Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft first round plus OKC Thunder picks

By Tamberlyn Richardson

TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic (R) celebrates with team mate Real Madrid's French forward Fabien Causeur their team's 85-80 win in the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's Slovenian Luka Doncic (R) celebrates with team mate Real Madrid's French forward Fabien Causeur their team's 85-80 win in the Euroleague Final Four finals basketball match between Real Madrid and Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul at The Stark Arena in Belgrade on May 20, 2018. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images) /
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. G. Texas Tech. Zhaire Smith. 16. player. 66

Arguably the most aggressive defender in the entire class, not just guards is Zhaire Smith. Given the Suns’ issues with defense, this would be a perfect fit in Phoenix.

Assuming Ayton is already in house you could pair Smith beside Devon Booker. Then the backcourt duo could each concentrate on the part of the game they each excel in. And while Booker is an outstanding points producer Smith is no slouch offensively as Rylan Stiles explains:

"Smith shot 55-percent from the field, and 45-percent from the college 3-point line. Zhaire Smith added a true shooting percentage of 61-percent, with an effective field goal percentage of 58-percent. One of the biggest skills he has, is his ability to finish at the rim. Lastly, Zhaire Smith took home a .084-defensive-win-share which puts into perspective how good he truly was defensively."

Full preview: Prospect Zhaire Smith projects to be an offensive Andre Roberson

Team needs:

  • front court – both positions
  • point guard (depending on the decision with Elfrid Payton and plans for Brandon Knight in his return

Free Agents:

  • Elfrid Payton (RFA)
  • Alex Len (UFA)
  • Danuel House (RFA – 2-way FA)
  • Alec Peters (RFA – 2-way FA)

Picks in 2018 NBA Draft:

First Round: 1st and 16th

Second Round: 31st and 59th

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