Which Top 10 NBA Draft Pick will be the Best?

1. Phoenix Suns: Deandre Ayton

“That’s Shaq and Kobe 2.0…We could really make something happen in Phoenix.” Ayton excited Suns fans with a lofty comparison to the former championship duo in Los Angeles. It’s shocking to say, as a player, Ayton has a more varied skill-set than Shaq. He moves around the floor extremely well and while not as dominant defensively as The Big Aristotle, he can hit the outside shot at a reasonable rate. The former Arizona center has potential to be a dominant force in today’s game like any of the recent influx of “unicorns” (Embiid, Porzingis, Towns) taking over the league. Perhaps we could see a new dominant duo building in Phoenix?

2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley III

The former Blue Devil may end up being the best player in this year’s draft class. He has great size and versatility on both ends of the floor, with the ability to play at the four or five. He scores and rebounds at a high rate and can work really well in the pick and roll. Bagley has so many different skills but none of them are necessarily elite. It’ll be interesting to see how Bagley is used with the glut of big men already on Sacramento’s roster.

3. Dallas Mavericks: Luka Doncic (trade from Atlanta Hawks)

Luka Doncic is the best European prospect to ever come to the NBA. The Slovenian star dominated the second best league in the world against competition far greater than that in the NCAA. Doncic’s sublime passing and solid shooting make him a ready-made fit for any team. There are questions around his athleticism, however, those are more than made up for with his elite court vision and ability to score in a variety of manners. This year’s likely MVP, James Harden, was questioned for his athleticism going into the league and despite that we’ve seen him become a top-five player in the league. Dallas took a gamble in securing Doncic’s services, but they hope it’s one that will pay dividends for years to come.

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jackson has all the tools to become one of the league’s best defensive players. He’s an elite rebounder and blocker with the capability to defend any position on the floor. While his offensive upside isn’t as huge, he’s still super efficient in that area. He’s effective from the perimeter and field overall while also being a decent free throw shooter and passer. He may not have the pizazz of Doncic or Ayton, but Jackson more than makes up for it with his elevated basketball IQ. Jackson seems a readymade fit for when Gasol eventually retires in the coming years. His fit with Memphis is ideal for both parties going forward.

5. Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young (trade from Dallas Mavericks)

This young point guard may be the most debated player of this draft. His ridiculous shooting certainly had its ups and downs, but the outrageous stroke is absolutely there. There may not be a better shooter from deep than Young who can make shots from anywhere around the perimeter, whether they be catch-and-shoot or off the dribble. He’s also a very good passer which makes up for his lack of physical traits in his overall size and strength. His defensive weaknesses may be an issue, but alongside a more capable defensive guard he should be able to be hidden well enough on that end. His selection should leave current point guard Dennis Schröder on borrowed time as the front office will surely look to trade him.

6. Orlando Magic: Mohamed Bamba

The former University of Texas center is a clear cut above all the draftees when it comes to defensive talent. The Rudy Gobert comparisons have been made ad nauseum, though Bamba may have some more versatility defensively and greater tools on the offensive end. Bamba has the quickness and smarts to defend all spots on the floor and can make the 3-pointer, but certainly needs improving fundamentally. His physical gifts cannot be understated and with a strong willingness to learn, similar to his friend out in Philadelphia (Joel Embiid), the sky’s the limit for this exciting big man. Orlando’s front court is certainly stacked with young talent.

7. Chicago Bulls: Wendell Carter Jr.

Carter may not have the sexy upside of an Ayton or Bamba, but his solid and diverse skillset make him a low-risk prospect. He certainly doesn’t have the athleticism of the aforementioned big men, he does however have great passing nous, is a formidable rebounder and is super reliable defensively. He’s also quite a smooth athlete with great basketball smarts. Carter knows how to position himself on both ends and will generally always make the right play, an asset that shouldn’t be underrated in today’s game. The Bulls seem to have found their front court for years to come, pairing the more defensively-talented Carter alongside the offensive gifts of Lauri Lauri Markkanen.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton

Sexton’s toughness and determination may be some of his best qualities as a player. Think Patrick Beverley, but with more of an offensive upside. While Young has the huge ceiling offensively, Sexton is much more capable as a defender. His aggressiveness on both sides of the floor make him a weapon no matter how a play is unfolding. He’ll certainly need to hone some of his passing skills and channel his aggression, but his versatility as a point guard make him more of a safe bet than his fellow point guard out of Oklahoma. Cleveland now have a readymade replacement for Kyrie Irving in Sexton as they look to fill that void.

9. New York Knicks: Kevin Knox

Knox was booed by Knicks fans during his selection (reminded: these are the fans that also booed Kristaps Porzingis when he was picked) and it doesn’t make any sense why. The former Kentucky forward has as much raw potential as anyone in this year’s class considering his age (18.9) and skillset. If his athleticism translates on both ends of the floor the Knicks could have a star pairing on their hands for the next decade. He’s a capable shooter and finisher around the rim though his passing certainly has room for improvement. His development will be one of the more fascinating stories to watch from this year’s class.

10. Phoenix Suns: Mikal Bridges (from Philadelphia 76ers)

The most valuable player in today’s league is the 3-and-D wing. Mikal Bridges is the best embodiment of that in this year’s draft. He has a great shooting stroke from deep and possesses the quickness and length to guard any position from ones to small-ball fours. He can also pass and rebound at an efficient rate while being able to finish well in the lane with either hand. Bridges is continuing to improve in all aspects of his game and will flourish within the right system. Alongside Josh Jackson, Mikal Bridges should mesh nicely as defense-first players to compliment Ayton and Booker. Whether they gave up too much in the deal to Philadelphia (trading an unprotected first-round pick in 2021) remains to be seen.