2018 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: The Draft Lottery is Set

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1. 66. . . C. DeAndre Ayton

MANNY DIXON: What do you do when your franchise is awarded the No. 1 overall draft pick for the first time in its existence? You make a splash and grab a bona fide franchise-changing prospect. That’s what the Phoenix Suns will do, when they draft DeAndre Ayton with the first pick on June 21st.

The Suns have multiple holes to fill on its roster, and with multiple firs round picks, there’s no need to pick between team needs and best available player. Fortunately, Ayton qualifies as both. He is as close to a sure thing as there is, and he is a huge upgrade from Alex Len and Tyson Chandler.

CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The 7’1” Bahamian is the complete package. Detractors continue to point to the final game of his collegiate career, a first round upset loss to Buffalo, to highlight their concerns. It’s true, Ayton showed some signs that suggest his defense isn’t where it should be, for someone with his size and explosiveness. Admittedly, it isn’t.

However, I can argue that his numbers show he is at least a serviceable defender in the paint. On it’s own, that does not warrant being selected first overall. His ceiling on the offensive end, though, makes it all worth it.

Phoenix has had a revolving door at the center position, over the last couple seasons. Ayton will give the Suns stability and a new identity at the position. Pairing him with all-star-caliber point guard Devin Booker gives Phoenix a promising young core for its bright future.

Next: Sacramento Kings