2018 NBA Mock Draft

The 2018 NBA Draft is Thursday, June 21st and I thought that having a mock draft would be fun to do. James is back to draft with me, we alternated picks and since he was the guest I gave him the #1 overall pick. Of course we cannot predict the future and I can almost guarantee we will see a trade or two with teams moving up and down the draft board. We picked who we thought the team would pick and the player that would fit best for that organization. You can find hundreds and hundreds of mock drafts so I decided to add a little wrinkle to it, I also ranked each guy's hair style game (shout out to the Anything But Credible Podcast's own Nick Duggan for the idea). Since I am bald I figured I am an expert on anything hair. Before we get to the drafting, why does no one rock the cornrows anymore? If you have cornrows everyone loves you and I guarantee it makes you 10-20% better then you really are. Melo rocked cornrows at Syracuse and they won the National Championship, that's all I'm saying. Without further adieu let's get to the drafting:

1. Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C University of Arizona Height: 7'0" Weight: 243 Age: 19
James: This pick is as much about the Suns as it is about Ayton. Ayton is the most complete big man in the draft and sizes up to be a 10-15 year player in the NBA. I don't believe he has the highest ceiling in the draft, but for a team like Phoenix, this is a safe bet. He has a body built for the NBA and will be able to slide in to the middle of their team and contribute immediately. He appears athletic enough to step out and cover on switches, but time will tell if he has the lateral quickness to stick with NBA guards on pick and rolls. He was atrocious on defense at Arizona but that could be because he was not locked in as a college player and was looking to the NBA.
     -Hair Game: 4/10 Curls with Basic Fade, unfortunately our #1 pick has a pretty basic hair style so nothing special here. This style is super popular with a lot of a draft picks.



2. Kings: Luka Doncic, PG/SG Real Madrid Height: 6'8" Weight: 228 Age: 19
Kyle: I believe Doncic is the best player in this draft, at the age of 19 he is playing in the second best league in the world and has put up awesome numbers. His offensive game is pretty damn flawless and at the age of 19 his defense can only improve. The court vision he possesses at the age of 19 is extremely special, go on YouTube and look up his videos. Clearly he isn't going to make the Kings a playoff contender but he will help them continue their rebuild with DeAaron Fox and the rest of their young players. But knowing the Kings they will either make a trade for nothing or draft a late round guy.
     -Hair Game: 4/10 Middle Part,  Walk down any high school in America and you will see 400 guys walking around with the same hair cut Doncic rocks.



3. Hawks: Mo Bamba, C University of Texas Height: 7'0" Weight: 226 Age: 20
J: I think Bamba has the most upside in this draft. He is long, athletic and has a high motor. He doesn't have a reliable offensive game yet but could be a Clint Capella type of player. Bamba has shown signs of improving his jumper and has shown the ability to step out to the 3-point line. He is an athletic freak and teams always love that. I think his style of play would match up well with last years first round pick John Collins. If the Hawks take Bamba, their front court would be set for the future and they could build around those guys.
     -Hair Game: 6/10 Afro Fade with Part Line, very similar to Ayton but it is a little taller and has that part line into it so he gets a little higher grade then our #1 pick.



4. Grizzlies: Marvin Bagley, PF/C Duke Height: 6'11" Weight: 234 Age: 19
K: Bagley is a tough prospect to gauge, he had a really good season at Duke but a lot of scouts question how his game will translate to the NBA. He isn't a huge guy so he won't be able to bang down low but he doesn't have the shot to step outside. In today's NBA he really doesn't have a position but he is definitely one of the most talented guys in the draft. He works his butt off and has the ability to play solid defense on guards because of his lateral quickness. For me, Bagley is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft.
     -Hair Game: 7/10 Mohawk Fade, this one was tough to name but its a pretty sick hairstyle it reminds me of an afro but more under control you could say.



5. Mavericks: Jaren Jackson Jr. PF/C Michigan State University Height: 6'11"
Weight: 236 Age: 18
J: Jackson is a guy that is not talked about enough in my opinion, he is a natural big who showed the ability to step out and hit threes in college. He is a good rebounder and plays solid defense. He will need to bulk up but would be a great paring with Dennis Smith Jr and could be dynamic in pick and roll situations. Plus he is one of the youngest guys in the draft and has one of the highest ceilings.
     -Hair Game: 1/10 Buzz, one of the best prospects in the draft but man step up your hair game, a simple buzz? Come on now.



6. Magic: Trae Young, PG Oklahoma Height: 6'1" Weight: 178 Age: 19
K: The most polarizing player in the entire draft I think, he exploded on the college scene and took ESPN by storm. They had a "Trae Young Counter" during games that would keep track of his stats during games. He definitely had his ups and downs though, he made a lot of careless turnovers and took a lot of wild shots. Young is clearly of player of the Steph Curry generation, he can win you a game but can also lose you one as he did at OU. His defense is non-existent and will be bullied by bigger stronger guards in the NBA. However for a franchise looking for some excitement I think he would be great for Orlando.
     -Hair Game: -10/10 thinning?, he might have the thinnest hair I have ever see and it is just a bad look, shave it clean and rock a headband or something my man.



7. Bulls: Mikal Bridges, SG/SF Villanova Height: 6'7" Weight: 200 Age: 21
J: The Bulls should but probably will not take Bridges, being a part of multiple National Championship teams at Nova has helped build his leadership qualities. He has the body and game type that will translate to the NBA immediately. He is long, shoots the 3 well, and is a solid defender. I don't think he has super star potential but at #7 he would continue the rebuilding process alongside Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Lauri Markkanen. Bridges could be the new version of Jimmy Butler if he is allowed to develop.
     -Hair Game: 2/10 Buzz, like Jackson he rocks the simple buzz cut but he has a solid beard connecting to it so he gets a little bump in the rating system.



8. Cavaliers: Michael Porter Jr. SF Mizzou Height: 6'10" Weight: 211 Age: 19
K: No matter what happens with LeBron in Cleveland this could be the steal of the draft. Unfortunately Porter missed basically the whole season at Mizzou because of back surgery which is not great for his draft stock but the guy's offensive game might be the best in the whole draft. He has a sweet shooting stroke and is a good athletic finisher around the rim. Of course he has to improve his ball handling and put up more then just offensive stats to avoid the Andrew Wiggins comparison. His potential is sky high as long as his injury concerns are nothing serious. Wherever he winds up he will be an offensive force.
     -Hair Game: 7/10 Short Curl with Fade and Part Line, Porter has a similar style to Ayton but it's a little shorter on top and he has the "part line" cut into it making it look crisp as hell.



9. Knicks: Wendell Carter Jr. PF/ C Duke Height: 6'10" Weight: 251 Age: 19
J: There is no way for the Knicks to really get this pick right. They are far from having any semblance of play style and outside of Porzingis they bring nothing to the table. They have at least one more year of bad contracts on the books before they can really retool their roster. That's why I take Carter here, he is going to be solid and will give the Knicks an offensive rebound machine. He is a shot blocker that can take the pressure off Porzingis on the defensive end. Not a great athletic guy but for a player his size he moves well and knows exactly where to be at the right time.
     -Hair Game: 6/10 Mini Afro, kind of rocks the mini afro, I am not exactly sure what to call it but the reason he gets a higher score is because he will add color to it sometimes and that needs to continue into the NBA.



10. Sixers: Miles Bridges, SF Michigan State Height: 6'6" Weight: 220 Age: 20
K: Another guy like Mikal Bridges who could have gone pro last year but decided to stay another year to improve his game. I think Miles is the most forgotten guy in this draft and the kid can ball. He isn't necessarily great at any one thing but is above average across the board and for a Sixers team looking to win now this is a great pick. He would give them solid bench minutes and contribute on both ends of the floor. His athleticism and finishing around the basket are superb, if he improves his handle he could be one of the best players of this draft.
     -Hair Game: 4/10 Buzz with Part Line, nothing special here but if he continues to rock the headband in the NBA I am all in for it.



11. Hornets: Collin Sexton, PG Alabama Height: 6'1" Weight: 183 Age: 19
J: The Hornets and their relationship with Kemba Walker has frayed and this movie makes the most sent to me. Sexton is the best point guard in this draft and he would step right in Kemba's role. He is a natural leader and an electric player who carried Alabama through the SEC Tournament. He would be a guy who would start from day one, I look for Kemba to be traded during the draft for another first round pick possibly.
     -Hair Game: 9/10 Afro Fade Blowout, for me Sexton has the best hair in the lottery, it just looks so damn good and I think it fits his personality perfectly for some reason. Don't ever change it Collin.



12. Clippers: Kevin Knox, SF Kentucky Height: 6'9" Weight: 213 Age: 18
K: I could see the Clippers packaging these next two picks and trying to move up in the draft but I really like Kevin Knox for them. He is 18 and has a lot of room for growth, he played on a crowded Kentucky team and by the end of the season became "the guy" for them. He is a raw talent but
showed flashes of his offensive prowess at Kentucky, he can finish with either hand and can score from a plethora of spots on the floor. He needs to improve his rebounding and defensive awareness to stay on the floor but he is only 18.
     -Hair Game: 4/10 Afro Fade, nothing special here, I told you the fade is THE haircut of these guys now. Someone needs cornrows.



13. Clippers: Zhaire Smith, SF Texas Tech Height: 6'4" Weight: 199 Age: 18
J: This is my favorite pick of the draft. The Clippers snag Zhaire and he turns their franchise into an unstoppable force that rolls through.....wait, my bad. Smith is a very good pick for the Clips here. I think he has fantastic upside and a great demeanor for an 18 year old kid. He reminds me a lot of Kawhi Leonard in that nobody knows who he is. He is an explosive above the rim player who has great defensive instincts. Like most guys of his skill set his offensive game is a work in progress but if he can put it all together watch out.
     -Hair Game: 3/10 Fade bowl cut? , Great name, great game, weak ass hair cut it looks like someone put a bowl on the crown of his head and shaved everything else around it. You do, you Zhaire.



14. Nuggets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG/SG Kentucky Height: 6'6" Weight: 180
Age: 19
K: One of the most intriguing and frustrating prospects of the draft. Some games at UK he looked unstoppable and others you didn't realize he was on the court. He is a good defender and a solid playmaker but his offensive game is a work in progress. Think of a Michael Carter Williams type guy, but knowing the Nuggets they will trade the pick and whoever gets taken in this spot will be a franchise altering player.
     -Hair Game: 6/10 Fade but had some medium length dreads, he had a solid hairstyle and then cut it before a game against Louisville so he has a lot of potential here.

The Ultimate Guide to 3 Point Celebrations

There are multiple three point celebrations in basketball but which ones are the best? Lucky for you I did the research and all you have to do is read this post; welcome to the ultimate guide to the three point celebration! Each celebration was put to the test using these metrics: the level of disrespect the celebration shows, the creativeness of the celebration, how often the celebration has been imitated, and the difficulty of the celebration. I did a little work to try and find out who started the celebration as well which was pretty fun. One of the major points of these celebrations is knowing when to use them, if you hit a game winning three then by all means pull one of these out, but if your down by 15 and use one of these you're a fool... the moment has to be just right. 

Celebrations:

1. Three Point Goggles:

     a. Originator: It seems like this move has been around for a long time so finding the first person to use this was a little difficult, however it is definitely Nick Young's go to move in the NBA now. 

     b. Level of Disrespect: This is a pretty classy, fun, and harmless move. You're not hurting the team by lagging back on defense and the other team might not even realize you did the move. Just because it's low on disrespect doesn't mean it won't get the crowd fired up if you use it right.

     c. Creativeness: Using the "3 point symbol" with your hands and creating goggles is not incredibly creative but the simplicity still gets the point across.

     d. Imitated: EVERYONE uses this move, from high school up to the pros you will see the three point goggles on any court

  e. Difficulty: Like the creativity, this one is super simple and a toddler can do it but if you use it at the right time the crowd and your teammates will love it.

2. Three Point Jet:

     a. Originator: Jason "the Jet" Terry 

     b. Disrespect: Running around the court bent over using your arms as airplane wings with the "3" symbol on your hands? In my book that would probably upset your opponent and their fans. If the Jet is on your team and he uses this celebration you know he just hit a massive shot.

     c. Creativeness: If Jason Terry is the true originator of this move, I rank this high for creativity. He is a great three point shooter and he incorporated his name into his signature move. Right on Jet

     d. Imitated: Terry is still playing in the NBA somehow so you don't see other guys use his move very often but I think I have see JR Smith use it a time or two.

 e. Difficulty: We have all made the airplane symbol when we were kids so this move isn't terribly difficult just bend at the waist and zig zag around the court like an airplane.

3. Three Point Guns:
     a. Originator: Like the three point goggles it was hard to find the first person to do this move but a lot of my research led me to Russell Westbrook using it early in his career. 

     b. Disrespect: This one is downright disrespectful. Using your hands as guns, blowing the imaginary smoke from the barrels, then holstering them... damn, that might cause the other team to take a timeout.

     c. Creativeness: I enjoy this celebration and find it pretty creative, there are multiple parts to it and it is guaranteed to get the crowd going and kill the other team. You know you are on fire when you pull this celebration out.

     d. Imitated: This one isn't used as often as some of the other celebrations which is a real bummer, someone needs to dust the three point guns off and bring them back.

     e. Difficulty: It's simple yet complex, there are multiple parts and each one has to be executed right and in the correct order for the celebration to work. 

4. Cooking/Stirring the Pot:
     a. Originator: James Harden from Lil' B

     b. Disrespect: With this celebration you are signaling to the other team that you are starting to heat up, which is nice of you to do but also bad for the other team

     c. Creativeness: Lil' B apparently started this one but Harden brought it to the NBA and it has become his move. Lil' B gave Harden his permission to use it and the Houston crowd loves when Harden starts cooking.

     d. Imitated: There are a few variations of this move but be careful if Lil' B sees it he might lay down his curse and then you are in serious trouble.

     e. Difficulty: It should be a fairly simple celebration but screw it up and you will look absolutely ridiculous.

5. Three to the Head:
     a. Originator: Carmelo Anthony

     b. Disrespect: I had to add this one to the list because I love Melo but it's been a rough year for him and you haven't seen this to often. The celebration isn't necessarily disrespect but Melo being stuck on the Knicks all those years was.

     c. Creativeness: Creating your own move definitely earns you a few points here but in all honesty, this a pretty simple move.

     d. Imitated: This is one of those moves you will see in all levels of basketball, go to the YMCA and some guy will probably start doing it after he hits a few threes. Keep dreaming d bag. 

     e. Difficulty: Probably the easiest move to use on this list.

6. Chest Tap and Point to the Sky/Three Point Gods:
     a. Originator: Steph Curry

     b. Disrespect: If Steph drills a deep three and does this, just know you have been warned and are in for a long night.

     c. Creativeness: Steph makes so many threes so he doesn't need to be overly creative and anything more than this would be over the top. This is also one of the only celebrations that doesn't incorporate the three symbol.

     d. Imitated: Being Steph's move, no one in the NBA is going to use this unless they want Draymond kicking them in the nuts.

     e. Difficulty: Go ahead try this right now, even you can do this one. I believe in you. 

7. Three Shotgun:
     a. Originator: All my research said the Warriors were the creators of this celebration.

     b. Disrespect: Using your arms as weapons and loading them after nailing a three? Pretty suggestive and if you use both arms look out. This is probably my favorite celebration.

     c. Creativeness: I think this is one of the most creative celebrations on this list, who would honestly think of this and incorporate it into a game of basketball?

     d. Imitated: Literally everyone uses this, go to your brother's or sister's high school game and you will see it. After that, hit up your Dad's rec league game and even he might use it. 

     e. Difficulty: This one is a little more technical than the others, make sure to practice in the mirror before using it in a game to avoid looking like a fool.

8. Three Point Antennas:

     a. Originator: Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles

     b. Disrespect: Not very disrespectful but you are letting the other team know you are on your game tonight.

     c. Creativeness: Weird? Absolutely. Creative? Maybe.

     d. Imitated: This is another one you will see all over the place but it's kind of an old school move. It would be nice to see it make a comeback.

     e. Difficulty: Easy to do but if you somehow screw it up the other team might think you're nuts.

9. Praise to the Three Point God:
     a. Originator: JR Smith

     b. Disrespect: One of the most disrespectful celebrations you can use in a game. When JR nails a big time shot and pulls this out the other team is usually forced to take a timeout. Just check out that GIF, this one is nuts.

     c. Creativeness: This one is pretty intricate with a lot of moving parts so it scores pretty high here, only JR could come up with this and pull it off.

     d. Imitated: No one but JR can get away with this one.

     e. Difficulty: Like I said for creativeness, this one is a serious move and unless you hit a game winning shot stay away from it.

10. Dialing Long Distance:

     a. Originator: Caron Butler

     b. Disrespect: Stopping in your tracks after hitting a big shot and answering an imaginary phone? Doesn't sound bad but wait till someone does it to you.

     c. Creativeness: After hitting a "long distance" shot you answer a long distance call, I love it.

     d.  Imitated: I have never seen this one before and I wish someone would bring it back.

     e. Difficulty: Everyone has done this as a kid.

11. Big Balls:
     a. Originator: Sam Cassell

     b. Disrespect: By far the most disrespectful moves on this list. Pull this out in an NBA game and you will be getting a call from the league office with a fine.

     c. Creativeness: Making the game winning shot and showing the opposition you have big stones for taking and making the shot! I love this one too and you have to give it a few creativity points.

     d. Imitated: You hardly see this move because of the consequences but when it's done and done right everyone will lose it.

     e. Difficulty: Reach down toward your groin region and hold your enormous marbles whilst running down the court, pretty simple but watch out for your opponent coming to kick your ass.

So there you have it, the ultimate guide to three point celebrations. My two favorites have to be the three point shotgun and the big balls, what are your favorites? Did I miss something you like? Who knows what these guys will think of next. Well let me know and make sure to subscribe to the blog to get updates in your email!