First-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Phoenix could still change its mind, but Ayton looks like the overwhelming favorite for the No.1 pick. The Suns have had plenty of time to scout the big man at Arizona, and Ayton won Pac-12 Player of the Year after averaging 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds while shooting over 61 percent from the field in his lone college season.

The Kings could go with the risk of Luka Doncic or take what looks like a safer and still elite prospect in Bagley. Bagley averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds, showing himself as a true offensive force and impressively winning the ACC Player of the Year. He's also in the conversation for No. 1 overall pick.

Doncic could go as high as No. 1, but his lack of elite athleticism could drop him as low as No. 5. The 19-year-old Doncic averaged 15.2 points per game this season in the EuroLeague and can shoot from the outside.

It's status quo for the Grizzlies this week, taking the best big man remaining on the board. While Jackson is limited offensively, he's potentially dominant defensively. He only scored 10.9 points per game in his freshman season at Michigan State but had three blocks per contest.

Bamba presents elite upside for the local Mavs with the fifth overall pick. The athletic center shot 54 percent from the field while averaging a staggering 10.5 rebounds and 3.7 blocks in Shaka Smart's system. 

The Magic are desperate for a difference maker, and Young could be that after ranking first in college basketball in points and assists in his freshman season. Young garners comparisons to Stephen Curry after averaging 27.4 points and attempting more than 10 threes per game. If not for Curry's success in the NBA, there's no telling where Young would go in the draft.

The Bulls have needs nearly everywhere, and Porter Jr. has the versatility to create a mismatch as a 6-10 forward who can shoot and pass. An injury that limited him to three games in his freshman season at Mizzou is the only reason he would drop this far, but he could gain steam as we get closer to the draft.

Cleveland's future is still up in the air based on what LeBron James decides to do this offseason. Carter Jr. could be a steal at No. 8 in any case. He averaged 13.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in 2017-18 on an overwhelmingly talented Duke team. The upside could be much more than what we saw last season given that Carter Jr. was overshadowed by other talented players.

The Knicks are in need of players to complement Kristaps Porzingis and Frank Ntilikina. Bridges shot nearly 44 percent from three this past season and averaged 17.7 points per game, showing plenty of versatility offensively.

The Sixers don't exactly need point guard help, especially if 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz pans out, but Sexton can also be a significant scorer. Of course, this pick could be anyone's guess with the Bryan Colangelo Twitter saga clouding the status of the team's front office. Sexton finished the season averaging 19.2 points while shooting nearly 45 percent from the floor for the Crimson Tide, and his surge late in the year could be a great sign for the team that drafts him.

The Hornets' future is clouded by their ability to retain Kemba Walker after this season, but Bridges profiles as a solid fit in any case. It's unclear if Bridges helped his draft stock by returning to Michigan State last season, but the talented wing averaged 17 points and shot nearly 38 percent from three in his two seasons with the Spartans.

Another talented point guard outside the top five, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 14.4 points and 5.1 assists for the Wildcats this past season. He should be able to start immediately for the rebuilding Clippers.

Limited offensively in his two seasons for the Aggies, Williams did average 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks this past year. He will need time to develop, but he could have DeAndre Jordan-like upside at the next level.

Walker became much more consistent for Miami as his freshman season rolled along, putting up double-digit points in 14 of his last 17 games. This isn't a great need for the Nuggets after signing Gary Harris to a long-term deal, but the two players should be able to co-exist on the court at the same time.

The versatile 6-9 Knox is built for the current NBA, attempting 4.5 three-pointers per game in his freshman season for the Wildcats. He's a very nice fit for the Wizards with their backcourt already set.

Smith is a first-round prospect after a solid freshman season for the Red Raiders, averaging 11.3 points and shooting nearly 56 percent from the field. He'd be an excellent complement to Devin Booker and (potentially) Deandre Ayton.

Milwaukee is looking for backcourt help and someone to take advantage of the attention that Giannis Antetokounmpo gets from opposing defenses. Thomas blossomed in his three seasons at Creighton, averaging 15.1 points and shooting 41 percent from three this past year.

Brown averaged 11.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in his freshman season, and he has nice size as a wing at 6-7. The Spurs could be headed toward a rebuild, and Brown projects as a solid contributor.

The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Bates-Diop averaged 19.8 points and 8.7 rebounds last season. He started to develop his outside shot and is now looking like an excellent NBA prospect for a Hawks team in desperate need of help.

DiVincenzo raised his NBA stock with his play during the NCAA Tournament, and that stock continues to gain steam. The guard also averaged 13.4 points for the season, shooting 40 percent from three. The Timberwolves have an exciting young core, and DiVincenzo could be a missing piece as a lethal outside shooter.

Utah was a huge surprise this season and could be looking toward the long term at point guard with Ricky Rubio in the last year of his contract. Holiday has the potential as a point guard who can create (and make) his own shot. He shot at least 41 percent from three in all three seasons for the Bruins.

A versatile player at 6-7, Huerter shot nearly 42 percent from three for the Terrapins in his sophomore season. His efficient shooting would be a nice fit for any team, especially one with so many needs in a rebuild like Chicago.

Hutchison is an experienced college player with decent upside after developing his outside shot over the last two seasons. After a surprise season behind the great play of Victor Oladipo, the Pacers could take another step forward with an immediate contribution from Hutchison.

Robinson didn't play college basketball this year after dropping out of his commitment to Western Kentucky. At seven feet tall, he still has the upside of a lottery pick but is quite a crapshoot for a team like the Blazers.

A 6-2 guard from France, Okobo is gaining some momentum after averaging 12.8 points per game in France last season. He has upside for a team that needs it like the Lakers, though L.A. could trade the pick for more immediate help.

Musa is an interesting European teenager who has shown great long-range ability. He shot 36 percent from three for Cedevita this season and has excellent size at 6-9. His draft stock is still murky, and there remains potential that he goes much earlier.

An excellent scorer at nearby Boston College over the last two seasons, Robinson averaged 20.7 points and shot 41 percent from three in his junior season. He could be a nice contributor off the bench for the Celtics immediately.

He might not be a star at the next level, but Brunson is a very smart point guard who should have a long career. Stephen Curry hasn't been the most durable player in recent seasons for the Warriors, so having insurance like Brunson would be helpful.

The Nets continue to be in a major predicament as they try to rebuild. Melton averaged 8.3 points in his only season at USC but brings the big upside the Nets need drafting this late in the first round.

Atlanta is in a rebuild and needs as many solid players as it can get. Evans looks like a safe bet in the NBA because he can defend. He also shot well from three in college at nearly 38 percent for his career.