The Smoking Cuban
FanSided

NBA mock draft 6.0: Final predictions before the draft

By Kohl Rast

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Mohamed Bamba poses for a portrait before 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Mohamed Bamba poses for a portrait before 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 25: Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) puts his fingers up in the air as Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Miles Bridges (22) makes a free throw to seal the win and a outright Big Ten championship during a college basketball game between Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on February 25th, 2018 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. Michigan State defeats Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 25: Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) puts his fingers up in the air as Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Miles Bridges (22) makes a free throw to seal the win and a outright Big Ten championship during a college basketball game between Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on February 25th, 2018 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. Michigan State defeats Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. 211. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. PF/C. Michigan State. Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Memphis Grizzlies will take a long, hard look at drafting Michael Porter Jr., but ultimately will play the safer bet with Jaren Jackson Jr. with the No. 4 pick. Although only 18 years old, Jackson Jr. would be in a prime situation in Memphis with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley. Jackson Jr’s. blocking ability will earn him his spot on the court, and when he is able to develop his game in the post a bit more he could be a serious threat down low.

Mohamed Bamba. 5. C. Texas. 79. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

We can call this the most obvious pick of the draft. Mohamed Bamba has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks since the very beginning of the draft hype and, while other players have made their way into the conversation, he has never left. His length and agility is a rare combination and the Mavs are going to gain one of the most exciting players in this draft class.

Bamba is going to start his career as the above the rim threat on both ends of the court, but he has already shown a lot of improvements to his game and I expect to see even more as time goes on. Bamba is a great value pick for the Mavs.

Scouting Report. Michael Porter Jr.. 38. Pick Analysis. F. Missouri. 6

The Orlando Magic have two goals in mind for this pick in the draft: get a player that can be a star and get someone who will put fans in the seats. The obvious choices for these criteria are Michael Porter Jr. and Trae Young. Young appears to have more bust potential based on his game though, so I give him the edge over Young.

Really, all Porter needs to be great is to be healthy. His skills are there and people have been more than impressed with him, but a back surgery at his age is a tough thing to look past.

Next: Chicago, Cleveland and New York