The NBA Draft is under a week away and there are going to be a plethora of prospects to pick from. Here are the most sought-after players in the 2018 NBA Draft.
1. DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona, Fr. – 7’1″ 250 lbs
2017-18 stats: 20.1 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 61.2% FG, 34.3% 3pt FG
While this isn’t a time in the NBA that will be known for its dominating centers, Ayton has too much game to pass up. His size, athleticism, rebounding and scoring will entice a GM to take him very early in the NBA Draft. He couldn’t be defended well in college because he was a lot bigger and stronger than his competition, but he still showed a light enough touch, shooting a great percentage from the field.
2. Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke, Fr.- 6’11” 234 lbs
2017-18 stats: 21 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 61.4% FG, 39.7% 3pt FG
The Duke star reclassified to play in college last year and now is eligible for the NBA draft a little earlier than expected. He has a good stroke and can post up, making him a natural four-man in the NBA. He will have to add some strength to play against some of the bigger interior players in the NBA, but his length can deter shorter offensive players from going to the rim.
3. Luka Doncic, G, Slovenia- 6’6″ 218 lbs
2017-18 stats: 14.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 46.4% FG, 30.2% 3pt FG
Doncic very well could be the number one overall pick and does a great job of setting up his teammates. There are some holes to his game, as he isn’t the greatest scorer or shooter. His three-point shooting is inconsistent at best, but that can be improved. He fits the mold of a shorter Ben Simmons, who does a little bit of everything, but his own offense needs to be worked on.
4. Michael Porter Jr., F, Missouri, Fr.- 6’10” 215 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 33.3% FG, 30.0% 3pt FG
Porter is a supreme talent, but had to miss the vast majority of his college season at Missouri after having spinal surgery. That will be a concern for teams thinking about drafting him and his three-point shooting may hold him back a little as well. His athleticism, height and ball-handling abilities will get him drafted, but teams will have to go all the way back to high school to see good tape of what he can do.
5. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State, Fr.- 6’11” 242 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.0 bpg, 51.3% FG, 39.6% 3pt FG
Michigan State was loaded with talent, so Jackson played just over half of most games. His per 40 minutes stats jump off the page: 20.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.5 blocks per game. His elite protection of the rim can get him on the floor early in his career. His offensive game needs to develop a little bit but is already solid.
6. Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma, Fr.- 6’2″ 180 lbs
2017-18 stats: 27.4 ppg, 8.7 apg, 42.2% FG, 36.0% 3pt FG
He lit up the college basketball world by leading the nation in scoring and assists, but Young struggled down the stretch. Turnovers were his main issue and he also lost his great shooting touch. The spacing in the NBA actually could help his turnover problem but he could be successful off-ball with his shooting if the turnovers continue.
7. Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama, Fr.- 6’3″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: 19.2 ppg, 3.6 apg, 3.8 rpg, 44.7% FG, 33.6% 3pt FG
Sexton made Alabama into an NCAA Tournament team this season. He is very effective at getting to the basket and at times could do it at will in college. His defense isn’t great, but he has the skillset to improve.
8. Mo Bamba, C, Texas, Fr.- 6’11” 225 lbs
2017-18 stats: 12.9 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.7 pg, 54.1% FG, 27.5% 3pt FG
If teams are looking for a premier rim protector and miss out on Jackson, Bamba could be their pick. He’s been compared to Rudy Gobert for his rebounding, shot-blocking and limited offensive game.
9. Wendell Carter, PF/C, Duke, Fr.- 6’10” 259 lbs
2017-18 stats: 13.5 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 56.1% FG, 41.3% 3pt FG
He was overshadowed by Bagley at Duke, but Carter had a good year in his own right. He has a good post game and can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His limited athleticism leaves him a little lower on this list, but he should go in the top 10 picks.
10. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova, Jr.- 6’7″ 191 lbs
2017-2018 stats: 17.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 51.4% FG, 43.5% 3pt FG
Bridges is the typical “3 and D” prospect that is valuble to NBA teams. In order to be more than that, he needs to work on his ball-handling and creating his own shot.
11. Kevin Knox, SF/PF, Kentucky, Fr.- 6’9″, 215 lbs
2017-2018 stats: 15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 44.7% FG, 34.1% 3pt FG
Although he models his game after Kevin Durant, Knox is an inconsistent shooter. When he gets hot, he can light up the scoreboard, but at Kentucky there were many stretches where he would miss a lot of shots or wouldn’t take as many shots as he needed to. With his size and scoring ability, he should be a lottery pick.
12. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky, Fr.- 6’6″ 180 lbs
2017-18 stats: 14.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 5.1 apg, 48.5% FG, 40.5% 3pt FG
He wasn’t the best freshman walking in the door at Kentucky this season, but he is one of the best ones walking out. His length and height for the point guard position is uniquely large. He excels at running the pick and roll and has a nice shot. He will need to add some strength to his frame.
13. Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State, So.- 6’7″ 230 lbs
2017-18 stats: 17.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.1 apg, 45.7% FG, 36.4% 3pt FG
Bridges is another sophomore in the draft class that could have left after his freshman season. He’s athletic, has an NBA body and does a little bit of everything well.
14. Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M, So.- 6’9″ 237 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 63.2% FG, 0% 3pt FG
Williams could have left after his freshman year, but decided to return for a second year as an Aggie. He is athletic and will find a nice home on the inside. His motor has come into question in the past.
15. Lonnie Walker IV, G, Miami, Fr.- 6’4″ 192 lbs
2017-18 stats: 11.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 41.5% FG, 34.6% 3pt FG
His only season at Miami didn’t yield the best results, but Walker was able to show off his potential. He didn’t set up his teammates the best and if he wants to play point guard in the NBA will need to improve in that area.
16. Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech, Fr.- 6’5″ 195 lbs
2017-18 stats: 11.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 55.6% FG, 45.0% 3pt FG
Smith is the highest player on the list that hasn’t hired an agent. That may change soon, as his athletic ability will be hard to pass on. He had highlight-reel dunks in his lone season in Lubbock, but also shot the ball well. Teams will be intrigued with his upside.
17. Mitchell Robinson, C, USA, HS- 7’0″ 223 lbs
2017-18 stats: N/A
He initially committed to Western Kentucky, but left the school before the season ever started. Since that time he has been preparing for the draft. Robinson is a former five-star recruit, but a team will have to take a risk on drafting a player whose highest level of competition was high school.
18. Chandler Hutchison, SG/SF, Boise State, Sr.- 6’7″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: 20.0 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 47.5% FG, 35.9% 3pt FG
Hutchison was a do-it-all player for the Broncos throughout his career. He likely will see a huge hit to his numbers in the NBA, but can be a viable role player.
19. Jerome Robinson, G, Boston College, Jr.- 6’7″ 181 lbs
2017-18 stats: 20.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 48.5% FG, 40.9% 3pt FG
ACC competition is tough and Robinson played well despite not having the best support.
20. Donte DiVincenzo, G, Villanova, So.- 6’5″ 200lbs
2017-18 stats: 13.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 48.1% FG, 40.1% 3pt FG
DiVincenzo has athletic ability and can shoot the deep ball, which will at least make him a solid role player in the NBA.
21. Troy Brown, G, Oregon, Fr.- 6’7″ 215 lbs
2017-18 stats: 11.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, 44.4% FG, 29.1% 3pt FG
Brown is a big and athletic guard, but needs to improve his shot to be truly successful at the NBA level.
22. Khyri Thomas, G, Creighton, Jr.- 6’3″ 200 lbs
2017-18 stats: 15.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 53.8% FG, 41.1% 3pt FG
He wasn’t the leading scorer on Creighton, that accolade belonged to Marcus Foster. Thomas’ skill-set figures to be more of an NBA fit. He still has the option to return to school, as he hasn’t hired an agent.
23. Anfernee Simons, PG, USA, HS- 6’3″ 181 lbs
2017-18 stats: High school
Simons is heading to the NBA draft straight from prep school. He is eligible for the draft because he spent five years in high school. He was thought to be one of the best point guards in the recruiting class and now will be selected mainly on potential rather than results.
24. Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova, Fr.- 6’9″ 260 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 47.6% FG, 43.3 3pt FG
Spellman benefits from the fact that there aren’t many good forwards in the draft. HIs ability to stretch the floor is what helps his value so much.
25. Gary Trent Jr., SG, Duke, Fr.- 6’6″ 209 lbs
2017-18 stats: 14.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, 41.5% FG, 40.2% 3pt FG
Trent would have had bigger stats had he not chosen to go to Duke, but was able to prove that he can stretch the floor with his shooting.
26. Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA, Jr.- 6’1″ 185 lbs
2017-18 stats: 20.3 ppg, 5.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 46.1% FG, 42.9% 3pt FG
Holiday has the NBA bloodlines with his brothers Jrue and Justin already being in the league. He has the shooting and playmaking ability to make it himself, even if he doesn’t quite have the athleticism or length desired to play in the NBA.
27. Kevin Huerter, G, Maryland, So.- 6’7″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: 14.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 50.3% FG, 41.7% 3pt FG
He can shoot and has been promised that he will be selected by at least pick 25. There are some concerns that he is a one-trick pony.
28. Elie Okobo, G, France- 6’2″ 180 lbs
2017-18 stats: 12.8 ppg, 4.5 spg, 2.6 rpg, 46.8% FG, 38.6% 3pt FG
Okobo is nowhere near a finished product, but a team with multiple picks might want to take the developmental player.
29. Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova, Jr.- 6’3″ 199 lbs
2017-18 stats: 18.9 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.1 rpg, 52.1% FG, 40.8% 3pt FG
Brunson is good fundamentally and has championship experience, which teams will love.
30. Jacob Evans, SG/SF, Cincinnati, Jr.- 6’6″ 210 lbs
2017-18 stats: 13.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 42.7% FG, 37.0% 3pt FG
Evans is the typical “3 and D” prospect.
31. Keita Bates-Diop, F, Ohio State, Sr.- 6’7″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: 19.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.6 bpg, 48% FG, 35.9% 3pt FG
He had a great last season for Ohio State which helped his draft stock drastically. He is a bit undersized for the forward spot but can play in small-ball lineups.
32. Landry Shamet, PG, Wichita State, So.- 6’4″ 179 lbs
2017-18 stats: 14.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 5.2 apg, 48.9% FG, 44.3 3pt FG
His defense and length are his most marketable attributes, but he has also improved his shooting over his career at Wichita State.
33. Moritz Wagner, PF/C, Michigan, Jr.- 6’10” 210 lbs
2017-18 stats: 14.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 0.5 bpg, 52.8% FG, 39.4% 3pt FG
Wagner has a good offensive game but may lack the athleticism to be a great NBA player.
34. Dzanan Musa, G/F, Bosnia and Herzegovina- 6’8″ 195 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.9 apg, 42.9% FG, 36.4% 3pt FG
Musa might be the first draft and stash candidate selected in this draft. He’s only 18 years old and needs to develop his game a little more before getting NBA minutes.
35. Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV, Fr.- 7’1″ 250 lbs
2017-18 stats: 16.9 pts, 10.3 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 54.5% FG, 33.3% 3pt FG
There are a limited number of big men in the class and McCoy can go in the first round because of this. He didn’t play the best competition in the MWC, but there still quite a few solid teams in that league.
36. Tony Carr, G, Penn State, So.- 6’5″ 204 lbs
2017-18 stats: 19.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.0 apg, 40.8% FG, 43.3% 3pt FG
Penn State hasn’t had a player of Carr’s caliber in quite some time. He’s a big point guard who really came into his own in his second season as a Nittany Lion.
37. Bruce Brown, G, Miami, So.- 6’5″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: 11.4 pg, 7.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 41.5% FG, 26.7% 3pt FG
38. De’Anthony Melton, G, USC, So.- 6’4″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: N/A- Sat out for FBI investigation
39. Trevon Duval, PG, Duke, Fr.- 6’3″ 186 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 5.6 apg, 42.8% FG, 29.0% 3pt FG
40. Grayson Allen, G, Duke, Sr.- 6’4″ 195 lbs
2017-18 stats: 15.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.6 apg, 41.8% FG, 37.0% 3pt FG
41. Rawle Alkins, G, Arizona, So.- 6’5″ 220 lbs
2017-18 stats: 13.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 43.2% FG, 35.9% 3pt FG
42. Melvin Frazier, G, Tulane, Jr.- 6’5″ 200 lbs
2017-18 stats: 15.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.9 apg, 56.6% FG, 38.5% 3pt FG
43. Shake Milton, G, SMU, Jr.- 6’5″ 195 lbs
2017-18 stats: 18.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.4 apg, 44.9% FG, 43.4% 3pt FG
44. Chimezie Metu, PF/C, USC, Jr.- 6’11” 215 lbs
2017-18 stats: 15.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.7 bpg, 52.3% FG, 30.0% 3pt FG
45. Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky, Fr.- 6’5″ 190 lbs
2017-18 stats: 10.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.2 apg, 42.8% FG, 33.8% 3pt FG
46. Devonte’ Graham, PG, Kansas, Sr.- 6’2″ 172 lbs
2017-18 stats: 17.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 7.2 apg, 40.0% FG, 40.6% 3pt FG
47. Justin Jackson, F, Maryland, So.- 6’7″ 225 lbs
2017-18 stats: 9.8 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 36.6% FG, 25.0% 3pt FG
48. Jevon Carter, PG, West Virginia, Sr. – 6’2″ 185 lbs
2017-18 stats: 17.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.6 apg, 3.0 spg, 42.2% FG, 39.3% 3pt FG
49. Jarred Vanderbilt, F, Kentucky, Fr.- 6’9″ 215 lbs
2017-18 stats: 5.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 42.6% FG, 0.0% 3pt FG
50. Josh Okogie, G, Georgia Tech, So.- 6’4″ 207 lbs
2017-18 stats: 18.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 41.6% FG, 38.9% 3pt FG
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!