The NBA draft is happening right now! Keep up with all of the picks in groups of five.
Pick One: Phoenix Suns Select DeAndre Ayton, C, Arizona
The Phoenix Suns shock absolutely everyone here, drafting the consensus number one player in the draft, DeAndre Ayton. They did pass on Luka Doncic, who I believe is the best player in this class, but Ayton is very solid. The 7’1″, 250-pound big is physically imposing and mobile big who is light on his feet. He has a solid offensive game, a decent three-point shot, and has shown some defensive potential despite him being very raw on that end. I’m worried about his overall defense especially at the end of games in the modern NBA. Phoenix has been rumored to be looking to move up to draft another player in the top 10.
Pick Two: Sacramento Kings Select Marvin Bagley III, PF, Duke
The Kings draft Marvin Bagley III, the big man out of Duke. Although I believe this is a reach and will ridicule them for passing on Doncic, Bagley has a lot of potential. He has a relentless motor, has a soft touch around the rim, and is a very good athlete. Bagley is a poor defender and overall very raw on offense but he should be an early impact player with his rebounding. He joins a crowded big man room including Willie-Cauley Stein, Harry Giles, and Skal Labissiere.
Pick Three: Dallas Mavericks (via Hawks) Select Luka Doncic, G, Real Madrid
The Mavericks traded the fifth pick and a future first to the Hawks for the third and select Doncic, the absolute best player in the NBA draft. He is a seasoned veteran for a guy of his age and has experience against top competition. Doncic is a gifted passer, a shot maker, a creative player, and a competitive defender. Doncic has superstar written all over him, making this pick an absolute steal here. Paired with Dennis Smith Jr., Doncic will form one of the most formidable backcourts in the NBA in the coming years.
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Pick Four: Memphis Grizzlies Select Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Michigan State
Jackson Jr. is a big, long, athletic big with a fairly advanced offensive game. He is a very solid defender, with a great rim-protecting ability and some ability to switch onto guards. He is a solid shooter but I’m unsure if it will translate. Jackson will have a great mentor in Marc Gasol and could develop into the face of the franchise for this Memphis team.
Pick Five: Atlanta Hawks (via Mavs) Select Trae Young, PG, Oklahoma
The Atlanta Hawks traded down with Dallas in order to draft the polarizing Trae Young. He sits third on my board and I love this fit. Young is an elite shooter, passer, and ball handler. He runs the pick and roll like a veteran and has very high basketball IQ. With this pick, the Hawks are almost guaranteed to trade Dennis Schroder to make room for Young. This is a home run pick for Atlanta.
Ben Pfeifer is the Managing Editor of the Colts for Full Press Coverage, the AFC South Division Editor, and head NBA editor. Want to continue the discussion? Contact Ben Pfeifer on Twitter @Ben_Pfeifer_, @FPC_NBA and @FPC_Colts.