2018 NBA Draft open thread

Collin Sexton PG Alabama A point guard that is really not a point guard. He is a fierce competitor and attacks aggressively on the offensive end. But he lacks a perimeter shot and is likely to be a below average playmaker at the position. Could flourish is he lands with an organization with a strong player development program.

Collin Sexton PG Alabama A point guard that is really not a point guard. He is a fierce competitor and attacks aggressively on the offensive end. But he lacks a perimeter shot and is likely to be a below average playmaker at the position. Could flourish is he lands with an organization with a strong player development program.Good evening! The 2018 NBA Draft is (finally) here and the Atlanta Hawks are one of the most intriguing teams to follow throughout the evening. In case you’ve been hiding under a rock to this point, the Hawks own four selections (No. 3, No. 19, No. 30 and No. 34) in this year’s draft and GM Travis Schlenk will have his work cut out for him throughout the night.

Here are a few particulars in order to allow you to follow the action in whatever way you choose to do so:

• Date: Thursday, June 21
• Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
• Start time: 7:00 pm ET (coverage), 7:30 pm ET (draft)
• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: WatchESPN

From a Peachtree Hoops perspective, Editor-in-chief Brad Rowland will be on site at Hawks headquarters this evening, bringing you all the latest from the front office and, potentially, Atlanta’s new draftees later in the night.

Outside of the facility, our own Josh Lane keys a live stream that should provide entertainment all night long.

Beyond that, we encourage you to use this space as an “open thread” to discuss the proceedings and we should all be cordial to one another in the comments below.

Throughout the night, we will also update this space as each pick is made and here is a look at the full draft order, with our comments and analysis coming as the selections roll in.

1. Phoenix Suns - Deandre Ayton C Arizona - The consensus best prospect in this draft. The Suns hope he and Devin Booker can be a killer combination on the offensive end of the court.
2. Sacramento Kings - Marvin Bagley III PF/C Duke - Elite combination of size and athleticism and has an emerging set of ball skills. A nightmare on the offensive boards but serious questions about his play on the defensive end of the court.
3. Dallas Mavericks (from Atlanta) - Luka Doncic SF Slovenia- Possibly the best European prospect to be drafted. Has generational playmaking skills and is a fierce competitor. (Traded info per Marc Stein, confirmed by league)
4. Memphis Grizzlies - Jaren Jackson Jr. PF/C Michigan State- Might have the perfect skillset to play at the center position in the modern NBA. Can do it all on both ends of the court. Got pushed around a bit in his only collegiate season but is still just 18 years old.
5. Atlanta Hawks (from Dallas) - Trae Young PG Oklahoma - Best range of any perimeter shooter in the draft. Can create his own shot as well as create for others. The only question is regarding how much his lack of size might limit his play on both ends of the court.
6. Orlando Magic - Mohamed Bamba C Texas - Elite wingspan and mobility for the position with the potential to develop into a solid shooter. Needs improvement in the more nuanced areas of play at the center position.
7. Chicago Bulls - Wendell Carter Jr. PF/C Duke - Offensively skilled big man that could be great in the pick and roll. Will need to be paired with an elite PNR ball handler to be the highest impact version of himself. Doesn’t move as well on the defensive end, will fit best in a scheme that doesn’t expect bigs to operate on the perimeter.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - Collin Sexton PG Alabama - A point guard that is really not a point guard. He is a fierce competitor and attacks aggressively on the offensive end. But he lacks a perimeter shot and is likely to be a below average playmaker at the position. Could flourish is he lands with an organization with a strong player development program
9. New York Knicks - Kevin Knox F Kentucky- A very fluid athlete with an impressive frame. Not an explosive player but possesses a robust offensive skillset. Prefers finesse play over physical. Will be interesting to see how he handles opponents that get physical with him as he ages and matures.
10. Phoenix Suns (from Philadelphia) - Mikal Bridges F Villanova - Possibly the most NBA ready prospect in the draft class even if he might not ever be more than a role player. On a competitive team might be the ultimate glue guy. Not the most explosive athlete but has the frame and IQ to be an elite defensive player. (rumored trade to Suns per Shams Charania, confirmed by league)
11. Los Angeles Clippers (from Charlotte) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander G Kentucky -Technically played the point guard in his only collegiate season but profiles more as a combo guard. Not the most willing shooter but is a good slasher and has the ability to finish at the rim. Defensive versatility is his greatest strength. (rumored trade to Clippers per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, trade confirmed by league)
12. Charlotte Hornets (from LA Clippers) - Miles Bridges F Michigan St - Elite athlete but real questions as to how much ball skill he possesses in an NBA context. Shot it well at times at the collegiate level but possesses a very weak handle. Questions as to what he will be able to do when defenders close out on him on the perimeter.
13. Los Angeles Clippers - Jerome Robinson G Boston College - Possesses solid scoring prowess and is willing to play on or off the ball. Could be an ideal 3rd guard on a competitive team. Hasn’t demonstrated the ability to defend with any competency to this point. His play on that end will determine what his role will ultimately be on an NBA team.
14. Denver Nuggets - Michael Porter Jr. F Missouri - The mystery man of the 2018 NBA draft class. Was in consideration to be the top prospect in the class a year ago. Possesses elite scoring prowess. The question, in addition to the injury concerns, is can he do anything else?
15. Washington Wizards - Troy Brown G/F Oregon - The ideal physical profile to play on the wing in the modern NBA. Not elite quickness but makes up for it with his proactive play and excellent decision making. Has the skillset to be an excellent secondary creator if not a primary creator when playing with second unit. Has an excellent reputation as a teammate and hard worker.
16. Philadelphia 76ers (from Phoenix) Zhaire Smith G/F Texas Tech - Generational athlete but lacks ideal size to play on the wing at the NBA level. Played center throughout his entire high school career. Should still be an impact player on the defensive end despite his lack if size and length. Ball skills improved across his only collegiate season but will need significantly more improvement to make an impact on the offensive end.
17. Milwaukee Bucks - Donte DiVincenzo G Villanova - Good size and skillset for a combo guard. Can play on and off the ball; his offensive versatility is his strongest asset. Was a bit of a streaky shooter at the collegiate level but demonstrated more consistency over the last few months of his collegiate career. Lacks the ideal length to defend on the wing and will likely only be able to defend backup point guards.
18. San Antonio Spurs - Lonnie Walker IV G Miami - Elite perimeter shooter and individual offensive creator. To reach his potential he will need to land with an organization with proven player development program. Has demonstrated little if any instincts and decision making on either end of the court to this point.
19. Atlanta Hawks - Kevin Huerter G/F Maryland - One of the very best perimeter shooters in the draft class. Just an average athlete but works very hard off the ball using screens to get to his spots as a shooter. Extremely quick release and overall incredibly efficient shooting form. Lack of length and average athleticism could limit him as a defender.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves - Josh Okogie SG Georgia Tech - One of the most explosive athletes in the draft class but has seldom demonstrated the ability to apply in a basketball context. Limited set of ball skills and questions as to how much of his shooting will translate. If he is willing to work hard on the defensive end of the court his versatility on that end could be his best asset.
21. Utah Jazz - Grayson Allen G Duke - One of the more NBA player in the draft class even if he projects to never being a starting level player. Has matured beyond some of the less than glowing moments of his collegiate career. Good shooter and good enough passer to help run a second unit offense. Despite him being a plus athlete is mostly a straight-line driver with an average handle when he is chased off of the 3 point line. Underrated defender.
22. Chicago Bulls - Chandler Hutchison G/F Boise State - Not explosive but a very fluid athlete. A team that misses out on Kevin Knox earlier in the draft might roll the dice with Hutchison. A bit of a hesitant shooter but he arrived at Boise State with no offensive game. Team likely vetted his mental toughness in workout and interview settings. Has the length to work with on the defensive end but still has yet to put it together on that end.
23. Indiana Pacers - Aaron Holiday PG UCLA - Not ideal size but very strong frame, welcomes physical play. One of the better players in the draft class shooting off of the dribble. Average facilitator at best but his threat as a shooter forces the defensive to which can simplify his reads against average defensive teams. Works very hard on the defensive end.
24. Portland Trail Blazers - Anfernee Simmons G IMG Academy (Fl) - Point guard size but much more of an individual player attacking on the offensive end of the court than a facilitator. A team that misses out on Collin Sexton earlier in the draft might gamble on Simmons. Possesses excellent ball skills and footwork and an elite ability to get separation from his defender. If he can be developed into a trustworthy NBA player he may end up being one of the most prolific scorers in this draft class.
25. Los Angeles Lakers - Moritz Wagner PF/C Michigan - Incredibly polished offensive player for a legitimate 7-footer. Projects to be effective in the pick and roll especially as a shooting threat. Solid face up and back to the basket game. Does not possess the ideal length to defend and rebound at the NBA level. Might be a player than can help a team success in the regular season but be unplayable in some postseason matchups.
26. Philadelphia 76ers - Landry Shamet G Wichita State - He does not have the ideal NBA body but he has great length and can shoot the basketball. He offers a lot of versatility on both ends of the court. If he can add strength it would significantly increase his ability to perform as an impact player on defense, which would increase his overall value.
27. Boston Celtics - Robert Williams PF/C Texas A&M - Elite size and athleticism. Extremely agile for his size. Has not demonstrated much instinct and feel for the game. Looks to have the foundation for a perimeter shot. If that comes together it could result in a nice value selection. Questions exist about his motor.
28. Golden State Warriors - Jacob Evans G/F Cincinnati - Good size and speed to play on the wing at the NBA level. It will be critical for his perimeter shot to translate for him to be projected as a likely rotation player. Works hard but did not make the defensive impact one might expect when matched up with smaller players at the collegiate level. Had some bad moments as a ball handler last season but was willing to take on an offensive role for his team that was not ideal given his skillset.
29. Brooklyn Nets - Dzanan Musa F Bosnia and Herzeqovina - Average athlete but has been able to score everywhere he has played. An upside prospect that might end up being physically overwhelmed in the NBA environment. Best outcome would be to land with a team with a strong strength and training program. If he puts in the work to get stronger could be a nice value selection.
30. Atlanta Hawks - Omari Spellman PF/C Villanova - Possesses a robust set of ball skill for a player his size. Lost a lot of weight and improved his conditioning during his time at Villanova. But he still has a significant way to go to be able to handle playing at NBA speed on both ends of the court.
31. Phoenix Suns - Elie Okobo PG France- Possesses a nice but raw set of offensive skills for a 19-year-old. Has quite a way to go but has the foundation upon which to develop a robust offensive game. May not be a pure point guard but has flashed the ability to do it all as a ball handler in the pick and roll.
32. Memphis Grizzlies - Jevon Carter PG West Virginia - The single player no one else wanted to work out against for NBA teams. Possesses an incredible ability to lock down the best of offensive players despite lack of ideal size. Improved as a shooter across his collegiate career but NBA defender will present greater difficulty in close out situations. Tremendous worker and has demonstrated excellent leadership ability.
33. Dallas Mavericks - Jalen Brunson PG Villanova - The Frank Mason of the 2018 NBA draft class. Was as good as any point at the collegiate level last season but lacks the ideal size to function as a starting point guard in the NBA. It’s tough to project how much of his productivity came from the Villanova system versus his own playmaking skills. Little doubt he will perform capably as a backup point guard with some possibility he can prove to be more than that.
34. Atlanta Hawks - Devonte’ Graham PG Kansas - Graham had a productive collegiate career at Kansas but there are questions as to whether any of his skills project to be above average at the NBA level. But his overall package as a trustworthy ballhandler and offensive initiator will likely result I him getting a real shot at competing for a backup point guard spot with an NBA team. (rumored trade to Charlotte per Shams Charania, confirmed by league)
35. Orlando Magic - Melvin Frazier F Tulane - Possesses one of the best combinations of size and athleticism in the draft class. His ball skills are still very raw but he demonstrated impressive progress last season. Likely will need to spend much of his first season in the D League especially if his organization projects him to be a secondary ball handler. If he can learn how to play on the defensive end could become an All NBA Defensive team level performer.
36. New York Knicks - Mitchell Robinson C Chalmette High School (La) - The other mystery man in the draft class (other than MPJ). Incredible athlete for a player of his size (6’11, 215). Apart from the off the court questions might have been a top 5 pick in the draft. Excellent reputations as a ball handler and shooter; he might possess enough ball skills to function as a creator on the perimeter. One of the best offensive rebounders in the class. Not much of an idea of what type of defensive player he might be.
37. Sacramento Kings - Gary Trent Jr. G Duke - A bit of a one trick pony, but thankfully for Trent if you can shoot the basketball some team is going to give you an opportunity. Will need to get significantly stronger if he is going to be able to finish at the rim well enough when chased off of the 3-point line at the next level. Will also need to add strength to offer some defensive versatility if he is to stick in an NBA rotation. (rumored trade to Blazers per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, confirmed by league)
38. Philadelphia 76ers - Khyri Thomas G Creighton - Good two-way player although he does have the most ideal size to defend at the wing against the best point of attack creators in the NBA. Knows his limitations and embraces his role. Good shooter especially off of the catch. Hard worker and excellent communicator on the defensive end of the court. Not afraid of any match up or moment. (rumored trade to Detroit per Shams Charania, confirmed by league)
39. Philadelphia 76ers - Isaac Bonga F Germany - Elite length and an impressive skillset for his age. Ambidextrous and a ball handler and passer. Works hard and has a great reputation as a teammate. He’s just too think and not strong enough to play in the NBA as of yet. Might be a focus for a team with a limited number of roster spots and needs to stash a player for a couple of years.
40. Brooklyn Nets - Rodions Kurucs F Latvia - Almost surely to be drafted by a team, potentially even late in the first round, short on roster spots with a desire to stash him for at least one season. Has a polished set of skills to have value as a small ball power forward but would need to add strength and size to hold up in an NBA environment. Extremely skilled player that just needs to get stronger and demonstrate the ability to play while avoiding frequent injuries.
41. Orlando Magic - Jarred Vanderbilt F Kentucky - Likes to handle the basketball and play a bit of point forward. He’s not the best decision maker but has improved in that area a bit. Not a consistent shotmaker but the form looks workable. If he can land with an organization that help clean up his ball skills he could return some value with this selection. (rumored trade to Denver per Shams Charania, confirmed by league)
42. Detroit Pistons - Bruce Brown G Miami - One of the more versatile defensive guards in the draft class. Is willing to take on very physical assignments; also, willing to take the toughest defensive assignments. His shooting regressed significantly during his second collegiate season but he played through injuries for much of the year. Could be a fantastic glue guy on a competitive team. If he recovers the shot he could end up being one of the better value selections in the draft.
43. Denver Nuggets - Justin Jackson F Maryland - A productive collegiate player when he was not injured. There are real questions as to whether his body can handle the workload of a full NBA season. He might be a player a team short on roster spots drafts and tries to get him onto a two-way contract as to assess him physically. As skilled if not more some than many of the players that were drafted 10-15 spots ahead of him. (traded to Orlando per league)
44. Washington Wizards - Isuuf Sanon G Ukriane - Extremely skilled and competitive. Good facilitator and average shooter. Lacks the ideal size to play reliably at the NBA level. If he can get stronger and become a more c.nsistent shooter he might be able to make it.
45. Brooklyn Nets - Hamidou Diallo G/F Kentucky - Possess nuclear athleticism but still does not possess a single above average basketball skill. His lack of instinct and feel for the game are persistently evident. But if he can land with an organization with a proven track record to develop players from a very raw starting point he could generate value at this selection.
46. Houston Rockets - De’Anthony Melton G USC - Could be the best all-around perimeter defensive prospect in the draft class. Also, very willing to switch on to and bang with bigger players. Excellent offensive rebounder for a guard, elite ability to grab and go. The big question is the perimeter shot. If he can develop as a shooter likely to end up being one of the better value picks in this draft.
47. Los Angeles Lakers - Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk F Kansas - Excellent length and a very good perimeter shooter. Doesn’t have the length to work with on the defensive end. Will need to play with an organization that believes in team defense and values elite shooters on the offensive end.
48. Minnesota Timberwolves - Keita Bates-Diop G/F Ohio State - Has an elite frame which should serve him well defensively if he is willing to consistently work on that end of the court. Could defend 1 through 5 apart from playing against the very best offensive units in the NBA. Possess no doubt NBA range as a perimeter shooter. Passable handle for a wing. Might be very little additional upside as a prospect.
49. San Antonio Spurs - Chimezie Metu PF/C USC - NBA big man body with an emerging set of ball skills. He’s a very fluid athlete for a player his size but whether or not he can become a real NBA player or not will be based upon his willingess to put in the work to keep improving his skillset and how he deals with the physicality of professional basketball.
50. Indiana Pacers - Alize Johnson PF Missouri State
51. New Orleans Pelicans - Tony Carr PG Penn State - a point guard in the Shaun Livingston mold, likes to play with his back to the basket. Not an elite athlete but good perimeter shooter. Has some size to work with on the defensive end of the court.
52. Utah Jazz - Vincent Edwards SF Purdue
53. Oklahoma City Thunder - Devon Hall G Virginia - Hall can probably thank his former collegiate teammate Malcolm Brogdon for whatever opportunity he will get in the NBA. Like Brogdon Hall performed as one of the most “professional” players in the NCAA last season and served in a positionless/versatile role for the Cavaliers. He had a nightmare performance in Virginia’s first round shocking upset loss. But he did enough to warrant a look by an NBA team.
54. Dallas Mavericks - Shake Milton G SMU - An average athlete with a lot of basketball skill which leads to questions as to how much his game will translate at the next level. Could serve as a nice secondary playmaker thanks to his functioning as a point guard at SMU. Has the length to overcome athletic limitations on the defensive end of the court. A team that misses out on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earlier in the draft might take a shot on Milton.
55. Charlotte Hornets - Arnoldas Kilboka SF Lithuania
56. Philadelphia 76ers - Ray Spalding PF Louisville
57. Oklahoma City Thunder - Kevin Hervy SF Texas Arlington
58. Denver Nuggets - Thomas Welsh C UCLA
59. Phoenix Suns - George King SF Colorado
60. Philadelphia 76ers - Kostas Antetokounmpo PF Dayton