The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Draft Lottery is Set

By Kohl Rast

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: A general view of the NBA Deputy Commissioner, Mark Tatum during the 2018 NBA Draft during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kevin Knox. 13. 77. . . SF

MANNY: He may not necessarily replace Blake Griffin, but who really knows how good Kevin Knox can be? The Los Angeles Clippers are in line to find out. Sure, he’s not a high-flyer of Griffin’s caliber, but Knox is crazy athletic in his own right and is a more natural shooter from long range.

DeAndre Jordan is likely to receive a lot of offers, in an attempt to pry him away from L.A. Knox will have ample opportunities to find his place on a new-look Clippers team, where its identity and place in the Western Conference rat race are still unclear.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 14. 73. . . PG

KOHL: The Kentucky Wildcats underperformed a little bit this year considering that, once again, they were full of NBA level talent. Although Kevin Knox is a great NBA prospect, Gilgeous-Alexander may be even more ready. At 6’6″, he is one of the bigger point guards in the draft and he uses his size well.

He is also a very good distributor, averaging 5.1 assists per game in his lone year under Coach Calipari. The Nuggets were awfully close to making a playoff run this year, but fell short in the last game of the season. Adding a point guard with size and playmaking ability will help compliment Jamal Murray and Gary Harris and push the team forward for the future.

. PF/C. Jontay Porter. 15. 142.

SEAN: The younger brother of Michael, Jontay is often overshadowed by the hype of his sibling. Jontay Porter had a very productive freshman season at Missouri and is primed to be a first round pick. He fills a void for the Wizards whether they opt to play him at center or power forward. He is an excellent passer for his size and runs the floor well.

Porter is a great screener and has shown he can be a positive influence on the defensive end. The questions for Porter come down to rebounding and athleticism. If he can prove himself in those areas, he will be a solid player in the league for many years.

Next: #16 - #18