NBA mock draft: If he’s there, Wendell Carter is an option for Sixers at No. 10 | David Murphy
David Murphy's mock draft for the 2018 NBA draft.
Let's run through another mock draft ahead of Thursday night.
1. Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona • 7-0, Fr.
The Suns are believed to have made up their mind on Ayton, who should give them the franchise center they've long sought.
2. Sacramento Kings
Luka Doncic, SG/SF, Real Madrid • 6-8
Regarded by some as the most skilled offensive player in the draft, it remains to be seen whether Doncic's stock really has slipped or if recency bias has led draft pundits to overweight the performances of those who, unlike Doncic, have been working out stateside for teams.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Mohamed Bamba C, Texas • 7-0, Fr.
Bamba's stock has soared since the end of the college season, thanks to the quick feet and soft hands he has displayed, suggesting a big offensive ceiling to go with his game-changing defensive potential. New head coach Lloyd Pierce saw first-hand the impact such a package can have during his tenure as a Sixers assistant.
>>READ MORE: Mo Bamba addressing his biggest criticism and 24 other things to know
4. Memphis Grizzlies
Marvin Bagley III, PF-C, Duke • 6-11, Fr.
Grizzlies go best player available. Besides, Marc Gasol isn't getting any younger.
5. Dallas Mavericks
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF-C, Michigan State • 6-11, Fr.
The Mavs have a huge need in the frontcourt, and they should have a variety of options at No. 5. If Jackson, the youngest player in the draft, is off the board they could go with Marvin Bagley III.
6. Orlando Magic
Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma • 6-2, Fr.
The Magic could use an injection of excitement into their franchise and few prospects will get their new fanbase talking quite like Young, one of the most prolific gunners in recent NCAA history. The Magic could opt to go big here with Bagley or Wendell Carter Jr., but it will be tough to resist one of the draft's shiniest objects.
7. Chicago Bulls
Michael Porter Jr., SF, Missouri • 6-10, Fr.
Porter is probably too big of a risk to go much higher, though it isn't inconceivable that a team in the Top Five decides otherwise.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama • 6-2, Fr.
Sexton is one of a trio of guards who could go in this range, along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lonnie Walker IV
9. New York Knicks
Mikal Bridges, SG-SF, Villanova • 6-7, Jr.
There are questions about his upside due to doubts about his ability to create his own shot. Still, he's one of the safest players in the draft, given his length and defensive ability. Even if he turns out to be a better-shooting Robert Covington, that still brings plenty of value.
10. 76ers
Wendell Carter Jr., PF-C, Duke • 6-10, Fr.
One of the Sixers' underrated needs is depth in the frontcourt. There's a good chance Carter is gone by No. 10, but if he's here, the Sixers could fill an immediate need for a back-up big, gain some insurance for the perpetually-injured Embliid, and add some upside to boot.
11. Charlotte Hornets
Kevin Knox, SF-PF, Kentucky • 6-9, Fr.
The Sixers brought Knox back in for a private practice after initially working him out in a group setting.
12. Los Angeles Clippers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky • 6-6, Fr.
His offensive game is a work in progress, but Gilgeous-Alexander has the kind of length and athleticism that makes it easy to dream.
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M • 6-9, So.
Clippers go with another big-upside pick in Williams, an imposing defender who has a lot of work to do on his offensive game.
>>READ MORE: The Sixers could take Kevin Knox at No. 10 | Mock draft
14. Denver Nuggets
Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State • 6-6, Fr.
Bridges is one of the more accomplished college players in this class, but he falls due to questions about his positional fit. If he can shoot 37-plus percent from three, he'll offer Denver good value.
15. Washington Wizards
Lonnie Walker, SG, Miami • 6-4, Fr.
The Wizards can build some depth behind John Wall and Bradley Beal with a shot-creator who has the foundation to become a solid shooter.
16. Phoenix Suns
Donte DiVincenzo, SG, Villanova • 6-4, So.
This is higher than a lot of people project for DiVincenzo. In a few years, he could look like a steal.
17. Milwaukee Bucks
Mitchell Robinson, C, no school • 7-1
The Bucks roll the dice on the one-time top prospect who left Western Kentucky two weeks into his freshman year.
18. San Antonio Spurs
Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech • 6-4, Fr.
With Kawhi Leonard potentially on his way out, the Spurs try to replicate their development of him with another athletic wing who has the makings of a jumper.
19. Atlanta Hawks
Dzanan Musa, SF, KK Cedevita • 6-9
Musa is a young international talent with good size and offensive feel, but there are questions about athleticism and his three-point shot that is still projection.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Huerter, SG-SF, Maryland • 6-7, So.
Huerter is a smooth shooter with good size but it is unclear if he'll ever be able to contribute enough on defense to warrant a regular rotation role.
21. Utah Jazz
Chandler Hutchinson, SF, Boise State • 6-7, Sr.
Hutchinson made headlines when he pulled out of NBA combine activities, leading many to speculate that he'd received a draft guarantee from a team.
22. Chicago Bulls
Troy Brown, SG, Oregon • 6-7, Fr.
He shot just 29 percent from three-point range in college.
23. Indiana Pacers
Elie Okobo, PG, Pau Orthez • 6-2
Okobo is a potential draft-and-stash who is probably better off spending another year overseas.
24. Portland Trailblazers
Jacob Evans, SG-SF, Cincinnati • 6-6, Jr.
He is regarded as a solid defender, but questions abound about where Evans fits offensively.
25. Los Angeles Lakers
De'Anthony Melton, PG, USC • 6-4, So.
Might want to run this one by LeBron.
26. 76ers
Josh Okogie, SG, Georgia Tech • 6-4, Fr.
Villanova forward Omari Spellman could be a fit here if the Sixers draft a wing at No. 10.
>>READ MORE: The Sixers worked out the best player at his position in college hoops. Did anyone care?
27. Boston Celtics
Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova • 6-9, Fr.
His combination of size and shooting ability should carve out a spot for him in today's NBA.
28. Golden State Warriors
Keita Bates-Diop, PF, Ohio State • 6-9, Jr.
Bates-Diop is another tweener who will likely need a jump shot.
29. Brooklyn Nets
Aaron Holiday, PG, UCLA • 6-1, Jr.
Jrue's brother. Not elite in any one category, but he knows the game.
30. Atlanta Hawks
Jerome Robinson, SG, Boston College • 6-5, Jr.
Robinson should have an opportunity to play behind Dennis Schroder.