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David Kay’s 2018 NBA Mock Draft
Past Mocks From David Kay
2017 NBA Mock Draft
2016 NBA Mock Draft
Updated: Jan. 9, 2018.
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Detroit Pistons: Trevon Duval, PG, Duke, Fr. 
The Pistons have a solid point guard in Reggie Jackson, but in truth, he would be best as a sixth man; they need an improvement. Trevon Duval is a very nice young talent. He is a strong and efficient scorer despite currently lacking in his ability shoot the ball. He is a pesky defender and one of the best distributors in the nation. If Duval can find his shot, he could be a stud. -
Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons, G, USA, 1999. 
Anfernee Simons will be able to declare for the 2018 NBA Draft despite not having been in this year’s class. His youth and potential make him an exciting prospect, and as the Trail Blazers really need a stronger third guard. Simons, who is a combo guard, can fit with Damian Lillard or C.J. McCollum. -
New Orleans Pelicans: Mikal Bridges, G/F, Villanova, Jr. 
The junior was a key guy on the Villanova National Title team of two years ago, but for the first time is the program’s best player. He is an ace shooter and a very efficient scorer, with defensive talent. The Pelicans could really use a two-way 2/3 of Bridges’ caliber, and with his experience, he could make their rotation in his first season. -
Indiana Pacers: Lonnie Walker, G, Miami, Fr. 
The Pacers really need to find themselves a young franchise point guard, and Lonnie Walker is a nice fit and strong value at No. 19. He could be a lottery pick. -
Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon McCoy, C, UNLV, Fr. 
This is the first time I have had Brandon McCoy in my mock, but he is going to stay. A legit 7-footer – actually 7-foot-1 -, he is an excellent and efficient scorer, although he isn’t a shooter. McCoy is still one of the strongest rebounders in the country. Add monster shot-blocking numbers and you have the big man the Bucks need. They are desperate for a starting center, and McCoy is a nice fit for them. -
Denver Nuggets: Bruce Brown, G, Miami, So. 
The Nuggets don’t have many needs, so I went with the sophomore guard, who is one of the best talents in the country and could give their stacked second unit more offense. Denver could soon lose stud sixth man Will Barton, but Brown could take that role. -
Washington Wizards: Khyri Thomas, SG, Creighton, Sr. 
The Wizards have a mediocre bench, and Khyri Thomas could really help them. His efficiency for a college scorer is incredible, plus he is an ace shooter who could be another strong piece off the bench, joining Kelly Oubre Jr. -
Atlanta Hawks (From Timberwolves): Aaron Holiday, G, UCLA, So. 
The third Holiday brother, Aaron Holiday, is like his brothers Jrue – Pelicans – and Justin – Bulls -, as he is an excellent shooter and scorer, but also more like his brother Jrue, Aaron is a play-maker. Aaron Holiday lacks size, but he could become an ace sixth man like Lou Williams, who played for Atlanta. -
Minnesota Timberwolves (From Thunder): Bonzie Colson, F, Notre Dame, Sr. 
Bonzie Colson is one of the best players in the country. He is averaging about 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, as well as two blocks and two steals, and is a big man who can shoot. The problem? He’s only 6-foot-6. Colson would be a very small power forward in the NBA, which hurts him when it comes the draft somewhat, but I think that some team in the first round will take the risk because he is experienced and has been one of the best players in college for years. The Timberwolves have a thin bench offensively, and having a guy like Colson would give them options offensively, plus he would with perfectly with Karl-Anthony Towns or Gorgui Dieng. -
Toronto Raptors: Gary Trent Jr, SG, Duke, Fr. 
I have had Gary Trent Jr. in the teens in my first few mocks, and although he is an excellent shooter and scorer, he has poor efficiency this season. He does have the size and athleticism to be a strong three-and-d player in this league, and the Raptors could use another potential 20-point scorer. Since they have no needs, this is a best-player-available pick. -
San Antonio Spurs: Isaac Bonga, G, Germany, 1999. 
Bonga is my second-favorite foreign prospect in my 2018 NBA Mock Draft after Luka Doncic. The Congolese-German teenager has been a professional for four years now, and although he has the size of a small forward, he looks like he can play the point in the NBA given some refinement. His jump shot needs some mechanical work, and he doesn’t seem to love the long ball, but his play-making skills and athleticism are incredible. This would be another project for the Spurs, but he could be a stud in the NBA. -
Boston Celtics: Dzanan Musa, SF, Croatia, 1999. 
The Celtics have few needs, and although forward isn’t one of them, this is about value. The Celtics have some of the best international scouts in the NBA, and Musa is a stud foreign prospect who wouldn’t have to get big minutes from the Celtics as a rookie. -
Cleveland Cavaliers: Chimezie Metu, PF, USC, So. 
The Cavaliers have poor big man depth, and if they keep this pick, I like what Chimezie Metu would give them. He is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker who is a strong scorer and has developed a jump shot in his three seasons at USC. -
Atlanta Hawks (From Rockets): Nick Richards, C, Kentucky, Fr.
The Hawks need a franchise center, and Nick Richards could be one. He is starting for Kentucky and is a big-time shot-blocker and rebounder with true center size. Richards isn’t much of an offensive talent today, but he would be a nice investment for this franchise, which has three first-round picks. -
Golden State Warriors: Troy Brown, G/F, Oregon, Fr. 
Troy Brown is a versatile offensive talent as he can score and is a play-maker with forward size. The Warriors will likely lose Klay Thompson after next season, and Brown would give them a potential option to replace some of what Klay provides them with.
Back to Mike’s 2018 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 – Picks 1-15
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By Mike Elworth.
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