NBA mock draft: The Utah Jazz and our composite top 30 picks
By Ryan Aston
The Top 3
1. player. 66. . Big. Arizona Wildcats. DeAndre Ayton
High mock: 1 Low Mock: 2
Height: 7-0 Weight: 250 Wingspan: 7-5 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 20.1 PTS, 11.6 REB, 1.9 BLK, .612 FG, .343 3PT, .733 FT
Like a young Tyson Chandler or DeAndre Jordan, he’ll be a constant lob threat in the pro game. Oh, and he has smooth moves in the post, too. And he has a face-up game with a mid-range shot and the three ball to boot. Also — he’ll be bigger and longer than 99 percent of the league on Day 1.
We were split on him at No. 1, but nobody had him slipping past No. 2.
67. . Wing. Real Madrid. Luka Doncic. 2. player
High mock: 1 Low Mock: 4
Height: 6-7 Weight: 220 Wingspan: N/A Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 14.3 PTS, 5.3 REB, 4.6 AST, .451 FG, .311 3PT, .790 FT
Ultra-skilled, super creative playmaker and shot creator who has been incredibly productive in the second-best basketball league in the world. His vision already ranks with the league’s elite. He should be ready to contribute right away, but still has room to grow, too.
A lot of our group suspect the Kings will trade down to take Michael Porter, Jr.
Jaren Jackson, Jr.. 3. player. 125. . Big. Michigan St. Spartans
High mock: 2 Low Mock: 4
Height: 6-10 Weight: 230 Wingspan: 7-4 Age: 18
2017-18 Stats: 10.9 PTS, 5.8 REB, 3.0 BLK, .513 FG, .396 3PT, .797 FT
The more I dig into Jaren Jackson, Jr., the more I see a potential star. Perhaps even the best player to come out of this draft class. He has fluidity and skill offensively with handles that are rare for a player of his size. He’ll likely be a better defender than DeAndre Ayton out of the gate as well.
I may be biased though. His father, Jaren Jackson, was my secret weapon when I’d play NBA Showdown on SNES.
Next: Mid-Lottery