2018 NBA Mock Draft: NBA Comparisons- A Look At The Lottery

By:Tyrone Montgomery Jr.

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton (Arizona- Center)

They now have 2 good wing players in Devin Booker and Josh Jackson along with a good distributing point guard in Eifred Peyton. All that’s needed is a solid presence down low. Marquis Chriss is good, but he isn’t DeAndre Ayton. Move him to the 4, and there is a solid starting 5

NBA Comparison: Joel Embiid

2. Sacramento Kings: Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri- Forward)

The Kings need a good wing who can flat our get buckets. They drafted two PG’s in last year’s draft. Now it’s time to even out the roster. Buddy Hield has found a solid role coming off the bench. MPJ has great size, athleticism, and can be a triple threat on the floor, something the Kings never really had in franchises history. Despite his back injury in college, this is the best move for Sacramento.

NBA Comparison: Danillo Gallinari

3. Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Bagley (Duke- PF/C)

Bagley will offer an offensive burst to this ball club, something they desperately needed. Sometimes this offense had a tendency to get flat at times. Bagley is strong and aggressive around the rim, and he has a nice soft touch with that jumper too. He can spread the floor and he will definitely get to the line too. A matchup nightmare to say the least

NBA Comparison: Kevin Garnett

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic (Slovenia- Guard/ Forward)

The Grizzlies have been playing inside out for years. The time has come for that to change. Not only will Doncic make the players around him better, but he will score as well as extend the career of Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. A match made in heaven for Memphis. He fills a team need and will have a huge impact on this team.

NBA Comparison: Manu Ginobili

5. Dallas Mavericks: Jaren Jackson (Michigan State- Center)

Its time to build this team from the inside out. Jaren Jackson makes a lot of sense for the Mavericks. They desperately need a rim protector and Jackson will come in day 1 and fill that void. He will help in the development of Dennis Smith Jr. and the two should form a dynamic duo that will remind us all of the early 2000’s when Nash was running with Dirk.

NBA Comparison: Brook Lopez

6. Orlando Magic: Trae Young (Oklahoma- PG)

There isn’t a shot that this kid can’t make on the floor. With endless range, he also has an eye for the floor too. Very quick and athletic, he offers a lot offensively. Defensively, he may struggle, but Orlando won’t complain because they need a Guard like Young. He can carry you offensively, he is a franchise player

NBA Comparison: Gilbert Arenas

7. Chicago Bulls: Mohamed Bamba (Texas- Center)

A player who got to Texas as a raw big guy with tons of potential, Mo Bamba has a chance to be the best big man in this draft. A monster on the boards, as well as leading the nation in blocks, Bamba has added a polished offense to his game with the help of Head Coach Shaka Smart. The scary thing is he’s only going to get better.

NBA Comparison: Anthony Davis

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Mikal Bridges (Villanova- G/F)

This may be a fresh start for The Cavaliers, so they must take best available here. Mikal Bridges is their guy. Although being talented, he isn’t the most talented guy in this draft. But he will definitely change the culture and offer hope for Cleveland. He brings it on both ends of the floor, but that may not even be his best attribute. Bridges is a hard worker and plays with heart. His efforts on the court alone will help this team. He very well may be the “Donavan Mitchell” of this draft and will be a sleeper in this draft.

NBA Comparison: Caron Butler

9. New York Knicks: Colin Sexton (Alabama- PG)

To win in the league, you have to have solid production from the PG position. This team is full of disappointing PG’s. From Trey Burke, Emmanuel Mudiay, all the way to the PG they took out of France, Frank Ntilkina. Colin Sexton will definitely have a lot of players to beat out in camp, and ultimately I think he will. But Colin Sexton has a chance to really turn this franchise around and may even be just the piece The Knicks are looking for. Stay woke!

NBA Comparison: Baron Davis

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Lonnie Walker (Miami- SG)

Look for the Sixers to add more talent in the backcourt, particularly at the SG position. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid fill out the roster as they key pieces “For Now” (Pending Free Agency). They must continue to build around them. What better way then to add more shooting. Lonnie Walker is a guy that doesn’t mind working off the ball. He will fit in perfectly. This “Process” has definitely been trusted.

NBA Comparison: Alec Burks

11. Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky- PG)

As good as Kemba Walker has been, he hasn’t really been able to make his teammates better. He is a score first guard. Look for the Hornets to move him soon. A good replacement is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This kid is a floor general, and he will elevate the play of his teammates. Still a bit raw, the Hornets will get what they need with this pick.

NBA Comparison: Dejounte Murray

12. LA Clippers: Donte Divincenzo (Villanova- SG)

The Clippers are going through a bit of transition and rebuild. Right now, they’re just looking to add talent and players that can help them win. Donte Divincenzo has a national title under his belt, and he played well in the title game too. He knows what it takes to be a winner. He will add more depth to this Clippers team and even more outside shooting too, which is always needed in today’s game.

NBA Comparison: Jonas Jerebko

13. LA Clippers: Kevin Knox (Kentucky- Forward)

A huge steal in the draft could be Kevin Knox. He has great size, long range, triple threat skills, and a bit of a post game too. A player who can help transform a team. One who is easy to play with too. He will definitely be one of the guys for whichever team he goes to next season.

NBA Comparison: Markieff Morris

14. Denver Nuggets: Robert Williams (Texas A & M- F/C)

Limited offensively, Robert Williams possesses a very strong game underneath the basket on both sides of the floor. Physically gifted physically, despite being undersized, Williams is a force to recon with. One of the best shot blockers in the nation, Williams will make the perfect replacement for Kenneth Faried. He brings a lot of energy to the game, just like Faried.

NBA Comparison: Ben Wallace