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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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images /

player. 66. For these picks, we’re trying to evenly weigh what teams will and should do. At this point it just seems unlikely that if the Phoenix Suns keep the top pick they’d pass on Deandre Ayton. Ayton certainly has a case to be this year’s best player. Between his confidence, improvement since high school and monstrous athleticism, he’s a dynamite modern-day center. <p>A lot has been made about his defensive instincts as his main weakness. While Ayton may never be NBA All-Defensive First Team, I think his defense will improve as he gets league experience. The Suns really should consider Luka Doncic here, but ultimately seems like they’re in on Ayton. This is a draft where I wouldn’t want to have to pick first with so many high-upside guys.</p>. C. Arizona. Deandre Ayton. 1