Washington Wizards: 5 options for pick No. 15 in 2018 NBA Draft

5. Mitchell Robinson

A few mock drafts out there have the Washington Wizards selecting center Mitchell Robinson with the 15th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. If ever there were a high-risk pick, this is it for the Wizards. Washington has a need for an athletic big, so it could take a chance on Robinson.

Shades of JaVale McGee and the 18th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft instantly come to mind when looking at Robinson’s body of work. Granted, McGee didn’t fare too poorly in his time with the Wizards. He averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game before being traded to the Denver Nuggets back in March of 2012.

Robinson didn’t play any competitive basketball in 2017-18. He originally committed to play college ball at Western Kentucky but withdrew to focus on training for the draft. The former 2017 McDonald’s All-American stands at 7’1″ and averaged 19.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 7.9 blocks at Chalmette in Louisiana as a high school senior in 2015-16. He possesses a 7’4″ wingspan, serving as a potentially solid paint presence.

The potential is to excel is there, but Robinson will have to prove himself at the pro level. He recently pulled out of the NBA Draft Combine, taking away his first opportunity to do so.