Business is picking up in the Association; the 2018 NBA Draft has arrived. To see who the Utah Jazz and the rest of the league’s teams might pick, we’ve pooled our data for a composite mock draft.
The 2018 NBA Draft is finally upon us and questions abound ahead of the big night. Will the Utah Jazz attempt to trade up once again for a player they like? Will they flip it for a veteran? If they stay at No. 21, is the draft really as deep as it seems?
These are some of the things Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey will be considering as he works to cement the team’s status as a contender.
Finally, who’s going No. 1 overall? Is it DeAndre Ayton? Luka Doncic? Maybe Jaren Jackson, Jr. slips in there.
Today, myself and the rest of The J-Notes crew will join forces to answer those very questions ourselves.
In the basketball blogosphere, every hoops scribe has his or her own biases and opinions as relates to draft prospects. No one person has all the answers about who the best prospects are or who will be successful at the next level. And even the best of us are going to end up looking silly in a sizable portion of our evaluations.
I’ll call foul on myself right now. Last year, I had the Boston Celtics taking Josh Jackson while Jayson Tatum fell all the way to No. 8. That was me. I did that.
So, once again, we’ve attempted to circumvent all of that by taking a “wisdom of crowds” approach to our official mock draft.
In an effort to figure out what the Jazz and the league’s 29 other teams might do, our staffers have all completed drafts, which were plugged together to comprise a composite mock draft.
Here are the results….
Next: The Top 3
The Top 3
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.
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.
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
Mid-Lottery (Nos. 4-8)
High mock: 2 Low Mock: 5
Height: 6-11 Weight: 225 Wingspan: 7-0 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 21.0 PTS, 11.1 REB, 1.5 AST, .614 FG, .397 3PT, .627 FT
Marvin Bagley seems to have some work to do defensively, but he’s got the size, handles and leaping ability that will get you excited. A beast on the boards with a great motor offensively. He can handle the rock and will attack the basket with ruthless aggression. There are some sweet post moves there as well.
Bagley could develop into a dual threat in the screen-roll game; he’s ever-improving as a shooter.
High mock: 3 Low Mock: 5
Height: 6-11 Weight: 215 Wingspan: 7-9 Age: 20
2017-18 Stats: 12.9 PTS, 10.5 REB, 3.7 BLK, .541 FG, .275 3PT, .681 FT
LONG. Could be Rudy Gobert-like in both his defensive presence and his vertical gravity going to the rim. Unlike the Stifle Tower, he can get out and run in transition and finish the play. There are also signs he could be a 3-point shooter one day.
He’ll need to get stronger if he doesn’t want to get pushed around by guys like Steven Adams.
High mock: 6 Low Mock: 9
Height: 6-2 Weight: 175 Wingspan: 6-4 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 27.4 PTS, 3.9 REB, 8.7 AST, .422 FG, .360 3PT, .861 FT
Trae Young has star potential as a volume scorer in the backcourt. Incredible handles and shiftiness with the ball, instincts to attack and can stop on a dime and pull up from almost anywhere on the floor.
Sure, he’s small, but so was Kyrie Irving.
High mock: 6 Low Mock: 8
Height: 6-10 Weight: 260 Wingspan: 7-3 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 13.5 PTS, 9.1 REB, 2.1 BLK, .561 FG, .413 3PT, .738 FT
Big, lengthy, powerful dude who will mostly be able to finish over NBA size from the jump. Wendell Carter is also a super rebounder, has good feel defensively and will take defenders out of plays with his picks. He has good hands, a promising outside shot, big man handles and is a decent passer as well.
Carter looks like another one of Coach K’s gems. He’s not going to win many foot races or high jump competitions, though.
High mock: 7 Low Mock: 8
Height: 6-10 Weight: 215 Wingspan: 7-0 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: (3 games) 10.0 PTS, 6.7 REB, 1.0 STL, .333 FG, .300 3PT, .778 FT
A year ago, Michael Porter, Jr. was being talked about as a potential No. 1 overall pick. However, a back injury that cost him all but three games last season ended that talk. Still, he could be climbing back up teams’ draft boards. He could be the upside pick of the draft.
MPJ has all the tools to become a team’s primary scorer. He has bounce, athleticism, a great looking shot, moves in transition and size/length to move up to the four.
Next: Late Lottery
Late Lottery (Nos. 9-14)
High mock: 9 Low Mock: 10
Height: 6-7 Weight: 200 Wingspan: 7-0.5 Age: 21
2017-18 Stats: 17.7 PTS, 5.3 REB, 1.5 STL, .514 FG, .435 3PT, .851 FT
He’s older, but the more I watch Mikal Bridges, the more I like him. He’s crazy long wing and a better-than-average athlete who’s a knockdown shooter off the catch. Bridges also seems to have a high basketball IQ on both sides of the ball.
Not overly strong and needs to clean up his handle some.
High mock: 8 Low Mock: 14
Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 Wingspan: 6-6.5 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 19.2 PTS, 3.8 REB, 3.6 AST, .447 FG, .336 3PT, .778 FT
His length helps some, but Collin Sexton is definitely small-ish by NBA standards. Nevertheless, he’s a bulldog out there, with a high motor and aggressiveness to match. Sexton almost plays with anger on the hardwood. More than that, though, he can handle and distribute the rock.
He needs to work on his shot and keep himself and his decision-making in check.
High mock: 9 Low Mock: 18
Height: 6-4 Weight: 205 Wingspan: 6-10 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 11.5 PTS, 2.6 REB, 1.9 AST, .415 FG, .346 3PT, .738 FT
J-Notes staffer Hayden van de Maat: “Lonnie Walker is arguably the most interesting prospect in this entire draft. He has a big, athletic frame to go along with ridiculous speed and a crazy vertical. With quite a raw skill set, Walker has plenty of room to grow and fill his seemingly uncapped potential.”
His numbers don’t jump out at you, but Walker wins the eye test.
High mock: 11 Low Mock: 16
Height: 6-6 Weight: 170 Wingspan: 6-11.5 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 14.4 PTS, 4.1 REB, 5.1 AST, .485 FG, .404 3PT, .817 FT
He has that Dante Exum-like size and length at the point guard position. Alexander also has some of the same defensive instincts. Didn’t shoot a ton of 3-pointers at Kentucky, but has good form and his shooting percentages lead you to believe that he’ll eventually be able to hit shots at the next level.
Versatile player with basketball smart. That said, he needs to get stronger or he’ll get pushed around. He needs to become a more natural shooter, too.
High mock: 9 Low Mock: 15
Height: 6-9 Weight: 237 Wingspan: 7-4 Age: 20
2017-18 Stats: 10.4 PTS, 9.2 REB, 2.6 BLK, .632 FG, .471 FT
There’s a lot to like about Robert Williams. He projects to be a great defender with his size, length and ability, so long as he stays engaged. His shot blocking should translate from the college game and he’ll be a day one rebounder. Offensively, he can throw down on people, he has some post moves and is a better passer than you’d expect.
On the down side, he’s only shown traces of being able to shoot from even the mid-range. That could be a problem.
High mock: 12 Low Mock: 15
Height: 6-9 Weight: 210 Wingspan: 6-11.5 Age: 18
2017-18 Stats: 15.6 PTS, 5.4 REB, 1.4 AST, .445 FG, .341 3PT, .774 FT
Has size, length and strength that put him in rarefied air on the perimeter, while allowing him to move up to the frontcourt, which will probably be his NBA spot. I see him and think Trey Lyles with better defense. He’s not yet the shooter Lyles has become, but he’s super young and could be the better player in the long run.
If he somehow fell to the Jazz, it probably wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
Next: Middle First Round
Middle First Round (Nos. 15-20)
High mock: 9 Low Mock: 17
Height: 6-7 Weight: 230 Wingspan: 6-8.5 Age: 20
2017-18 Stats: 17.1 PTS, 7.0 REB, 2.7 AST, .457 FG, .364 3PT, .853 FT
Miles Bridges has been a good finisher and has shown strong instincts at moving without the ball and finding his spots on the floor. He was a good spot-up shooter in college and, defensively, has the mobility you want to see in today’s switch-heavy NBA. He’s also a sneaky good rebounder.
Bridges lacks the length you want to see for a player of his size. Some have questioned his motor.
High mock: 13 Low Mock: 19
Height: 6-4 Weight: 195 Wingspan: 6-10 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 11.3 PTS, 5.0 REB, 1.1 STL, .556 FG, .450 3PT, .717 FT
Zhaire Smith has consistently beat people off the dribble and used his length and power finish at the tin. That length also gives him upside as a backcourt defender. Smith is explosive on both ends of the floor. He was a good 3-point shooter at Tech, albeit on just one attempt per game.
He needs to prove that he can be a shooter in the Association. He’s not a guy who will really crate shots for himself, so when his dribble-drive fails, he doesn’t have a lot else to offer. Hence the importance of proving himself with that shot.
High mock: 16 Low Mock: 20
Height: 6-7 Weight: 210 Wingspan: 6-10 Age: 18
2017-18 Stats: 11.3 PTS, 6.2 REB, 1.6 STL, .444 FG, .291 3PT, .743 FT
Troy Brown is an incredible athlete, is super young and, as such, has massive upside potential. He’s also a solid ball-handler and a sneaky good passer. On top of that, Brown is a really good defender who can check backcourt and frontcourt players. With the right developmental program you can really see him outperforming his draft position in a big, bad way.
He has climbed draft boards throughout this process, but there is some cause for concern. Dude can’t shoot a lick.
High mock: 16 Low Mock: 22
Height: 6-5 Weight: 200 Wingspan: 6-6 Age: 21
2017-18 Stats: 13.4 PTS, 4.8 REB, 3.5 AST, .481 FG, .401 3PT, .710 FT
J-Notes Co-Expert Jared Woodcox: “One of the first things that stands out to me about DiVincenzo is his simple will to win. He’s a grinder that makes a conscious effort to do a little bit of everything to ensure his team comes out on top. Those attributes are skills that can’t be taught, regardless of if a player has all the talent in the world or not.
Not only that, but he’s far from just an “intangibles” guy. In his final year at Villanova, DiVincenzo shot an impressive 40.1 percent from behind the arc on 5.3 attempts per game to go along with 48.1 percent from the field.”
High mock: 17 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-6 Weight: 195 Wingspan: 6- 7 Age: 21
2017-18 Stats: 14.8 PTS, 5.0 REB, 3.4 AST, .503 FG, .417 3PT, .758 FT
Myself, last month: “During his sophomore season, Huerter’s play caused images of J.J. Redick and/or Kyle Korver to dance in one’s head — he was a deadeye shooter from distance with deep NBA range. On the whole, he knocked down nearly 42 percent of his 5.5 3-point attempts per game. As a result, he increased his scoring to just under 15 points per game.
He did so as a deadly catch-and-shoot player who routinely killed opponents off of screens, hand-offs and spot-ups. All the while, he displayed a silky smooth stroke befitting an NBA sharpshooter. The 19-year-old is also a good shooter off the dribble and a crafty ball-handler, driver and finisher, although he’ll have a harder time utilizing the latter skills in the Association”
High mock: 18 Low Mock: 29
Height: 6-5 Weight: 190 Wingspan: 6-7 Age: 21
2017-18 Stats: 20.7 PTS, 3.6 REB, 3.3 AST, .485 FG, .409 3PT, .830 FT
Jerome Robinson is low-key maybe the best shooter in the draft. His form and release should translate very well to the next level. Robinson feels like a scorer of the Kevin Martin ilk. He can create his own shot, is capable off the dribble and has a good handle.
Having said that, he doesn’t have an incredible first step. His length and reach aren’t bad, but they don’t hump out at you either. Also — he’s one of those older guys with less upside, in all likelihood.
Next: With the 21st pick, the Utah Jazz select...
With the 21st pick, the Utah Jazz select…
High mock: 20 Low Mock: 30
Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Wingspan: 6-10.5 Age: 22
2017-18 Stats: 15.1 PTS, 4.4 REB, 1.7 STL, .538 FG, .411 3PT, .788 FT
He’s 22 years old, i.e. one of the oldest players in the draft pool, so you have to question his upside. Still, Thomas could be an early rotation player as a 3-and-D guy of the Avery Bradley mold. Has those really long, Donovan Mitchell-esque measurements and was committed to being a physical defender in college.
Khyris Thomas is also one of the best shooters in the draft. Even if his potential really is limited, I would argue he has a high floor. He’ll help teams win games for a lot of years. If the Jazz do end up with him, it’s probably a win.
Next: Late First Round (Nos. 22-30)
Late First Round (Nos. 22-30)
High mock: 19 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-4 Weight: 215 Wingspan: 7-0 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 18.2 PTS, 6.3 REB, 1.8 STL, .416 FG, .380 3PT, .821 FT
Josh Okogie was one of the darlings of the NBA Draft Combine. Great length and strength for a two-guard or wing player. He’s also an explosive leaper and a plus athlete. Okogie doesn’t have that textbook shooting form, but shows potential as a shooter in the NBA if he develops that release. Can finish at the rim.
I love that he gets to the line and plays with energy defensively. He would do well too tighten up his handle and work on bringing the defensive heat more consistently.
High mock: 20 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-7 Weight: 235 Wingspan: 7-2 Age: 22
2017-18 Stats: 19.8 PTS, 8.7 REB, 1.6 BLK, .480 FG, .359 3PT, .794 FT
J-Notes staffer John Keeffer: “Diop has the profile of a modern-day power forward, but has the mobility of a small forward. To put his size into perspective, potential top pick Marvin Bagley Jr. is listed as a center, and only has a seven-foot wingspan. During his senior season with the Buckeyes, Diop used that wingspan to average 1.6 blocks per game.”
Super long and really stepped up as a scorer during his senior year. He’s ancient for a draft prospect and didn’t really hit his stride until year four, so you wonder about his upside.
High mock: 20 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-3 Weight: 180 Wingspan: 6-8 Age: 20
2017-18 Stats: 13.8 PTS, 2.7 REB, 4.7 AST, .489 FG, .418 3PT, .835 FT
Elie Okobo is a shot creator, he can pull up off the dribble and stick a J in your eye. He dropped 44 points on just 17 shots in a game last season. Okobo also seems to have the vision and playmaking you want to see from your lead guard. His length approaches elite levels for a point guard.
NBA ball pressure will be something of an adjustment for him, so we’ll see how well those skills translate. He needs to work on being a more energetic defender as well.
High mock: 23 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-4 Weight: 185 Wingspan: 6-7 Age: 22
2017-18 Stats: 15.5 PTS, 3.3 REB, 4.6 AST, .418 FG, .370 3PT, .850 FT
J-Notes staffer Zack Padmore: “He’s become a very good shooter over the past four years, and is solid defensively. He may never become a star, but he has role player potential written all over him. Remember, solid role players have decade-long careers.
Allen’s experience and athleticism will help his game translate to the next level. If put in the right system, I think Allen could contribute from day one.”
High mock: 22 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 7-1 Weight: 225 Wingspan: 7-4 Age: 20
2017-18 Stats: DNP
Mitchell Robinson may be a tough cookie to crack because he didn’t play a second of college basketball. There’s reason to believe he’s the best rim protector in this draft class. Robinson seems to have the bounce, length and timing to consistently ruin your day at the rim. He moves well for a big man, too.
Given his physical attributes, his rebounding reportedly leaves something to be desired. Needs to develop his offensive game to be more than a lob finisher, but some suggest he could develop all the way out to the 3-point line.
High mock: 18 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-9 Weight: 195 Wingspan: 6-8 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 12.4 PTS, 3.5 REB, 1.0 STL, .470 FG, .313 3PT, .804 FT
Zack Padmore: “At 6-foot-9, Musa has great size for his position. He’s got long strides going to the basket, and can really get hot from downtown. He can score from anywhere on the court, and has a lot of heart. His emotion is part of what makes him a fun player to scout and watch.”
This year’s International Man of Mystery.
The Back End
High mock: 22 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-7 Weight: 200 Wingspan: 7-1 Age: 22
2017-18 Stats: 20.0 PTS, 7.7 REB, 3.5 AST, .475 FG, .359 3PT, .728 FT
Hayden Van de Maat: “His impressive physical attributes give every indication that he’ll be a terrific transition player, and his ball handling and rim finishing will allow him to survive offensively in a half court set if his jump shot doesn’t pan out.
On the defensive end, Hutchison has good instincts and reads the passing lanes well. He covers a lot of ground tagging defenders and helping off the three-point line. His physical strength is his biggest weakness defensively, as he seems to give up post position too easily and gets rocked by a lot of screens.”
High mock: 24 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-6 Weight: 200 Wingspan: 7-2 Age: 21
2017-18 Stats: 15.9 PTS, 5.6 REB, 2.1 STL, .556 FG, .385 3PT, .712 FT
Zack Padmore: “His defense is absolutely NBA-ready, and he is an insanely good athlete. Frazier also shot 38 percent from three-point land this season, which was a 12 percent improvement from his sophomore year. However, his shooting still needs some work and consistency.
Offensively, he has room for improvement. He has shown his ability to slash and finish in the paint. With that athleticism and speed going to the basket, he should be able to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.”
High mock: 15 Low Mock: 2nd Rd
Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Wingspan: 6-6 Age: 21
2017-18 Stats: 20.3 PTS, 3.7 REB, 5.8 AST, .461 FG, .429 3PT, .828 FT
Aaron Holiday can really shoot the ball. He should be able to command the attention of NBA defenses as a catch-and-shoot player from the jump. He can also get into the lane and shows great with his body mid-air. His effort jumps out to you on both sides of the ball. That Holiday name is something, too.
Still, he is incredibly small. He’s also pretty rough around the edges outside of that jump shot. Holiday feels like a pendulum player to me — either he’s special or he doesn’t make it. That’s my hot take for the day.