As Part 3 of 3, these are my concluding projections for the teams picks #17-30 in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft. These are the picks that I believe matter almost as much as the top 10 picks because these are usually the picks where teams developed develop depth and bank on potential.
17. Milwaukee Bucks – De’Anthony Melton, Point Guard
This definitely could be considered a gamble since Melton hasn't played basketball competitively in over a year due to an FBI investigation. Red flag? Possibly, but his well-rounded number of 8 points per game, 5 rebounds per game, 4 assists per game, 2 steals and a block a game in his freshman year show "stud" potential that could place him in the middle of the first round.
18. San Antonio Spurs – Khyri Thomas, Shooting Guard
Perfect spot for Thomas. With Kyle Anderson still growing into his own and Manu Ginobili on his last legs, Thomas can be integrated early into the Spurs system as what most consider the best two way player in this draft. If paired with Kawhi Leonard, we could possibly see a formidable young tandem shine on the defensive end.
19. Atlanta Hawks – Keita Bates-Diop, Small Forward
The Hawks have a lot of ways they can go, but Bates-Diop would be a good pick up talent wise. As a player that's versatility, fully developed body, and NBA range allows him to play either Small Forward or Power Forward at the next level, Bates-Diop is another solid addition to the Hawks roster this draft.
20. Minnesota Timberwolves – Aaron Holiday, Point Guard
A really nice young piece that could contribute early and often. With the Western Conference being so deep, an athletic, good decision maker in Holiday could be a small move that could pay off sooner than later. It also helps that this past season, he statistically had one of the best seasons UCLA has seen in the last 30 years.
21. Utah Jazz – Elie Okobo, Shooting Guard
Easily considered the next best European prospect in the draft after Luka Doncic. I personally couldn't see the draft getting into the mid-20s before the second international player is taken. Okobo is a combo guard that could fit right in with the developing/improving Jazz roster.
22. Chicago Bulls – Chandler Hutchinson, Small Forward
The Bulls promised Hutchinson they would take him with the 22nd pick and I believe they stick to that. Adding Hutchinson does pile onto an already full position spot, but he definitely will help in contributing even more depth in the front court which could help in creating versatile "small ball" lineups.
23. Indiana Pacers – Troy Brown, Small Forward
Not really a hot prospect considering this past season, he and Oregon fell off the map and out of the NCAA tournament. But individually, Browns's strong performances during evaluations present very good potential. This is perfect for a young Pacers team with a hole at Small Forward.
24. Portland Trailblazers – Kevin Huerter, Shooting Guard
Simply a top talent showing out at the combine and a big time scorer coming out of Maryland. The Trailblazers nee a spark plug offensively when Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum are cold from the floor (like most the of the 1st round against the Pelicans) and Smith could definitely be that guy.
25. Los Angeles Lakers – Donte DiVicenzo, Shooting Guard
Personally, between his great performances in the combine and even greater production on a championship team in Villanova, he could and should go higher. Resume aside, as of now he doesn't have a definitive NBA position due to his small size for his position at the pro level. As a young, developing team, the Lakers will give DiVicenzo time to find a niche in the league.
26. Philadelphia 76ers – Gary Trent Jr., Shooting Guard
Most have Trent going in one of the early picks of the first round, but I believe this could be a steal for the 76ers. As a team that thrived off three point shooting from guys like JJ Redick, Marco Belinelli, and Ersan Ilyasova, the marksman out of Duke could easily fit in as an Eric Gordon/Louis Williams-type scorer off the bench. Definitely could be a perfect fit system wise.
27. Boston Celtics – Mitchell Robinson, Center
Young, 7'0 and straight out of high school. The narrative screams potential and the Celtics are known as one of the best organizations in the league at harnessing potential and developing young talent. The Celtics also also do require a little more depth at their Power Forward/Center position, which will allow Robinson to possibly see action early and often.
28. Golden State Warriors – Jacob Evans III, Small Forward
Andre Iguodala 2.0? Maybe not the first few years of his career, but at least the defensive stopper Iguodala has been for the Warriors the last few years. Speaking of Iguodala, with him getting up in age, Evans can slowly gain minutes just off of his tenacity, timely shot making and his ability to guard multiple positions.
29. Brooklyn Nets – Jalen Brunson, Point Guard
Brunson is a winner, something the Nets have been lacking for several years. Although Brunson is an intelligent and talented player, this pick is more about trying to establish a winning mentality and that's Brunson's greatest attribute.
30. Atlanta Hawks – Tyus Battle, Point Guard/ Shooting Guard
With the last pick in the first round, the Hawks take a guy in Battle who is a long, athletic shot creator to pair with their two earlier picks as they continue building their young core.
That concludes my 2018 NBA mock draft and I can't wait to see where all these prospects land on June 21st.
NBA Prospect Donte Divincenzo college statsInstagram
