Ball Durham
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against the Villanova Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – MARCH 17: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles against the Villanova Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

No. 15: Washington Wizards – Zhaire Smith, SG – Texas Tech

The Wizards have been stuck in neutral for a few years now. They have two superstars in John Wall and Bradley Beal and a number of good role players. Much like Lonnie Walker, there isn’t that much tape on Zhaire Smith despite his better numbers. Smith was a force on the defensive end while posting 11.1 points per game. Smith was also efficient on offense, making 55.6% of his shots while shooting 45.0% from deep. Smith could bring another element to the Wizards to take them to the next level in the Eastern Conference.

No.14: Denver Nuggets – Mitchell Robinson, C – No College

Another prospect with a lot of question marks, the commitment between Robinson and Western Kentucky was a major storyline at the beginning of last season. However, Robinson has all the tools to be successful at the next level and having Robinson paired with the young star Nikola Jokic could accelerate his development in learning the nuances of being a great big man in the NBA.

No. 13: Los Angeles Clippers – Collin Sexton, PG – Alabama

Collin Sexton has the chance to be special at the next level. The Alabama freshman phenom averaged 19.2 points per game, shooting 44.7% from the field. Patrick Beverly was injured from the majority of last year, but more of a defensive player, the Clippers still need to add star power going into next season. Sexton has everything a prospect needs to thrive in the NBA and he might just be the next best guard in a guard dominated league.

No. 12: Los Angeles Clippers (via Detroit Pistons) – Robert Williams, PF/C – Texas A&M

Back to back picks is huge for the Clippers who really need talent on its roster. Trading away Blake Griffin left a gap in the post and the uncertainty surrounding DeAndre Jordan leaves the Clippers needs to solidify the big men on its roster. Williams almost averaged a double-double for Texas A&M this season with 10.4 points and 9.2 rebounds, but if L.A. selected the Texas A&M star, Williams can restore the “Lob City” nickname that once got the Staples Center rocking.

No. 11: Charlotte Hornets – Miles Bridges, SF – Michigan State

Miles Bridges would have been a Top-10 selection if he left Michigan State last season. His numbers took a bit of a dip this season in East Lansing, but still worthy of a top selection in this year’s draft. Kemba Walker is the engine that makes the Hornets go, and Micahel Kidd-Gilchrist hasn’t really panned out how the Hornets would have liked, it’s time to try and take a new wing player with explosive athleticism to try and revitalize the franchise that is trying to make a return to the postseason. Bridges and Walker would be the tandem that gets Hornets fans excited again.

Home/Blue Devils in the NBA