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The Collective Charlotte Hornets Bloggers 2018 Mock Draft

By Noah Purser

Luka Doncic #7 of Real Madrid in action during the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Play Offs Game 4 between Real Madrid v Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens at Wizink Center on April 27, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by COOLMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Luka Doncic #7 of Real Madrid in action during the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Play Offs Game 4 between Real Madrid v Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens at Wizink Center on April 27, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by COOLMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Nick Rakocevic #31 of the USC Trojans guards Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 75-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: Nick Rakocevic #31 of the USC Trojans guards Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats won 75-61. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

With the second pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select DeAndre Ayton from the University of Arizona.

At 7’1″, 250 pounds, there’s not a lot to dislike with the Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year. His offensive prowess was on full display during his freshman season, as he led the Wildcats in scoring with 20.3 points per game.

Ayton projects as an offensive-oriented, double-double machine. Per 100 possessions, Ayton averages over 30 points and 20 rebounds per game. Obviously, these numbers are not sustainable against NBA-level competition, but the skillset and instincts on the offensive end are evident.

Chipping-in 2.3 blocks per 40 minutes, Ayton’s seven-foot wingspan will translate on the defensive end immediately for the Sacramento Kings. Placed into the starting center role immediately, Ayton will grow alongside the likes of DeAaron Fox and Buddy Hield as the Kings continue their rebuild.

Other Player(s) Receiving Votes: None. Unanimous Decision.