players any draft has ever seen. Not only are his length, agility and athleticism amazing, but coaches are taking a real liking to his approach to learning and studying the game; The Mavericks will be thrilled to see his name on the board.
6- Orlando Magic: Wendell Carter, C, Duke
Height: 6'10" | Weight: 250 | Age: 19
Stats: 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG
Wendell Carter is another player who has outstanding natural talent along with an awe-inspiring work ethic. For a team lacking in pieces, a versatile two-way player is a good place to start and Carter provides exactly that for the Magic.
7- Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri
Height: 6'10" | Weight: 210 | Age: 19
Stats: 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 33% FG
Michael Porter Jr. comes into the draft surrounded by uncertainty due to the injury he suffered.He'll slip in the draft but undoubtedly remain in the top 7 picks. The Bulls will be the team to take the risk on a player who could potentially be an All-Star.
8- Cleveland Cavaliers: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
Height: 6'1" | Weight: 180 | Age: 19
Stats: 27.4 PPG, 8.8 APG, 36.1% 3FG
Regardless of what LeBron James decides to do, if Trae Young is available at pick 8 the Cavaliers are going to select Trae Young. Arguably the most skilled player in the draft, the Cavs have been dire need of a point guard since Kyrie left.
9- New York Knicks: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
Height: 6'1" | Weight: 185 | Age: 19
Stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.6 APG, 33.6% 3FG
It's highly likely the Knicks have zeroed in on a point guard to pair with Kristaps Porzingis. If they cannot trade up to pick Trae Young, the Knicks will have to settle for the very talented Collin Sexton. A point guard that needs time until he can run his own team, but a point guard that will have time in New York.
10- Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, SF, Villanova
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 210 | Age: 21
Stats: 18.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 43% 3FG
There were talks that the 76ers wanted to trade up, but without a top executive it'd be unlikely to see the team making many moves out of the norm. If they keep their 10th pick,ย Bridges would be a solid player to add to their already impressive team. Probably won't become an All-Star, but can hold his own in a supporting role in possibly a championship team.
11- Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 180 | Age: 19
Stats: 14.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG
Not the most NBA-ready player, giveย Gilgeous-Alexander some time and he may turn into a very solid point guard in what is known today as a guard's league. A tall unselfish guard who could add to an already impressive Charlotte back court.
12- Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Knox, F, Kentucky
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 215 | Age: 18
Stats: 15.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 34.1% 3FG
The Clippers are headed to a full rebuild and have the difficult choice of selecting the best player overall. Positions or fitting in to a mould don't factor in here, therefore the Clippers need to go with 6'9" forward Kevin Knox. A stretch-four who could be a nightmare for defenders.
13- Los Angeles Clippers: Robert Williams, C, Texas A&M
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 240 | Age: 20
Stats: 10.4 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.6 BPG
With DeAndre Jordan looking to be out Los Angeles by next season, Williams will come in and fill any void left by the big man. A younger talent, he'll be able to grow alongside pick 12 and lead the Clipper's rebuild.
14- Denver Nuggets: Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 195 | Age: 19
Stats: 11.5 PPG, 2.0 APG, 34.6% 3FG
Walker didn't have the greatest season in college, but definitely looked to be improving towards the end of it. A solid shooter with a good frame, NBA scouts have referred to him as a player with a great future. The Nuggets need a solid guard to pair with Jokic in the future.
15- Washington Wizards: Mile Bridges, F, Michigan State
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 220 | Age: 20
Stats: 17.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 36.4% 3FG
An explosive athlete with a three point shot. Could grow to become a solid player in the league. The biggest question with Bridges is whether or not he can defend the 2 through to the 4.
16- Phoenix Suns: Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Teach
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 195 | Age: 19
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 55.6% FG
The suns have spoken about their interest to move up by trading this pick packaged with other assets. However, if they do remain at 16, Smith is a player they could definitely take a risk on after picking Ayton at number 1. An incredible athlete, Smith could become a real fan-favourite.
17- Milwaukee Bucks:Jerome Robinson, G, Boston College
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 190 | Age: 21
Stats: 20.4 PPG, 3.4 APG, 41.9% 3FG
A solid player with great fundamentals. His ability to play on and off the ball makes him a good fit for a team led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
18- San Antonio Spurs: Kevin Heurter, SG, Maryland
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 195 | Age: 19
Stats: 14.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 41.7%ย 3FG
There's a lot to like about Huerter, a solid shooter who's stroke should translate well into the NBA.
19- Atlanta Hawks: Donte Divincenzo, G, Villanova
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 200 | Age: 21
Stats: 13.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.5 APG
Will be selected based on his athleticism and work ethic on the defensive end on the court.
20-Minnesota Timberwolves: Troy Brown, SF, Oregon
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 210 | Age: 18
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG
Another team looking to move their pick. Coachย Thibodeau doesn't give his rookies much playing time regardless, but with the Timberwolves in a win now mentality they will look for an asset to help them right now. If they keep the pick Brown is a quality tough rebounding defender who's work ethic will put him into an NBA team.
21- Utah Jazz: Chandler Hutchinson, SF, Boise State
Height: 6'7" | Weight: 200 | Age: 21
Stats: 20.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 3.3 APG
It is believed Hutchinson has secured a spot in the first round. A talented player who loves handling the ball in the open-court.
22-ย Chicago Bulls: De'Anthony Melton, G, USC
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 190 | Age: 20
Stats (2016โ17): 8.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.9 SPG
A defensive specialist, Melton can cause his opponents to make mistakes on that end of the floor.
23- Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA
Height: 6'0" | Weight: 185 | Age: 21
Stats: 20.3 PPG, 5.8 APG, 43% 3FG
A crafty and reliable player, Holiday doesn't come with a ton of risk. You know what you're getting.
24- Portland Blazers: Josh Okogie, SG, Georgia Tech
Height: 6'4โ | Weight: 210 | Age: 19 | Last: 28
Stats: 18.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 SPG
A bulky frame with the potential to become a solid two-way guard in this league.
25- Los Angeles Lakers: Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State
Height: 6'8โ | Weight: 225 | Age: 22
Stats: 19.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 35.9% 3FG
A solid defender, needs to find an offensive game to make it in the NBA.
26- Philadelphia 76ers: Mitchell Robinson, C, Western Kentucky
Height: 6'11" | Weight: 230 | Age: 20
Stats (2016โ17 HS): 25.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 6.0 BPG
A tall frame, Robinson's size makes him worth the first round pick alone.
27- Boston Celtics: Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
Height: 6'2" | Weight: 190 | Age: 21
Stats: 18.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 40.8% 3FG
Help on the perimeter is what Boston is in need of and that's exactly what Jalen Brunson would provide.
28- Golden State Warriors: Grayson Allen, G, Duke
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 195 | Age: 22
Stats: 15.5 PPG, 4.6 APG, 37.0% 3FG
An impressive showing in the combine, time in a stacked team would give him the ability to improve other areas of his game
29- Brooklyn Nets: Dzanan Musa, SF, KK Cedevita
Height: 6'9" | Weight: 185 | Age: 18
Stats (all competitions): 12.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 47.6% FG
A quick-trigger wing with good range, he'll need to add bulk to compete on the defensive end.
30- Atlanta Hawks: Melvin Frazier, G/F, Tulane
Height: 6'6" | Weight: 200 | Age: 21
Stats: 13.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 35.9% 3FG
It's possible they move from this position, but if they remain, Frazier's a talent who, in time, could help this team contend for a title.
