Charlotte Hornets

NBA mock draft: Michael Porter is wild card, but a Wildcat more likely for Hornets

By Rick Bonnell

Updated June 16, 2018 6:29 PM

With the NBA draft set for Thursday, here is Charlotte Observer NBA writer Rick Bonnell's mock first round:

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, Arizona, 7-0: A true center body who can dribble and make 3-pointers.

2. Sacramento Kings: Marvin Bagley, Duke, 6-11: A big man whose offensive skills instantly translate to the NBA.

3. Atlanta Hawks: Jaren Jackson, Michigan State, 6-11: The Hawks need a star; Jackson has so much potential.

4. Memphis Grizzlies: Luka Doncic, Slovenian pro, 6-8: He has the skills to assemble many NBA triple-doubles.

5. Dallas Mavericks: Mohamed Bamba, Texas, 7-0: At his best, he’ll impact games as a rim protector like Rudy Gobert.

6. Orlando Magic: Trae Young, Oklahoma, 6-2: A point guard with crazy shooting range and skill to pile up assists.

7. Chicago Bulls: Michael Porter, Missouri, 6-10: The Bulls got first look at Porter’s medical reports, key after back surgery.

8. Cleveland Cavaliers: Collin Sexton, Alabama, 6-2: Explosive in transition and in the pick-and-roll. Great competitor.

9. New York Knicks: Wendell Carter, Duke, 6-10: Can complement now-injured Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis.

10. Philadelphia 76ers: Mikal Bridges, Villanova, 6-7: The Sixers need shooting; Bridges provides that and versatile defense.

11. Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky, 6-6: A long point guard; backup-understudy to Kemba Walker.

12. Los Angeles Clippers: Miles Bridges, Michigan State, 6-7: A good shooter who might play either forward spot.

13. Los Angeles Clippers: Lonnie Walker, Miami, 6-5: Will take big shots and make his share; slowed last season early by injury.

14. Denver Nuggets: Kevin Knox, Kentucky, 6-9: Good size and talented; did not make the most of opportunity at Kentucky.

15. Washington Wizards: Robert Williams, Texas A&M, 6-9: A strong defender who needs lots of offensive refinement.

16. Phoenix Suns: Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech, 6-4: A great athlete, but he’ll need to improve considerably on offense at the NBA level.

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Troy Brown, Oregon, 6-7: Good size for a potential shooting guard; didn’t dominate with Ducks.

18. San Antonio Spurs: Dante DiVincenzo, Villanova, 6-5: Will play some at either guard spot, would fit Spurs’ motion offense.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Mitchell Robinson, (no college), 7-0: Has essentially been off the grid for a year, but big-time potential gain.

20. Minnesota Timberwolves: Keita Bates-Diop, Ohio State, 6-8: In length, skill set he has the look of a player Tom Thibodeau would value.

21. Utah Jazz: Kevin Huerter, Maryland, 6-7: Hand surgery means he’ll miss summer league, but should be ready for training camp.

22. Chicago Bulls: Anfernee Simons (no college), 6-3, A combo guard with some shooting range to spread defenses.

23. Indiana Pacers: Gary Trent, Jr., Duke, 6-5: Doesn’t wow as an athlete, but strong body for a guard and 3-point range.

24. Portland Trail Blazers: Chandler Hutchison, Boise State, 6-7: Probably closer to being ready to play now than many of these guys.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Jerome Robinson, Boston College, 6-5: Dramatically improved 3-point shooting to 41 percent last season.

26. Philadelphia 76ers: Omari Spellman, Villanova, 6-9: Adds front-court depth on a rookie-scale contract to a team with established starters.

27. Boston Celtics: Grayson Allen, Duke, 6-4: Allen might fit best in the NBA as a changeup off the bench on a contender.

28. Golden State Warriors: Aaron Holiday, UCLA, 6-1: He has the quickness off the dribble to break down defenses.

29. Brooklyn Nets: Jalen Brunson, Villanova, 6-2: Sophisticated understanding of the game, but defense on the ball will be a challenge.

30. Atlanta Hawks: Elie Okobo, French pro, 6-2: Could be stashed in Europe to develop for down the road.