Hoops Habit Podcast Ep. 004: 2018 NBA Draft talk with Connor Harr
Welcome to a 2018 NBA Draft edition of the Hoops Habit podcast featuring Connor Harr, where we preview and mock one of the biggest nights on the NBA slate.
Michael Dugger brings you another edition of the Hoops Habit podcast, and is joined by Hoops Habit NBA Draft writer Connor Harr to break down his big board tiers and then mock the 2018 NBA Draft lottery in what we expect teams to do if the order stays the same (which it probably won’t).
We started with Tier 1, where Connor explains what separates Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton from the rest of the prospects in this class (0:45). Then, we dive into Ayton’s speed at reaching his ceiling given his defensive shortcomings (3:24).
After that, we discuss his Tier 2 players, consisting of a great deal of big men, beginning with his growing love for Mo Bamba (4:45) before Connor explains his recent switch of Wendell Carter Jr. over Marvin Bagley III (8:18).
We round out Tier 2 by looking Michael Porter Jr., the highest risk in the draft (11:00) and conclude by talking about Trae Young’s playmaking and shooting prowess (13:45).
Tier 3 talk begins with Lonnie Walker IV’s rising potential and growth in the NBA (16:15), then the best landing spots for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19:20) and Collin Sexton (22:22), and cap off the Tier talk with Maryland’s Kevin Huerter, who has risen up his board all the way to No. 14 (24:40).
Finally, Michael and Connor come together and mock the lottery as to what they think will happen in the draft without factoring in trades (28:30).
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Final edition
Mock Results:
1) Phoenix Suns — Deandre Ayton
2) Sacramento Kings — Marvin Bagley III
3) Atlanta Hawks — Luka Doncic
4) Memphis Grizzlies — Jaren Jackson Jr.
5) Dallas Mavericks — Mo Bamba
6) Orlando Magic — Trae Young
7) Chicago Bulls — Wendell Carter Jr.
8) Cleveland Cavaliers — Michael Porter Jr.
9) New York Knicks — Collin Sexton
10) Philadelphia 76ers — Mikal Bridges
11) Charlotte Hornets — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
12) Los Angeles Clippers — Miles Bridges
13) Los Angeles Clippers — Lonnie Walker IV
14) Denver Nuggets — Zhaire Smith