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Duke in the NBA: Ball Durham’s First Round Mock Draft

By Kevin Connelly

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grayson Allen #23 speaks with reporters during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Donte DiVincenzo #10 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts after a shot in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 02: Donte DiVincenzo #10 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts after a shot in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

No. 20 Minnesota Timberwolves (via Oklahoma City Thunder) – Jacob Evans, SF – Cincinnati

This could be the wake-up call that Andrew Wiggins needs. The former No. 1 Overall pick has been very inconsistent in his young career and Evans has the same type of game to replace Wiggins in Minnesota. Evans’ best season game two years ago when he averaged 13.5 points per game and shot 41.8% from three-point range. The 6’6″ small forward will need a period of time to adjust his offensive game to the NBA but under Mick Cronin at Cincinnati, Jacob Evans’ defensive game would thrive under TomThibodeauu.

No. 19: Atlanta Hawks (via Minnesota Timberwolves) – Donte DiVincenzo, SG – Villanova

The player who improved his draft stock the most in his amazing National Championship game, Donte DiVincenzo cracks the Top-20 and is heading to Atlanta. The team that was home to Kyle Korver for four and a half seasons could very well find its next big star with possibly more potential than Korver due to his driving to the basket abilities.

No. 18: San Antonio Spurs – Dzanan Musa, SF – KK Cedevita

You have to dig deep into your bag of tricks for a Spurs draft selection and this could be something Greg Popovich and the rest of the Spurs are eyeing. With the impeding Kawhi Leonard departure, the 6’9″ Musa brings the size and experience that Popovich really likes in a draft prospect and if everything goes right, he could be the next Spurs star.

No. 17: Milwaukee Bucks – Anfernee Simons, SG/PG – No College

The Bucks took a chance on Thon Maker with no college experience and so far so good for Milwaukee, so why shouldn’t they go back to the well again with Simons. The Bucks didn’t really have a consistent backup behind Eric Bledsoe due to the injury of Matthew Delladevoa, but with Simons’ ability to play both the point guard and shooting guard positions, he could be a great player to thrive playing off of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

No. 16: Phoenix Suns (Miami Heat) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG – Kentucky

The Suns just need to revamp its roster outside of Devin Booker and Josh Jackson. Brandon Knight is a solid backup point guard but Pheonix needs to get younger at every position and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be the new face Pheonix needs running the point. After a strong freshman season averaging 14.4 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander looks ready to take the next step at the professional level.

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