2018 NBA Mock Draft first round plus OKC Thunder picks

The high school youngster found a way around the typical entry and is a definite risk versus reward prospect. But, if he pans out it will be a very high return.

"Of his assets his athleticism is earmarked near the top. Possessing a coveted combination of fluidity mixed with quickness leads to multiple benefits. First of all, the quickness aids in his rebounding (solid for his position) and ability to create steals. The same attributes allow him to glide in transition to finish above the rim or effectively change directions via drives. Based on this latter move it affords Simons the opportunity to create space for a pull up jumper of which he”s surprisingly effective."

Full preview: Anfernee Simons – the wild card

Team needs:

For as much money as the Blazers spent on their roster, they have the most depth gaps in the NBA. Even lottery teams have on average deeper squads.  Portland needs to add a player at every roster position whether in the starting line up on the wing and at center or on the bench via backups for the starting backcourt and another wing.

Free Agents:

• Pat Connaughton (RFA)
• Ed Davis (UFA)
• Shabazz Napier (RFA)
• Jusuf Nurkic (RFA)
• CJ Wilcox (RFA – 2-way FA)

Picks in 2018 NBA Draft:

First Round: 24th

Second Round: None