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NBA draft 2018 coverage: A pick-by-pick recap

Deandre Ayton is greeted by Commissioner Adam Silver after he was picked first overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA draft.
(Kevin Hagen / Associated Press)
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The 2018 NBA draft, which starts at approximately 4:30 p.m. PDT, is considered by many scouts and executives to be among the deepest in several years.

Arizona center Deandre Ayton is expected to be the first pick by the Phoenix Suns. The 7-foot, 260-pounder is considered a can’t-miss prospect because of his athleticism and all-around game.

The early intrigue will be focused on Slovenian teenage sensation Luka Doncic, a 6-6 playmaker who helped Real Madrid win the Euroleague title this season and likely will be a top-five pick. He said in May that he wasn’t sure about leaving Real Madrid for the NBA. Moments ago during an interview with ESPN he said that he would be willing to play next season for whatever team selects him.

Stay tuned here for pick-by-pick updates from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.


FIRST ROUND

1. PHOENIX: Deandre Ayton, Arizona, C, 7-0, 260

The native of the Bahamas has great footwork in the post and is agile enough to step outside to score with a soft shooting touch. He’s a prototypical paint defender and rebounder. He averaged 20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game last season as a freshman while shooting 61% from the field and 73.3% from the free-throw line.

Turner’s takeaway: The Suns get their center of the future to go along with guard Devin Booker.



Duke's Marvin Bagley III (35) dunks against Wake Forest an ACC game last season.
Duke‘s Marvin Bagley III (35) dunks against Wake Forest an ACC game last season.
(Gerry Broome / Associated Press)

2. SACRAMENTO: Marvin Bagley III, Duke, PF, 6-11, 235

A multifaceted player with tremendous footwork and skill for a freshman, he became the third player in ACC history to lead the conference in scoring (21.0), rebounding (11.1) and shooting (61.4%) in his only college season. Horace Grant and Tim Duncan were the other two.

Turner’s takeaway: By taking Bagley second, the Kings got themselves a big man who can play right away.


Real Madrid's Luka Doncic in action during a Euroleague game.
(Koca Sulejmanovic / EPA)

3. ATLANTA: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid, G-F, 6-6, 220

The MVP of the Euroleague is a skilled offensive player with great court vision. He’s a playmaker who can score from the perimeter and off the dribble. Although he’s a good rebounder, he lacks explosiveness and might struggle with the NBA pace. He averaged 16 points, 4.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds in Euroleague play last season while shooting 57.2% from the field, although only 32.9% from long range, and 81.6% at the line.

Turner’s takeaway: Doncic now has to prove that the legend in Europe can become a star in the NBA.

Trade alert: The Hawks have traded the draft rights to Doncic to the Dallas Mavericks for the draft rights of PG Trae Young and a future first-round pick.


4. MEMPHIS: Jaren Jackson Jr., Michigan State, PF, 6-11, 240

An athletic big man with a 7-6 wingspan who has good hands and a nice shooting touch. He made 40% of his three-pointers while averaging 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks this season as a freshman. He shot 51.3% overall from the field and 79.7% from the free-throw line.

Turner’s takeaway: Jackson can step in and be an impact player right away for the Grizzlies.


5. DALLAS: Trae Young, Oklahoma, PG, 6-2, 180

A skilled scorer who can shoot from anywhere on the court, and often does, he is also a solid playmaker with the ability to draw fouls. He averaged 27.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 8.7 assists last season as a freshman. Although he only shot 42.4% from the field, he converted 36% of his three-pointers and 86.1% of his free throws.

Turner’s takeaway: Young wants to prove he can play defense as well as he can shoot and pass the ball.

Trade alert: The Mavericks have traded the draft rights Young and a future first-round pick to the Hawks for the draft rights to Doncic.


6. ORLANDO: Mohamed Bamba, Texas, C, 7-0, 220

His 7-10 wingspan is the longest in NBA combine history, helping him rank second in NCAA Division I play with 3.7 blocks a game last season as a freshman and makes him an ideal rim protector. He’s a solid finisher near the basket but needs work on his shooting touch. He averaged 12.9 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 54.1%.

Turner’s takeaway: A shot-blocking machine, Bamba has the potential to be a star for the Magic.


Wendell Carter Jr. drives the baseline during a game against Florida last season.
(Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

7. CHICAGO: Wendell Carter Jr., Duke, PF/C, 6-10, 260

A mobile big man with explosive leaping ability, he can score in the post and step away from the basket to stretch the court. He averaged 13.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists as a freshman last season, when he shot 56.1% from the field, including 41.3% from behind the three-point arc, and 73.8% from the free-throw line.

Turner’s takeaway: He’s an explosive big man who can bang down low and dominate on defense.


8. CLEVELAND: Collin Sexton, Alabama, PG, 6-2, 185

An excellent scorer from any spot on the court, especially off the dribble and through contact while drawing fouls, he shouldered the offensive load for the Crimson Tide as a freshman last season. He averaged 19.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 44.7% from the field, 33.6% from long range and 77.8% at the line.

Turner’s takeaway: The Cavaliers get a point guard in Collin Sexton who has that swag.


9. NEW YORK: Kevin Knox, Kentucky, SF/PF, 6-9, 215

A big-time athlete who could become a solid two-way player at the next level. He can score a number of ways, particularly attacking the basket. He averaged 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 44.5% from the field and 34.1% from long range.

Turner’s takeaway: The Knicks like that Knox can shoot the ball from distance and play both forward positions.


10. PHILADELPHIA: Mikal Bridges, Villanova, SF/PF, 6-7, 210

A hard-nosed competitor with a 7-foot wingspan, strong defense and a good shooting touch, he averaged 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals last season as a junior while shooting 51.4% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range for the national champs.

Turner’s takeaway: The 76ers take the local product in Bridges, who is tough and excellent on defense.

Trade alert: The 76ers have agree to trade the draft rights of Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for the draft rights of guard Zhaire Smith and a 2021 first-round pick.


11. CHARLOTTE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky, PG, 6-6, 180

He has displayed the skills to score on the move or off the dribble as well as create for teammates, but his shooting mechanics will need to be refined. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals as a freshman last season while shooting 48.5% from the field, 40.4% from behind the three-point arc and 81.7% from the free-throw line.

Turner’s takeaway: This lanky guard believes he has the ability to be a force in the NBA.

Trade alert: The Hornets have agree to trade the draft rights of GIlgeous-Alexander to the Clippers for the 12th pick in the 2018 draft and two future second-round picks.


Michigan State's Miles Bridges is an athletic left-handed combo forward.
(Al Goldis / Associated Press)

12. CLIPPERS: Miles Bridges, Michigan State, SG/SF, 6-7, 230

He combined athleticism with explosive leaping ability to average 17 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 53.7% from the field, including 37.5% on three-pointers, during his two seasons with the Spartans.

Turner’s takeaway: He plays hard and is versatile up front.

Trade alert: The Clippers have agreed to trade the draft rights of Miles Bridges and two future second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets for the draft rights of PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.


13. CLIPPERS: Jerome Robinson, Boston College, SG, 6-6, 190

Has the ability to score from distance and on the move while creating off the dribble. He averaged 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season as a junior while shooting 48.5% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range and 83% at the free-throw line.

Turner’s takeaway: Obviously the Clippers are looking for a backcourt of the future with this selection.


14. DENVER: Michael Porter Jr., Missouri, PF, 6-10, 215

A versatile, athletic forward who is an accomplished scorer and capable of playing multiple positions. He played only three games last season as a freshman because of a back injury that required disk surgery and averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and one steal a game in 17.7 minutes.

Turner’s takeaway: There is a concern about his back problems, but if healthy, he can be a star.


15. WASHINGTON: Troy Brown, Oregon, SG, 6-7, 215

He can score in a variety of ways, especially on the move, and is a capable playmaker. Although he lacks elite athleticism, a 6-11 wingspan could allow him to guard multiple positions. He averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals last season as a freshman.

Turner’s takeaway: A natural scorer who could become a solid two-way player because of his length.


16. PHOENIX: Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech, SG, 6-5, 195

The athletic and explosive two-way player can score on the move and off the dribble while showing the ability to draw fouls. He averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season as a freshman last season while shooting 55.6% from the field and 45% from three-point range.

Turner’s takeaway: His 42-inch vertical leap shows what kind of athlete he is.

Trade alert: The Suns have agreed to trade the draft rights of Smith and a 2021 first-round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for the draft rights of forward Miles Bridges.



Villanova guard Donte DiVincenzo grabs a rebound during a game against Mount St. Mary's last season.
(Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)

17. MILWAUKEE: Donte DiVincenzo, Villanova, PG/SG, 6-5, 205

A good shooter from any spot on the court who can also set up teammates, he’s a solid athlete who will need to improve defensively. He averaged 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists as a redshirt sophomore, shooting 48.1% from the field and 40.1% from long range.

Turner’s takeaway: The ability to play both guard spots improved his draft stock.


18. SAN ANTONIO: Lonnie Walker IV, Miami, SG, 6-5, 205

He’s athletic and has the ability to play well on both ends of the court. He has shown an ability to score off the dribble and on the move. He averaged 11.5 points and 1.9 assists last season as a freshman, but those numbers increased to 13.6 and 2.3 in ACC play.

Turner’s takeaway: He’s shown steady improvement and developed into a clutch shooter.


19. ATLANTA: Kevin Huerter, Maryland, SG, 6-7, 190

A sharp-shooter with a high basketball IQ who scores on the move and dishes well, although he lacks explosiveness off the dribble. He averaged 14.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 50.3% from the field and 41.7% on three-pointers last season as a sophomore.

Turner’s takeaway: He’s a knock-down shooter who improved his stock during workouts.


20. MINNESOTA: Josh Okogie, Georgia Tech, SG, 6-4, 215

A solid two-way player with a 7-foot wingspan who can score off the dribble and on the move. He averaged 18.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game as a sophomore last season while making 38.3% of his long-range shots and 82.1% of his free throws.

Turner’s takeaway: He might lack top-tier athleticism, but he impressed at the combine.


21. UTAH: Grayson Allen, Duke, SG, 6-5, 210

A skilled scorer who played four seasons for the Blue Devils, he’s athletic and tough but had trouble controlling his emotions in college. A career 38% long-range shooter who averaged 15.5 points and 4.6 assists last season while shooting 41.8% from the field and 85% at the free-throw line.

Turner’s takeaway: He should be able to come off screens and knock down shots.


22. CHICAGO: Chandler Hutchison, Boise State, SG/SF, 6-7, 195

A talented two-way player who scores best while on the move and can set up teammates off the dribble. He averaged 20 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season as a senior while shooting 47.5% from the field and 35.9% behind the three-point arc.

Turner’s takeaway: His scoring ability, seven-foot wingspan and age (22) will be a plus.


UCLA's Aaron Holiday drives to the basket against California's Darius McNeill during a game last season.
(George Nikitin / Associated Press)

23. INDIANA: Aaron Holiday, UCLA, PG, 6-1, 185

Although he lacks the size of his NBA-playing brothers, 6-4 Jrue of the Pelicans and 6-6 Justin of the Bulls, he has an all-court game and can score in a number of ways. He averaged 20.3 points and 5.8 assists while shooting 42.9% from long range last season as a junior.

Turner’s takeaway: He thrives in transition and developed into a clutch three-point shooter.


24. PORTLAND: Anfernee Simons, IMG Academy, PG/SG, 6-3, 185

A combo guard who has shown a knack for scoring on the move and in traffic. Not known for his defense, he’s a speedy and athletic 19-year-old. He averaged 18.9 points while shooting 45% from the field and 42% from the high school three-point arc.

Turner’s takeaway: He’s a project with plenty of offensive skills and tremendous upside.


25. LAKERS: Moritz Wagner, Michigan, PF, 6-11, 235

He has a solid if unspectacular offensive game from long range and off the dribble. He averaged 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds last season while shooting 52.8% from the field and 39.4% from the three-point arc.

Turner’s takeaway: Not the most athletic big man, but he can score inside and out.


26. PHILADELPHIA: Landry Shamet, Wichita State, PG, 6-4, 190

A skilled floor leader with a high basketball IQ, he’s a playmaker off the dribble and has a reliable shot on the move. He averaged 14.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists last season as a redshirt sophomore. He converted 48.9% of his shots from the field, including 44.2% from behind the three-point arc, and 82.5% of his free throws.

Turner’s takeaway: He has size, length, a scorer’s mentality and plenty of potential.


27. BOSTON: Robert Williams, Texas A&M, PF/C, 6-9, 240

An athletic big man who can protect the rim, he will need to improve his offensive game to make an impact at the next level. He averaged 10.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game in two seasons with the Aggies.

Turner’s takeaway: Though he’s a bit undersized for a big man, he’s very athletic and a strong shot-blocker.


28. GOLDEN STATE: Jacob Evans III, Cincinnati, SF, 6-6, 210

A versatile wing with a good all-around game, he’s also a strong defender. He averaged 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals a game last season as a junior while shooting 42.7% from the field and 37% from long range.

Turner’s takeaway: He might not excel in any one area but he could become a defensive specialist.


Dzanan Musa (13) vies for a loose ball during Euroleague play last season.
(AFP / Getty Images)

29. BROOKLYN: Dzanan Musa, Cedevita, SG/SF, 6-9, 195

A solid all-around player, including on defense, who can score off the dribble and from the perimeter as well as find open teammates. In 16 Euroleague games last season, one as a starter, he averaged 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and one assist.

Turner’s takeaway: He’s likely to be stashed in Europe for one more season but the Nets might need him.


30. ATLANTA: Omari Spellman, Villanova, C, 6-9, 260

He’s athletic and powerful as well as a mature one-and-done (he turns 21 in July) because he was a fifth-year senior in high school and redshirted in college. He helped the Wildcats win an NCAA title by averaging 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks while shooting 47.6% from the field and 43.3% from long range.

Turner’s takeaway: This big guy might have enough skill to get playing time right away.


SECOND ROUND

31. PHOENIX: Elie Okobo, Pau-Orthez, PG, 6-2, 180

He burst into the draft conversation after becoming a member of France’s national team and then leading his French club in scoring (13.8) and assists (6.2). He’s quick, has a 6-8 wingspan and is a natural scorer with good court vision and insticts.

32. MEMPHIS: Jevon Carter, West Virginia, PG, 6-2, 200

A starter since his sophomore season, he’s an aggressive defender and good ball distributor. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists last season as a senior. He only made 42.2% of his shots, but made 39.3% from behind the three-point arc and converted 85.8% of his free throws.

33. DALLAS: Jalen Brunson, Villanova, PG, 6-2, 195

A steady, clutch performer and heady floor leader for the NCAA champions with the ability to score in a variety of ways and control tempo. He averaged 18.9 points and 4.6 assists as a junior last season while shooting 52.1% from the field, 40.8% from long range and 80.2% at the line.

34. ATLANTA: Devonte’ Graham, Kansas, PG, 6-2, 185

(draft rights traded to the Charlotte Hornets for two future second-round draft picks)

A solid scorer and playmaker who was a career 40.9% three-point shooter in college and showed he could knock down open jumpers or drive to the basket. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists last season as a senior.

35. ORLANDO: Melvin Frazier, Tulane, SF, 6-6, 200

An athletic wing who is a solid scorer and playmaker that can also defend. Had a breakout junior season when he averaged 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He converted 55.6% of his shots from the field, 38.5% from long range and 71.2% from the free-throw line.

36. NEW YORK: Mitchell Robinson, USA, C, 7-0, 235

Has the ability to score from distance and on the move while creating off the dribble. He averaged 20.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season as a junior while shooting 48.5% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range and 83% at the free-throw line.

37. SACRAMENTO: Gary Trent Jr., Duke, SG, 6-6, 210

(draft rights traded to the Denver Nuggets for two future second-round picks and financial considerations)

While he might lack elite athleticism, he’s a proven scorer from all over the court, especially deep, and is a solid defender. He averaged 14.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals as a freshman last season. He shot 41.5% from the field, 40.2% from long range and 87.6% at the free-throw line.

38. PHILADELPHIA: Khyri Thomas, Creighton, SG, 6-3, 195

(draft rights traded to the Detroit Pistons for two future second-round picks)

A physical guard who can play off the ball and score on the move, he has a solid all-around game, including on defense. He averaged 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists as a junior last season. His shooting percentages were above average: 51.1% from the field, 41.1% behind the three-point arc and 78.8% at the free-throw line.

39. PHILADELPHIA: Isaac Bonga, Fraport Skyliners, SF, 6-9, 200

An 18-year-old German of Congolese descent who is a good ballhandler and playmaker. He scores primarily off the dribble, although his jump shot is suspect. He averaged 6.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one steal in 33 Bundesliga games.

40. BROOKLYN: Rodions Kurucs, FC Barcelona, PF, 6-9, 210

A wing player from Latvia with plenty of all-around skills, including on defense, he’s struggled to find playing time with the Spanish club because of injuries. For FC Barcelona II, the 20-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 24 games.

41. ORLANDO: Jarred Vanderbilt, Kentucky, SF, 6-9, 215

(draft rights traded to the Denver Nuggets for the draft rights of Justin Jackson and a future second-round pick)

An athletic two-way player who might be able to play both forward spots. Had some injury problems but if he can improve his offensive play he could carve a niche for himself. In 14 games last season as a freshman, he averaged 5.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and one blocked shot.

42. DETROIT: Bruce Brown, Miami, SG, 6-5, 195

A powerful two-way player who is very active and is efficient at scoring off the dribble. He averaged 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists last season as a sophomore, although he only played 19 games after injuring his left foot. Not a great shooter: 41.5% from the field (26.7% long range) and 62.1% at the line.

43. DENVER: Justin Jackson, Maryland, PF, 6-7, 225

(draft rights traded to the Orlando Magic for the draft rights of Jarred Vanderbilt)

He only played in 11 games last season because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder but has shown he’s a capable shooter, rebounder and defender. In 44 college games over two seasons, he averaged 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 41.8% from the field and 38.6% from long range.

44. WASHINGTON: Issuf Sanon, Olimpija (Serbia), PG, 6-4, 185

Like a lot of young players who thrive by scoring on the move and off the dribble, this Slovenian needs to improve his shooting. In 22 games in his domestic league, Sanon averaged 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals.

45. BROOKLYN: Hamidou Diallo, Kentucky, SG, 6-6, 195

This athletic wing is an explosive leaper, has a 7-foot wing span and displays a solid two-way game. He averaged 10 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists, although he only shot 42.8% from the field, 33.8% from long range and 61.6% at the free-throw line.

46. HOUSTON: De’Anthony Melton, USC, PG, 6-3, 190

An athletic guard with a solid all-around game who did not play last season after his name came up in the college basketball scandal. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists while shooting 43.7% from the field as a freshman, although he only converted 28.4% of his long-range shots.

47. LAKERS: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Kansas, SF, 6-8, 200

An athletic swingman from the Ukraine who can shoot from any spot on the court and has a solid all-court game. He averaged 14.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season as a senior while shooting 43.4% from the field, 44.4% from long range and 80.4% from the line.

48. MINNESOTA: Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State, SF, 6-7, 235

A lanky, athletic wing who benefitted from playing four years of college, he averaged 19.8 points and 8.8 rebounds last season as a senior while shooting 51.7% from the field and 39.8% from the three-point arc.

49. SAN ANTONIO: Chimezie Metu, USC, PF, 6-10, 225

A big-time athlete who finishes well in the lane and has nice touch with his right hand, but needs to develop his left-hand shot in the lane. He averaged 15.7 points and 7.4 rebound last season as a junior while shooting 52.3% from the field and 30% from three-point range.


50. INDIANA: Alize Johnson, Missouri State, PF, 6-8, 215

51. NEW ORLEANS: Tony Carr, Penn State, PG, 6-4, 199

52. UTAH: Vincent Edwards, Purdue, SF, 6-8, 225

53. OKLAHOMA CITY: Devon Hall, Virginia, SG, 6-6, 206

54. DALLAS: Shake Milton, Southern Methodist, PG, 6-6, 205

55. CHARLOTTE: Arnoldas Kulboka, Orlandina Basket (Italy), SF, 6-10, 210

56. PHILADELPHIA: Ray Spalding, Louisville, PF, 6-10, 215

57. OKLAHOMA CITY: Kevin Hervey, UT-Arlington, SF, 6-8, 230

58. DENVER: Thomas Welsh, UCLA, C, 7-0, 255

59. PHOENIX: George King, Colorado, SG, 6-6, 220

60. PHILADELPHIA: Kostas Antetokounmpo, Dayton, PF, 6-10, 195

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