X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Spin: 2018 NBA Mock Draft (Part 2)

In the first part of this mock draft, I looked in depth at the (possible) top five picks in this year's NBA Draft. In this one, we'll look at the rest of this year's lottery, picks six through 14. These players don't have the same star power and high expectations that the top five picks had, but they're still being counted on to be major pieces that help out rebuilding and non-playoff teams.

There's fantasy value to be found in this range, but there's also some fools gold waiting for you as well.

And don't forget to stick around for part three, coming soon with a look at the rest of the first round.

Upgrade To VIP: Win more with our NBA and DFS Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! Jamie Calandro and Dan Palyo lead the RotoBaller team in 2024-25 with exclusive DFS picks, Prop picks and more. Gain VIP access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, DFS Cheat Sheets and VIP Chat Rooms. Go Premium, Win More!

 

2018 NBA Mock Draft: Round 1 - Picks 6 through 14

6. Orlando Magic: Trae Young (G, Oklahoma)

I don't need many words here. According to Cleaning The Glass, Young hit 40 percent of his pull-up threes from inside 30 feet. If he recognizes that he is not Stephen Curry and doesn't fire up wild shots from really far behind the line, then he'll be an elite three point shooter in the NBA. The Magic need guards and Young would instantly be their best outside weapon and their best distributor. He's going to have a huge fantasy impact during his rookie year.

7. Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter Jr. (F, Missouri)

The Bulls have just two or three pieces that have a future on the team -- Lauri Markkanen, Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine -- and they aren't in a draft position to get a future star without taking a big risk. That risk? Picking Porter Jr., who missed most of last season at Missouri with a back injury. He was being talked about as a top three pick before the injury, but there are lots of questions about what he'll be in the NBA now.

A fully healthy Porter? His fit with Markkanen isn't perfect, but he's able to create his shot, can hit pull-up jumpers, and has three point range. While there are definite defensive concerns, Porter landing in Chicago, where competition for the small forward job includes...uhh, Denzel Valentine?...would be great from a fantasy perspective. (That is, if Porter is fully healed and can be the player he looked like pre-injury. There's a ton of risk there, but I think it's probably worth it.)

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Wendell Carter (C, Duke)

I think Cleveland could go any number of ways here because so much depends on LeBron James. If James leaves and the Cavaliers explore a Kevin Love trade (the scenario I foresee when I mocked them Carter), Carter becomes the front court player of both the future and the present in Cleveland. If LeBron gives them serious indications that he's coming back, then Cleveland might try to go with a wing player -- one of the Bridges?

So, let's get really theoretical here. Carter to Cleveland in a post-LeBron world. If the Cavaliers go into full rebuild mode, is Carter someone they can build around? He should be able to defend in the post and have an offensive game that extends out to the mid-range and, potentially, beyond. But I'm going to hold off on making any proclamations about his fantasy value, because so much depends on what Cleveland does with all the veterans on this team. Long term, I like Carter's value, but from a strictly re-draft perspective -- I don't know. Will the team try to move both Love and Tristan Thompson? Is Larry Nance Jr. in their future plans? Does any other team have as much uncertainty heading into draft season and free agency?

9. New York Knicks: Mikal Bridges (F, Villanova)

The consensus opinion on Mikal Bridges seems to be "he's a can't miss prospect!...but he also has a lower ceiling than a lot of the other guys in this draft," which...yeah. The Knicks have one star player already in Kristaps Porzingis, they have a young point guard who could be very good in Frank Ntilikina, and while they could use another player with star potential, it might be a smart move to go with the guy who can be a key role player for years to come.

Bridges can be a great three-and-D guy in the NBA. In New York, he'd likely get a chance to start alongside Tim Hardaway Jr. out on the wing. Bridges projects to be a safe fantasy pick for players looking to add depth.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Miles Bridges (F, Michigan State)

The other Bridges, Michigan State's Miles Bridges -- no relation -- isn't exactly who the 76ers would be hoping to see at 10 (I think Mikal Bridges fits better), but he's got a ton of potential. He can finish. He can defend. He's probably better suited to play the four at the NBA because his shot and playmaking skills aren't necessarily what you want out on the wing.

Bridges's fantasy value is hard to figure out in Philly. As the roster is currently constructed, he'd likely back up Dario Saric, but the 76ers have some interesting free agency decisions to make which could affect his value. If the team brings in a star on the wing, we'd see more of Robert Covington at the four, a position he played at extensively a couple of seasons ago. In that case, Bridges rookie year value isn't up there with some of the other players in the draft.

11. Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G, Kentucky)

There would be concerns about SGA's fit on a team that already has Kemba Walker, but with rumors swirling since last season that Walker's days in Charlotte are numbered and Gilgeous-Alexander's upside, he would be a good pick who can play some at the two right now and transition into the point guard role in the future. He's a good pick-and-roll ball handler and a gifted passer, but there will be concerns about his shooting. In the macro sense, he's one of my favorite players in this range in the draft, but if we're talking just from a fantasy re-draft position...ehh.

12. Los Angeles Clippers: Collin Sexton (G, Alabama)

There's a large contingent of NBA Twitter that is firmly in the "Sexton isn't that good" camp. We don't really know if he can play off the ball and his shooting numbers weren't at the same level as a lot of other guards in this draft class. He can get to the rim and he's athletic enough to become a capable defender in the league, but I don't love him as a fantasy option this season. He makes sense for the Clippers, who have questions at the point guard position long term with Patrick Beverley and Milos Teodosic, who are a little old for the rebuilding project that the Clippers are about to morph into.

13. Los Angeles Clippers: Kevin Knox (F, Kentucky)

Good shooting form. Ability to play the four, which is important for a team that moved on from Blake Griffin and likely wants to bring in someone with more upside than Tobias Harris and Danilo Gallinari. Knox will need some work -- either improvement on his shot if the team wants to use him on the wing or improvement on the defensive side if he slides down to the four. Either way, lots of upside but very, very far from a safe fantasy option.

14. Denver Nuggets: Zhaire Smith (G, Texas Tech)

The Nuggets are a hard team to figure out. Are they a rising squad led by Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, and Jamal Murrray? Are they going to cap out around a six seed with this current core? Is there a path toward them contending for a title after the Warriors are done doing their thing?

Right now, what seems like the best course of action for Denver is to maximize what they have going. What will help them do that? Adding in a good defensive wing to a team in need of defense! Smith can do that. He'll guard opposing team's best guys on the perimeter and should be able to knock down open shots. He can be a fantasy sleeper, especially if you want someone who can get you defensive stats, but he seems like a player who'll have more real life value than fantasy value.

There's also the fact that Smith is a phenomenal athlete. If his shot continues to develop, he's going to have a ton of dynasty value.

That's it for the lottery picks! Stay tuned for the rest of this year's first round mock draft.

More Fantasy Basketball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF