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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Final first round edition

By Max Holm

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Mohamed Bamba poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Mohamed Bamba poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

player. 170. The 2018 NBA Draft really opens up after the top 10. The Charlotte Hornets have so much money tied up and may think about trading Kemba Walker before his next contract. Getting a solid rookie on the cheap here is vital. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Knox are likely to get strong looks. However, they should go for Zhaire Smith. The best athlete in the draft, Smith’s handle and 3-point shooting look improved. Those are his main question marks. His volcanic athleticism and defensive versatility are really appealing. Coming in at 6’4″ is a little disappointing, but he has one of the draft’s highest upsides. A median outcome would still be a highly valuable defender.. SG. Texas Tech. Zhaire Smith. 11