NBA mock draft: The Utah Jazz and our composite top 30 picks
The Top 3
DeAndre Ayton
Big, Arizona Wildcats
High mock: 1 Low Mock: 2
Height: 7-0 Weight: 250 Wingspan: 7-5 Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 20.1 PTS, 11.6 REB, 1.9 BLK, .612 FG, .343 3PT, .733 FT
Like a young Tyson Chandler or DeAndre Jordan, he’ll be a constant lob threat in the pro game. Oh, and he has smooth moves in the post, too. And he has a face-up game with a mid-range shot and the three ball to boot. Also — he’ll be bigger and longer than 99 percent of the league on Day 1.
We were split on him at No. 1, but nobody had him slipping past No. 2.
Luka Doncic
Wing, Real Madrid
High mock: 1 Low Mock: 4
Height: 6-7 Weight: 220 Wingspan: N/A Age: 19
2017-18 Stats: 14.3 PTS, 5.3 REB, 4.6 AST, .451 FG, .311 3PT, .790 FT
Ultra-skilled, super creative playmaker and shot creator who has been incredibly productive in the second-best basketball league in the world. His vision already ranks with the league’s elite. He should be ready to contribute right away, but still has room to grow, too.
A lot of our group suspect the Kings will trade down to take Michael Porter, Jr.
Jaren Jackson, Jr.
Big, Michigan St. Spartans
High mock: 2 Low Mock: 4
Height: 6-10 Weight: 230 Wingspan: 7-4 Age: 18
2017-18 Stats: 10.9 PTS, 5.8 REB, 3.0 BLK, .513 FG, .396 3PT, .797 FT
The more I dig into Jaren Jackson, Jr., the more I see a potential star. Perhaps even the best player to come out of this draft class. He has fluidity and skill offensively with handles that are rare for a player of his size. He’ll likely be a better defender than DeAndre Ayton out of the gate as well.
I may be biased though. His father, Jaren Jackson, was my secret weapon when I’d play NBA Showdown on SNES.