11:13 p.m.: The Pistons are getting Khyri Thomas from the Sixers
Philadelphia’s No. 38 overall pick Khyri Thomas will be traded to Detroit, league sources say. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
11:08 p.m.: The Kings are trading Gary Trent Jr. from Duke to the Blazers.
Sacramento is trading No. 37 pick Gary Trent to Portland, league sources say. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
Portland will send Sacramento to two future second-round picks for Trent, league sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/epxA4sHMS5 — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
11:05 p.m.: The Knicks take five-star recruit / mystery Mitchell Robinson.
10:56 p.m.: Jalen Brunson to the Mavs. They get the Player of the Year.
Sources: Dallas is selecting Jalen Brunson with the No. 33 pick in NBA draft. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
10:54 p.m.: Jevon Carter to the Grizz.
Source: Memphis choosing Jevon Carter with No. 32. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
10:53 P.M.: Elie Okobo goes No. 31.
10:43 p.m.: Omari Spellman rounds out the first round.
Sources: The Hawks are selecting
Omari Spellman with the No. 30 pick in the NBA draft. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
10:39 p.m.: WOJ FINALLY RAN OUT OF VERBS
Source: Brooklyn will select Dzanan Musa. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
10:33 p.m.: The Warriors take Jacob Evans!
Source: The Warriors are locked on Jacob Evans at No. 29. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
10:21 p.m.: The Celtics stole a lottery talent in Robert Williams at pick No. 27. Sheesh.
Source: Boston is tantalized by Robert Williams with the 27th pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
10:18 p.m.: Sixers get a wing in Landry Shamet.
Source: The Sixers are enamored with Landry Shamut at the 26th pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
10:10 p.m.: UNLIKELY TO RESIST HAHAHAHAHAHAHA WOJ
Source: The Lakers are unlikely to resist Mo Wagner with the 25th pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
10:07 p.m.: Uhh... did everyone forget about Robert Williams?
9:55 p.m.: The Trail Blazers are going with the high school kid Anfernee Simons.
Source: Portland has a laser on Anfernee Simons. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
9:53 p.m.: Another Holiday is in the league! Aaron to the Pacers.
Sources: The Indiana Pacers are focusing on Aaron Holiday with the No. 23 pick in the NBA draft. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
9:50 p.m.: Chandler Hutchison to the Bulls!
Bulls are selecting Chandler Hutchsion at No. 22, per source. — K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2018
9:44 p.m.: GRAYSON ALLEN TO THE JAZZ.
“NO PLANS TO PASS”
LMFAO
Source: Utah Jazz have no plans to pass on Grayson Allen with the 21st pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
9:40 p.m.: Josh Okogie goes No. 20 to the Timberwolves!
Sources: The Minnesota Timberwolves are selecting Josh Okogie with the No. 20 pick in the NBA draft. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
9:35 p.m. Kevin Huerter is a Hawk. KEVIN HUERTER. Let’s go Terps!
Atlanta has zeroed in on Maryland's Kevin Huerter with the 19 pick, source tells ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
9:20 P.M.: Man, this is sad. Mikal Bridges’ mom works in HR for the 76ers. Mikal Bridges was drafted by the 76ers. It was a wonderful story, until he was traded to the Suns.
But the trade hasn’t been finalized, which means ...
mikal bridges is wearing a sixers hat talking about how excited he is to play with joel and ben rn, but shams just tweeted he’s being traded... pic.twitter.com/Bpmmg7GObx — James Herbert (@outsidethenba) June 22, 2018
Mikal Bridges and his mom were so excited when he got drafted by Sixers.
His mom works for the Sixers!#PhilaUnite pic.twitter.com/dLYJCI5nTB — John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 22, 2018
Oof.
9:12 P.M.: WAIT WHAT? The Sixers are trading Mikal Bridges to the Suns for Zhaire Smith and another first.
Sources: Philadelphia is trading Mikal Bridges to Phoenix for Zhaire Smith. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
Suns are acquiring Mikal Bridges in a deal that will send Smith to Sixers, league source tells ESPN. Suns will send 2021 first-round pick via Miami in deal too. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
9:08 p.m.: JOEL EMBIID IS THROWING OUT FIGHTING WORDS ABOUT DEANDRE AYTON LOL
Don’t compare Ayton to me either... I play DEFENSE — Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 22, 2018
9:01 p.m.: Troy Brown is going No. 15 to the Wizards. Almost had Porter.
Washington is locked on Troy Brown with the 15th pick, league source tells ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:57 p.m.: Michael Porter Jr. slipped down to No. 14! Nuggets got a REAL value pick.
Source: Denver has cleared the way to choose Michael Porter Jr. with the 14h pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:54 p.m.: OMG PUMA tweeted a pic of Deandre Ayton off a freakin TV.
8:43 p.m.: Jerome Robinson is going to the Clippers. Ahead of Michael Porter. Why?
Sources: The Los Angeles Clippers are selecting Jerome Robinson with the No. 13 pick in the NBA draft. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
8:41 p.m.: Miles Bridges is going to the Hornets via the Clippers! Have tow onder how much his stock fell from when he could’ve been a top-5 or so pick last year.
Clippers will send the 12th pick and two second-round picks to Hornets for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, league sources said. https://t.co/IfMknfp5Hm — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:39 p.m.: Gilgeous-Alexander is going to the Clippers, per Woj.
Clippers will send the 12th pick and two second-round picks to Hornets for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, league sources said. https://t.co/IfMknfp5Hm — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:35 pm. ET: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Kentucky point guard goes No. 11. The Hornets might trade him to the Suns.
Charlotte is discussing trade possibilities with the 11th pick, league sources tell ESPN. Phoenix has wanted to get back into lottery to get one of elite point guards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is focus here. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:33 p.m.: Story of the draft is how far Michael Porter Jr. is slipping. He was once thought to be the best prospect in this class.
8:28 p.m.: The Sixers are taking Mikal Bridges. The Villanova great stays close!
Sources: Sixers are targeting Villanova's Mikal Bridges with No. 10. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:21 p.m.: The Knicks are taking Kevin Knox at No. 9. They get a wing with upside.
Sources: New York is selecting Kevin Knox with the No. 9 pick in NBA draft. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2018
8:15 p.m.: Collin Sexton is the Cavs “preferred” pick according to Woj. LMAO. “Prefer.” He doesn’t wanna get in trouble for spoiling the pick.
Source: Cleveland prefers Collin Sexton with the No. 8 pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2018
8:05 p.m.: Wendell Carter is going to the Bulls! Carter + Lauri Markkanen is a big frontcourt.
Bulls will select Wendell Carter Jr. at No. 7, per source. — K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2018
7:59 p.m. ET: Mo Bamba is going No. 6 to the Magic! That’s the dude with long arms. Like really long arms.
Congrats on your new pair of long arms, Orlando.
Orlando is focused on selecting Texas center Mo Bamba with the sixth pick, league source tells ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
7:58 p.m. ET: Trae Young is going No. 5 to the Hawks in the Doncic trade.
As part of the Atlanta-Dallas agreement, Dallas will make the fifth pick for the Atlanta Hawks -- Trae Young -- and send him to Hawks, sources said. Hawks GM Travis Schlenk gets his man in Young. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
7:54 p.m. ET: Woj says the Grizzlies are taking Jaren Jackson Jr. So much for his not live-tweeting.
Memphis is locked in on selecting Jaren Jackson Jr., league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
7:48 p.m. ET: Doncic is a Maverick. OH MY
Related Mavericks will select Luka Doncic after trading picks with Hawks
7:45 p.m. ET: Luka DONCIC IS GOING TO THE MAVS. HAWKS ARE TRADING PICKS TO GET TRAE YOUNG AT 5! WOW
Atlanta and Dallas have agreed to a deal, league sources tell ESPN. They'll trade Nos. 3 and 5 picks, sending Luka Doncic to Dallas and Trae Young to Atlanta, sources said. Dallas will send Atlanta a future first. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
7:44 p.m. ET: Marvin Bagley is No. 2 to the Kings! He’s fine. He’s no Luka Doncic.
7:39 p.m. ET: Deandre Ayton is your No. 1 pick! He’s great! But... he’s no Luka Doncic.
7:32 p.m. ET: Porter’s dropping THAT far?
Clippers (Nos. 12 and 13) and Nuggets (14) are preparing for possibility that Porter Jr., could drop to them. https://t.co/QNdobeYbKD — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
7:30 p.m. ET: Oh, so NOW they decide to release Michael Porter Jr.’s medical info.
Michael Porter's agent, Mark Bartelstein, is delivering more detailed and recent medical info to lottery teams on Porter's back, believes he's given execs more reason to feel comfortable in long-term prognosis. Tecent medical report circulated among teams caused major concern. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2018
7:23 p.m. ET: Oh so we’re giving everyone a tunnel and introductions this year! Ok.
7:20 p.m. ET: Please look at all the Miami fans filling up a baseball stadium to watch Lonnie Walker get drafted.
7:07 p.m. ET: Let’s look at all these amazing suits, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s floral patterns.
7:00 p.m. ET: IT’S GO TIME LET’S DO THIS
Preview: The 2018 NBA Draft will start at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, and everything is up in the air. Arizona center Deandre Ayton seems to be the favorite to go No. 1 overall, but it’s far from a given. After that, there is even less clarity.
Also hoping the Suns will call his name first is Luka Doncic, Real Madrid’s super-teen who’s won a pair of championships and an MVP in Europe’s most competitive basketball leagues. He has a tie to Phoenix as well, as his Slovenian national team coach Igor Kokoskov was recently hired as the Suns’ head coach. Would Phoenix pass up on the opportunity to match the EuroBasket champion pair up again?
The draft is always filled with trades and drama, and the lead-up to 2018’s version has been no different. Dwight Howard was shipped to the Nets for Timofey Mozgov the day before the draft, and that just feels like an appetizer. Will Kawhi Leonard get moved? Who else will make a bold move to try and dethrone the Golden State Warriors?
As we’ve learned from last year’s Jimmy Butler trade, anything is possible on draft night.
Here’s how you can watch the 2018 NBA Draft:
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
30: Atlanta Hawks: Omari Spellman, PF, Villanova
6 feet 9 inches, 255 pounds
His inability to graduate high school on time forced him to sit out his true freshman season at Villanova, but he took the time to lose weight and sharpen his game, and he turned himself into a dynamic stretch-4. He can handle himself on defense and seems to have the work ethic necessary to continue to improve.
How he fits: The Hawks already got a pair of guards, so at the end of the first round they grabbed a potential gem for their front line. The resilience he showed in sticking with things when he dealt with the ineligibility ruling is likely a good sign of character and he basically willed himself into being a first-round player.
29: Brooklyn Nets: Dzanan Musa, SF, Cedevita
6 feet 9 inches, 195 pounds
Musa was a crucial bench scorer for Cedevita, thriving in the pick and roll and showing a keen ability in the spot up play. At one point there were grave concerns about his build and his defense, but he has put in the work leading up to the draft to make the concept of him being a complete player — rather than just points in a jersey — a lot less ridiculous. The team that drafts him, however, should be content with his scoring for the foreseeable future instead of assuming that his recent changes will stick.
How he fits: The Nets are finally out of the draft purgatory created by the Kevin Garnett trade, and Musa gives them some serious potential as a scorer even if he probably can’t contribute, at least immediately, on the same level as a player like Gary Trent Jr. or Khyri Thomas.
28: Golden State Warriors: Jacob Evans, SF, Cincinnati
6 feet 6 inches, 200 pounds
A 3-and-D option who excels at catch-and-shoot opportunities, Evans never got the opportunity to truly break out in college. He showed enough versatility, and put on enough muscle, to make himself into a first-round prospect after having been something less than that following his first two years of college.
How he fits: Like a glove. Golden State’s second unit badly needed another shooter, as evidenced by their dramatic lack of wing depth when Andre Iguodala was injured in the postseason. Evans can essentially take Nick Young’s roster spot, become a go-to shooter off the bench and work his way into the rotation as a defensive contributor.
27: Boston Celtics: Robert Williams, C, Texas A&M
6 feet 10 inches, 237 pounds
His long arms make him play far larger than his height would indicate, as does his leaping ability, making him an instant impact player on defense. That’s backed up by his having won the SEC’s defensive player of the year award in each of his two college seasons. He could end up having more impact defensively than even a top prospect like Mo Bamba, but his offensive play has been so limited in the role he was asked to fill that he is a total question mark in that regard.
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How he fits: The Celtics appear to be on the verge of saying goodbye to Aron Baynes, who did a great job as their backup center. Williams will be an instant contributor on defense, should he stick with the team, and on a roster as loaded Boston’s, that would be perfectly fine.
On talent, Williams was a top-15 pick, so this is found money for Boston.
26: Philadelphia 76ers: Landry Shamet, PG, Wichita State
6 feet 5 inches, 189 pounds
He can pass the ball and doesn’t embarrass himself defensively, but Shamet’s value is mostly tied up in his shooting. He’s a 43.7 percent career shooter from 3-point range and his accuracy has gone up as he’s taken more shots. Even if he can’t do anything else, that alone would make him a useful player late in the first round.
How he fits: The Sixers never seem to run out of first-round picks, and Shamet could certainly help the team as a shooter. But as has been discussed in many places, the team’s ability to sign LeBron James would be contingent on not ending up with another salary on the books, so Shamet shouldn’t unpack any time soon.
25: Los Angeles Lakers: Moritz Wagner, C, Michigan
6 feet 11 inches, 240 pounds
A German native who came to the United States for college, Wagner is a center, but he has enough versatility to space the floor on offense. He hasn’t shown much defensively, but as a key member of a team that made a surprising run in the N.C.A.A. tournament, he declared for the draft and has capitalized on the opportunity.
How he fits: More of a true center than Julius Randle, Wagner probably shouldn’t get too comfortable with the roster (or even the thought of being on it) as the Lakers are rumored to be in on every significant free agent. Every player on their roster could be in jeopardy of losing their spot.
24: Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons, SG, IMG Academy
6 feet 3 inches, 183 pounds
Essentially a prep-to-pro as he chose to work out at IMG rather than enter college, Simons plays fast, can shoot in virtually any scenario and can handle the pick and roll. He likely won’t be ready to contribute defensively, especially after a year away from consistent competition, but at this point in the draft his high ceiling excuses his fairly low floor.
How he fits: Another guard in Portland? It’s a little weird. But they must have thought that no player on the board could match Simons’s talent, and having too many good guards is a problem that could be solved with a trade.
23. Indiana Pacers: Aaron Holiday, PG, U.C.L.A.
Aaron Holiday
PG, U.C.L.A.
6 feet 1 inch, 187 pounds
The little brother of Jrue and Justin Holiday, Aaron did not break out for the Bruins until his junior year, but he made up for lost time with averages of 20.3 points and 5.8 assists a game. He’s small, but he’s a tireless athlete who has improved every aspect of his game as he moved through the college ranks, and he is a strong enough on defense to overlook the questions that would typically arise for a player of his size who took so long to find his role in college.
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How he fits: Holiday and Victor Oladipo form a fairly small backcourt, but with Holiday’s defensive virtues, the size shouldn’t be that much of a concern. The guards could potentially share the ball-handling duties, which might be a good change for Oladipo who could focus more on scoring.
22. Chicago Bulls: Chandler Hutchison, SG, Boise State
6 feet 7 inches, 196 pounds
His production as a senior was hard to ignore, as he averaged 20 points and 7.7 rebounds a game, but there is some question as to how much of that was a result of him simply being the ball dominant player for a lesser team. He has worked on his shooting and has the tools to play defense but is a bit of a project until he can show consistent success against tougher competition.
How he fits: Another piece for Chicago’s dynamic young front-court who should have the luxury of developing a bit slower than he may have been asked to for other teams.
21. Utah Jazz: Grayson Allen, SG, Duke
6 feet 5 inches, 195 pounds
There are few players as polarizing as Allen, who had all of Christian Laettner’s personality as a Duke villain but fell short of his consistent production. Figuring out how he fits as a pro is confusing at best, as his top-shelf production of his sophomore year was not repeated during his junior or senior years.
But his performance at the draft combine gave credence to the belief that he has been underrated in terms of athleticism. At his core he is a strong outside shooter and an aggressive, if incomplete, defensive player. Once you get past the tripping incidents, there is likely a productive player hiding under the sneers and mop of hair.
How he fits: The Utah Jazz will likely never be a free-agent destination (and they even have a hard time retaining their own players once their contracts expire) so the draft is potentially more vital for them than for any other team. That’s why taking a risk on Allen is a bit surprising when he is not even one of the five best players left on the board. They must truly believe in his shooting and his combine performance.
Marc Stein: The Utah Jazz had a great season and can certainly claim to have enjoyed an intriguing draft night. The selection of Duke’s Grayson Allen — merely the seventh consecutive wing player selected in the draft — should give Utah another quality rotation player for one of the West’s rising forces. Why do I always say LeBron James should stay in the East? Because the West’s depth is such that, beyond Golden State and Houston, too many tough outs like Utah loom.
Marc Tracy: You will be shocked to hear that fans here are booing the announcement of Grayson Allen. And Grayson is here, in the stands! Wendell Carter Jr.’s mom is waving to him as he makes his way down. #moms
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20: Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Okogie, SG, Georgia Tech
6 feet 4 inches, 211 pounds
A breakout sophomore season in which he averaged 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds a game wasn’t enough to get the kind of draft assurances that Okogie wanted, but then the draft combine rolled around and his performance got people to pay attention. He may have been the best pure athlete among all of the wings who agreed to be evaluated. He’s fast, strong, agile and could be a huge steal in the draft, as he has not garnered nearly as much attention as players who he could run circles around athletically.
How he fits: This pick was acquired in the Ricky Rubio trade last season, and the Timberwolves, who did fine without Rubio, have added a player who can add a lot without stepping on the toes of any of the team’s stars. The potential is there for Tom Thibodeau to coach him into something special if he’s willing to work.
19: Atlanta Hawks: Kevin Huerter, SG, Maryland
6 feet 7 inches, 190 pounds
He came into the draft combine with the reputation of a shooter and left with people wondering how much more he is capable of, which isn’t surprising considering his 38-inch vertical leap and his top-10 performances in several agility drills. He’s still the kind of defender where people talk about his effort so much that you worry about his ability, but when you shoot 41.7 percent from 3-point range (with a widespread belief that he has the range to continue that at the N.B.A. level) and prove that you’re not a dud of an athlete, being a try-hard defender might be enough.
How he fits: On the rebuilding Hawks, Huerter can play immediately next to Trae Young and his flaws can be worked out as the young team learns how to play. That type of environment could be perfect for a player who is going to struggle at first.
18. San Antonio Spurs: Lonnie Walker IV, SG, Miami
6 feet 4 inches, 196 pounds
He got off to a slow enough start to his freshman year to make his season average of 11.5 points per game a little misleading. He is a terrific spot-up shooter, has shown an ability to create for himself on occasion and has the leaping skills to put on a show at the rim. His strong build has been a major asset for him and could eventually lead to him being a solid defender even if he is not quite there yet.
17: Milwaukee Bucks: Donte DiVincenzo, SG, Villanova
6 feet 5 inches, 201 pounds
He’s played on two of the last three N.C.A.A. champion teams, and had a huge 31-point performance in this year’s national championship game. But that combined with a strong showing at the draft combine still has some people shrugging at his pro potential. His maximum-effort style plays well in college, and he tests as a decent athlete, but there is fear that he may not have the high-end game to thrive in the pros. (They said the same things about Jimmy Butler.)
How he fits: For years the Bucks have drafted on maximum potential, and while they have ended up with some tremendous athletes (and one of the most dynamic young players in the game in Giannis Antetokounmpo) it has yet to result in them taking a leap as a team. Going with a player like DiVincenzo, who thrived in a winning culture and is more of a sure thing in several regards might be a masterstroke. But the Bucks left a lot of terrific options on the board to take him.
Marc Tracy: Donte DiVincenzo going 17th is quietly remarkable. Just a few months ago he was considered likely to be at Villanova another year. A commanding performance in the Final Four, and then a terrific N.B.A. combine, helped him get here. As I wrote earlier today, there’s actually a logic to teams buying high on a great N.C.A.A. run.
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16. Phoenix Suns: Zhaire Smith, SF, Texas Tech
6 feet 4 inches, 199 pounds
If Smith were a bit taller, or had a tad more offensive polish, he’d be far higher on most draft boards, but the elite athlete and top-notch defender has enough question marks about where he fits on the court to scare some teams off. He is a quick, active and smart defender who can step right into the league. His long arms let him play larger than his 6-foot-4 frame, but he was rarely asked to do much offensively in college, and there is no proof that he can step up to that challenge if given the opportunity.
How he fits: There are reports that Smith could be heading to Philadelphia in a trade, so it is hard to evaluate how he will fit, but should he be headed to the Sixers it will certainly make things interesting as to the team bringing back J.J. Redick, who was on a one-year deal last season. Unlike Mikal Bridges, who seemed like a good development fit with Philadelphia, Smith may take some time to develop.
15. Washington Wizards: Troy Brown, SF, Oregon
6 feet 7 inches, 215 pounds
A member of the heralded 2016 FIBA U-17 World Championship team, Brown is a do-everything wing who has the potential to be a two-way standout. His numbers don’t leap off the page, but his success in any role Oregon put him in makes him a versatile option in the mold of Andre Iguodala. He would benefit from landing on a team that is willing to use his versatility to its advantage.
How he fits: Could he be the glue guy that fixes what has been missing in Washington? He doesn’t have to be a go-to scorer with John Wall and Bradley Beal in town, so the Wizards may be a team that lets Brown do all of the other little things he excels at, which is probably ideal at least in the early portion of his career.
Early Winners: Dallas and Atlanta
Marc Stein: On a night like draft night, when all teams can dare to dream, both Dallas and Atlanta feel like they’ve already won tonight’s big trade. The Mavericks acquired the draft rights to the prized Slovenian teen-age Luka Doncic without having to take back any unwanted salary from the Hawks. Atlanta, meanwhile, acquires the draft rights to general manager Travis Schlenk’s top target — Oklahoma sharpshooter Trae Young — and picks up a 2019 first-round pick in the process from the Mavericks that will convey to the Hawks next June as long as the pick falls outside of the top five.
Sacramento Wanted Porter at No. 2 but Backed Off
Marc Stein: Rival teams had been whispering — as recently as Monday — that the Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. was under consideration by Sacramento with the No. 2 overall pick. But the back issues that limited Porter to three games in college have dropped him all the way to No. 14 and the Denver Nuggets. At the very least, Porter still manages to go in the lottery — but only with the final pick among lottery teams.
14: Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr., PF, Missouri
6 feet 10 inches, 210 pounds
He played just 53 minutes of his freshman season as a result of back surgery, and a hip issue in the leadup to the draft added more concern about his body. That he is still considered a top prospect is a testament to how well regarded Porter was coming out of high school. When healthy he is a great leaper, can move almost like a giant guard and can reliably score both inside and out. The optimist would point out that Kyrie Irving only played 303 minutes of his freshman year of college and blossomed into a star. The pessimist would say that a foot problem for a guard is not the equivalent of a back problem for a big and that Porter’s brief return in the postseason is hardly proof that his troubles are behind him.
How he fits: If his health is O.K., the Nuggets just got the best pick in the draft. If it isn’t, they wasted an opportunity to add another major piece to go with their three-man core of Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris and Jamal Murray. Assuming he can keep himself on the court, Porter is a perfect complement to those players.
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13. Los Angeles Clippers: Jerome Robinson, SG, Boston College
6 feet 5 inches, 190 pounds
A scorer who can handle either guard spot, Robinson went from being ignored coming out of high school to averaging 20.7 points a game in his junior season at Boston College. Despite plenty of production, he has question marks based on his thin frame and a pervasive belief that he can contribute to a team effort but may not have it in him to thrive on his own.
How he fits: The Clippers already added a point guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Jerry West must believe the two players can co-exist. That being said, this pick seems like a reach with plenty of players with more potential still on the board.
12. Los Angeles Clippers: Miles Bridges, SF, Michigan State
6 feet 7 inches, 225 pounds
After an eye-popping freshman season, Bridges made the surprising choice to return for a sophomore year and was even better, averaging 17.1 points and 7 rebounds a game. He makes wise decisions with his body movements, can jump out of the room and has the strength to handle bigger players even if his height and arms put him a bit behind some of the players he will be asked to guard. He can succeed in several offensive scenarios but is not a standout at any particular skill, which is a little unusual in a hyper-specialized era. But his versatility may be comforting for coaches looking to expand their offensive options.
How he fits: It is not official yet, but it appears Bridges, who was officially picked by the Clippers, is headed to Charlotte. That creates fewer fit problems next to Kemba Walker but creates some ambiguity as to what roles Bridges and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will fill.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
6 feet 6 inches, 180 pounds
In a draft stacked with players 6-foot-10 and above, Gilgeous-Alexander can’t quite match that height, but he still fits the theme of length as an enormous point guard. He got better as the year went along for Kentucky and was instrumental in the team’s advancement to the N.C.A.A. tournament’s round of eight, finishing the year with averages of 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game. He excels at getting to the rim, but he has shown enough promise as a shooter to make it believable that he could contribute at either guard position.
How he fits: A higher-rated prospect than several players that were picked ahead of him, Gilgeous-Alexander is speculated to have communicated to Cleveland that he did not want to go to the Cavaliers at No. 8. That is a huge boon to Charlotte, which may use him as a shooting guard next to Kemba Walker but regardless got great value this deep into the draft.
Clippers Pushing Spurs for Kawhi Trade
Marc Stein: League sources say that the Los Angeles Clippers have been trying to lure the Spurs into Kawhi Leonard trade talks with an offer that features their two lottery picks and Tobias Harris, but it appears – stress: appears — that they’ll be making the 12th and 13th pick for themselves. And Michael Porter Jr. is still on the board.
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, SF, Villanova
Mikal Bridges
SF, Villanova
6 feet 7 inches, 209 pounds
A junior! Bridges had to work to get where he is, but last season he broke out for 17.7 points and 5.3 assists a game while shooting 44 percent from 3-point range. He’s big enough to create his own shots, smart enough to help his team when he doesn’t have the ball, and skilled enough to match up defensively with elite guards and small forwards. He could stand to get a bit stronger, but his two-way impact could be Klay Thompson-like.
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How he fits: At 21 years old, Bridges is basically a peer with Philadelphia’s young stars, which may help him be in sync with their development, whereas going with an 18- or 19-year-old would have had a team hoping for 60 wins simultaneously trying to develop a teenager. With Joel Embiid clogging up the middle, and Ben Simmons able to find players in space like a seasoned pro, Bridges may have unlimited open looks as a rookie, and there’s plenty of reason to believe he’ll take full advantage.
9. New York Knicks: Kevin Knox, SF, Kentucky
6 feet 9 inches, 213 pounds
He is big enough that converting into a stretch-4 would be possible, opening up all kinds of options for Knox. He could exploit a severe advantage in quickness over his more lumbering opponents; he averaged 15.6 points a game as a freshman but that number could increase dramatically if his shooting becomes more consistent.
He is already good enough defensively to keep himself on the floor, but he may need to pack on considerable weight to help with durability if his team chooses to play him against larger forwards.
How he fits: Depending on how the Knicks want to play things, they could go with Kristaps Porzingis at the 5 and Knox at the 4, which certainly wouldn’t match up with the toughness of their ‘90s squads, but might make for something interesting in that they’d be playing “small” with a guy who is 7-foot-3 and another who is 6-foot-9.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton, PG, Alabama
6 feet 2 inches, 190 pounds
Sexton managed to stand out as a scorer for a stacked 2017 FIBA U17 World Championship team and then averaged 19.2 points a game running Avery Johnson’s offense at Alabama. He is still developing as a passer, and likely has a long way to go in that regard, but he can score immediately and has the physical tools to play high-impact defense.
How he fits: This is the prize Cleveland got in the Kyrie Irving trade and he has a tough road ahead of him to justify the deal (even if that’s not even close to fair). His future hinges so heavily on whether or not LeBron James stays with the Cavs that it’s impossible to evaluate Sexton’s fit other than to point out that if James truly wants to handle the ball less, Sexton seems like a good option (even if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was probably a better fit).
7. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr., C, Duke
6 feet 10 inches, 259 pounds
He played on a front line with Marvin Bagley III at Duke, which limited some of his scoring ability, but there is every reason to believe Carter can be a productive player on both ends of the court, with a body that seemingly makes him an ideal modern center. He has lost some weight in the leadup to the draft but will still likely play a physical style of the game that led him to some foul trouble at Duke but might serve him well in the pros.
How he fits: The second Duke player taken in the first seven picks, Carter will join a big front line with Lauri Markkanen. Should Robin Lopez stay in town, Carter will have an excellent role model for how to maximize his defensive potential.
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6. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba, C, Texas
7 feet, 225 pounds
You might not get two people to agree on what Bamba’s ceiling is, or how likely he is to reach it, but it is not hard to see why people are so excited by an athletic and skilled player who broke the N.B.A. combine record for wingspan measurement, reaching an absurd 7 feet 10 inches. (His standing reach is a full three inches taller than any player measured at the combine.)
There is a sense that he is still learning how to use his body and that he will need some time to catch up to the skill and speed of the game, but he is N.B.A.-ready in rim protection and has shown the ability to produce offensively even if he has yet to show it consistently.
How he fits: Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier have been dripping with potential for years, and Bamba can effectively take over the team’s interior defense. Replacing the slow-footed Nikola Vucevic with the hyper-athletic Bamba seems like a better fit with the rest of the team’s starters and there isn’t a need for him to develop offensively immediately.
5. Dallas Mavericks: Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
6 feet 2 inches, 180 pounds
Young is either the next Steph Curry or a mistake-prone underachiever who has already been figured out by the competition. Or something in-between (but that’s boring). He was an absolute sensation early in the year, and finished with averages of 27.4 points and 8.7 assists a game.
But his production tailed off as scouting reports got more focused on how to attack him, which was seemingly never compensated for in Oklahoma’s game-plan. He’s small, hasn’t shown much promise defensively, and is used to being a one-man show, so his adjustment to a life where he can’t control everything will be interesting to watch.
How he fits: The pick may have been made by Dallas, but it is widely believed that Young and a 2019 first round pick are heading to Atlanta in exchange for Luka Doncic. Young will free the team up to trade away the disgruntled Dennis Schroder. With the talent-depleted Hawks, Young’s usage rate might not actually take a dip from his Oklahoma days.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF, Michigan State
6 feet 11 inches, 236 pounds
At just 18 years old, Jackson is one of the youngest players eligible for this year’s draft, but he showed enough in his lone season at Michigan State to be named the Big Ten’s defensive player of the year. He’s extremely quick for a player of his size, and plays much taller than his listed height thanks to a wingspan that was measured at 7 feet 5.25 inches at the draft combine.
His game needs a lot of refinement — especially when it comes to avoiding foul trouble — but his combination of elite rim protection and above-average shooting is a perfect fit for the 3-and-D style that so many teams like.
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3. Atlanta Hawks: Luka Doncic, PG, Real Madrid
6 feet 7 inches, 220 pounds
Doncic was in a top European league at 16, was a regular contributor at 17, and 19 has already led Slovenia to a gold medal at EuroBasket and Real Madrid to a EuroLeague Championship, where he was named the competition’s most valuable player. So in a draft filled with college freshmen, he stands out as someone who has already proven himself against full-grown adults. He will not wow anyone with his agility, but he is a gifted ball-handler who has room to get far stronger. He holds his own on the defensive side and could easily step in as an immediate starter unlike the occasional European projects over the years that have somewhat muddled the continent’s reputation.
How he fits: The Times’ Marc Stein was the first to report that the Hawks were making this pick for the Dallas Mavericks, who have targeted Doncic to be their new face of the franchise and heir to Dirk Nowitzki as the future Hall of Famer heads into his 21st season. Doncic is arguably the most talented player in this draft and, thanks to his extensive EuroLeague and national team experience, should be ready to step right into the Mavericks’ starting lineup alongside Dennis Smith Jr. and Harrison Barnes.
2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III, C, Duke
6 feet 11 inches, 235 pounds
He would traditionally fit the mold of a power forward, but in today’s N.B.A. he could play the 4 or the 5. He is a skilled offensive player with a toolbox in the paint that should help him produce immediately, and there is reason to believe his game could extend away from the basket some if he’s given time to develop. He has yet to show consistent defensive effort, but the ability is there to lock down opponents, and if he can be even average on that end, his offensive skill makes him an enormous asset.
How he fits: The Kings tried to add a bunch of older veterans to the team last season and another sub-30-win season ensued. Adding the offensively inclined Bagley to a front line with a defensive specialist like Willie Cauley-Stein is ideal.
Between a potential breakout season by De’Aaron Fox and the sharpshooting of Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic, there may be something special brewing. But to get there the Kings will need to trust the kids to do it themselves.
1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton, C, Arizona
7 feet, 250 pounds
Ayton comes off as a bit of a throwback to the days when dominant big men ruled the draft. He is legitimately over 7 feet tall in shoes and has a massive frame that likely is underestimated by his listed weight; the assumption that he can’t keep up with the current guard-dominated version of the N.B.A. is fairly reasonable.
But in his lone season at Arizona, when he averaged 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds a game, he showed quickness, agility and just enough shooting ability to thrive in the modern offensive game. His lack of defensive polish — which could be inexperience or could be a lack of interest — probably pushes his ceiling to somewhere below that of Luka Doncic and Mo Bamba, but his floor is probably higher than either of those top prospects.
How he fits: Ayton has said that he and Devin Booker can be a modern day Shaq and Kobe, and while he may be overestimating his two-way impact by comparing himself to Shaquille O’Neal, the team will be jam-packed with talented youngers with not just Ayton and Booker but also T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson. At some point that core has to go from potential to production, and Ayton may be the missing piece.
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Keep an Eye on San Antonio
Kawhi Leonard hasn’t been draft eligible for quite a while, but he is going to hang over tonight’s proceedings like a ghost with the constant possibility that a trade for him involving draft picks could happen. The thought of the San Antonio Spurs moving one of the N.B.A.’s top-five players is shocking regardless of the drama surrounding the situation, and if he were to change teams it would overshadow everything that happens tonight.
Dallas Still Thinking About Moving Up to No. 3
The Dallas Mavericks have their eye on the Atlanta Hawks’ pick at No. 3, which many think will be Luka Doncic from Real Madrid.
N.B.A. Draft Order for the First Round
Here is the order of first-round picks, per NBA.com.
1. Phoenix
2. Sacramento
3. Atlanta
4. Memphis
5. Dallas
6. Orlando
7. Chicago
8. Cleveland (from Brooklyn via Boston)
9. New York
10. Philadelphia (from Los Angeles Lakers via Phoenix)
11.Charlotte
12. L.A. Clippers (from Detroit)
13. L.A. Clippers
14. Denver
15. Washington
16. Phoenix (from Miami)
17. Milwaukee
18. San Antonio
19. Atlanta (from Minnesota)
20. Minnesota (from Oklahoma City via Utah)
21. Utah
22. Chicago (from New Orleans)
23. Indiana
24. Portland
25. Los Angeles Lakers (from Cleveland)
26. Philadelphia
27. Boston
28. Golden State
29. Brooklyn (from Toronto)
30. Atlanta (from Houston via L.A. Clippers)
Michael Porter Jr. No Longer in the Top 10?
• Michael Porter Jr. has long been a hot prospect, but in the closing hours before the draft, reports have him falling out of the top 10 amid worries about his injury history.
THE Phoenix Suns used their first No.1 overall pick in franchise history to select towering Bahamian teenager Deandre Ayton in the 2018 NBA Draft on Friday (AEST).
The 19-year-old Ayton was expected to go first to the Suns who like the seven-foot (2.1-meter) center’s size and skill which he used to dominate in US college basketball last season with the Arizona Wildcats.
“It means the world to me, you know my family and coaches know the hard work I put into this game to really try and be successful and achieve all my goals,” Ayton said.
Crying draft kids Deja vu 0:50
See every pick below!
Ayton will now team up with Suns star Devin Booker in Phoenix.
“That’s Shaq (Ayton) and Kobe (Booker) 2.0... we can really make something happen,” Ayton told reporters.
“I could see a little Shaq and Kobe 2.0” — Deandre Ayton pic.twitter.com/aW1jncOoOa — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 21, 2018
The Suns are hoping Ayton can help turn around a team that finished with just 21 wins last season; the worst record in the NBA.
The Sacramento Kings used the second pick to take power forward Marvin Bagley, who played with Ayton for one season at a high school in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Fashions of the NBA draft 1:56
Trades were flying in throughout the day; the most notable of which saw Slovenia’s Luka Doncic selected third by the Atlanta Hawks, who then turned around and traded the European star’s rights to the Dallas Mavericks for fifth pick Trae Young and a future first round draft pick.
In other trade news; Mikal Bridges, the No. 10 pick from Villanova who thought he was staying in Philadelphia with the 76ers — who employ his mother — was dealt to Phoenix for the rights to No. 16 pick Zhaire Smith of Texas Tech and a 2021 first-round pick from the Miami Heat.
While the Charlotte Hornets sent the rights to No. 11 pick Shai Gilgeous-Alexander —whose floral-patterned suit stood out among the selections — to the Clippers for No. 12 pick Miles Bridges and two future second-round picks.
It was a big night for the big men in this NBA throwback draft at Barclays Center arena in New York.
Besides Ayton and Bagley, other big men to go early included Wendell Carter (Chicago Bulls), Jaren Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies) and Mohamed Bamba (Orlando Magic). All five are six-foot-10 or bigger.
Jackson went fourth overall, Bamba was sixth and Carter one back in seventh.
This is the first time since 2007 that a half dozen players six-foot-10 or taller were chosen in the top 10.
There were no Australians selected.
BROTHERLY LOVE
The Holiday brothers had an NBA reunion when Aaron Holiday was taken at No. 23 by Indiana. Brothers Jrue and Justin already play in the league.
While Kostas Antetokounmpo of Dayton, brother of Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo, was the 60th and final pick by Philadelphia (rights traded to Dallas Mavericks).
That marked the first time three international siblings were drafted into the NBA, as Thanasis Antetokounmpo was the No. 51 pick in 2014.
Phoenix No.1 draft pick 0:41
***
EVERY PICK
ROUND ONE
1. Phoenix Suns - Deandre Ayton — C
2. Sacramento Kings - Marvin Bagley III — PF
3. Atlanta Hawks - Luka Doncic (traded to Dallas Mavericks) — PG
4. Memphis Grizzlies - Jaren Jackson Jr. — PF
5. Dallas Mavericks - Trae Young (traded to Atlanta Hawks) — PG
6. Orlando Magic - Mo Bamba — C
7. Chicago Bulls - Wendell Carter Jr. — C
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - Collin Sexton — PG
9. New York Knicks - Kevin Knox — SF
10. Philadelphia 76ers - Mikal Bridges (traded to Phoenix Suns) — SF
11. Charlotte Hornets - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (traded to LA Clippers) — PG
12. LA Clippers - Miles Bridges (traded to Charlotte Hornets) — SF
13. LA Clippers - Jerome Robinson — SG
14. Denver Nuggets - Michael Porter Jr. — SF
15. Washington Wizards - Troy Brown Jr. — SF
16. Phoenix Suns - Zhaire Smith (traded to Philadelphia 76ers) — SF
17. Milwaukee Bucks - Donte DiVincenzo — SG
18. San Antonio Spurs - Lonnie Walker — SG
19. Atlanta Hawks - Kevin Huerter — SG
20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Josh Okogie — SG
21. Utah Jazz - Grayson Allen — SG
22. Chicago Bulls - Chandler Hutchinson — SG
23. Indiana Pacers - Aaron Holiday — G
24. Portland Trail Blazers - Anfernee Simons — SG
25. Los Angeles Lakers - Moritz Wagner — PF
26. Philadelphia 76ers - Landry Shamet — PG
27. Boston Celtics - Robert Williams — PF/C
28. Golden State Warriors - Jacob Evans — SG/SF
29. Brooklyn Nets - Dzanan Musa — SF
30. Atlanta Hawks - Omari Spellman — PF
ROUND TWO
31. Phoenix Suns - Elie Okobo - PG
32. Memphis Grizzlies - Jevon Carter - PG
33. Dallas Mavericks - Jalen Brunson - PG
34. Atlanta Hawks - Devonte Graham - PG (traded to Charlotte Hornets)
35. Orlando Magic - Melvin Frazier - SF
36. New York Knicks - Mitchell Robinson - C
37. Sacramento Kings - Gary Trent Jr. - SF (traded to Portland Trail Blazers)
38. Philadelphia 76ers - Khyri Thomas - SG (traded to Detroit Pistons)
39. Philadelphia 76ers - Isaac Bonga - SF
40. Brooklyn Nets - Rodions Kurucs - SF
41. Orlando Magic - Jarred Vanderbilt - PF (traded to Denver Nuggets)
42. Detroit Pistons - Bruce Brown - SG
43. Denver Nuggets - Justin Jackson - SF (traded to Orlando Magic)
44. Washington Wizards - Issuf Sanon - PG
45. Brooklyn Nets - Hamidou Diallo - SG
46. Houston Rockets - De’Anthony Melton - SG
47. Los Angeles Lakers - Sviat Mykhailiuk - SG
48. Minnesota Timberwolves - Keita Bates-Diop - SF
49. San Antonio Spurs - Chimezie Metu - C
50. Indiana Pacers - Alize Johnson - PF
51. New Orleans Pelicans - Tony Carr - PG
52. Vincent Edwards - SF (traded to Houston Rockets)
53. Oklahoma City Thunder - Devon Hall - PG
54. Dallas Mavericks - Shake Milton - PG (traded to Philadelphia 76ers)
55. Charlotte Hornets - Arnoldas Kulboka - SF
56. Philadelphia 76ers - Ray Spalding - PF (traded to Dallas Mavericks)
57. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kevin Hervey - SF
58. Denver Nuggets - Thomas Welsh - C
59. Phoenix Suns - George King - SF
60. Philadelphia 76ers - Kostas Antetokounmpo - SF (traded to Dallas Mavericks)
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