NBA Draft 2018: Mock First Round Projections 1.0

4. Atlanta: Mo Bamba, C

Many mock drafts have Bamba outside of the top-five, but don’t be surprised if the lanky 6-foot-11 center entices the Hawks into a premature selection. This is because Bamba is the best defensive player in the draft, and the Hawks are in desperate need of some defense.

Atlanta ranked third last in the league in overall defense, surrendering more than 108 points per game. They also rank among the worst in allowing second chance points, as they gave up 13 per game. Bamba is an elite rebounder with a 7-foot-9 wingspan and can also block shots. There is no doubt Bamba needs some work on the offensive end, but his skills on defense make him irresistible.

3. Dallas: Marvin Bagley III, PF/C

With #1 overall pick talent, Bagley was in the conversation before he was injured and struggled to find consistency at times with Duke. Even so, the 6-11, 236-pound interior force has elite skills that will undoubtedly translate to the professional level.

There is little risk in selecting Bagley, which separates him slightly from other similar big men which are stated earlier in this mock draft. Bagley is the type of player with such mature basketball skills even prior to the peak of his physical ability that he could become the most productive of this class.