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Los Angeles Clippers: 2018 NBA Mock Draft Lottery Predictions

By Cannon Wonderlich

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: Jerry West of the LA Clippers represents the LA Clippers during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: Jerry West of the LA Clippers represents the LA Clippers during the NBA Draft Lottery on May 15, 2018 at The Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Deandre Ayton poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Phoenix Suns: DeAndre Ayton, C/PF, Arizona

DeAndre Ayton, in his sole season at the University of Arizona, proved that he was the best player in college basketball. He is a great selection for the Suns because their key young pieces, Josh Jackson, Devin Booker, and TJ Warren, all are perimeter players. They are in need of size as Alex Len hasn’t shown much improvement since he was drafted in 2013. Their other center, Tyson Chandler, isn’t getting younger and is far removed from his Defensive Player of the Year days. Ayton is automatic at scoring in the paint. He, like many of the young bigs in the league, has touch from mid and three point range too. His size makes him an excellent rebounder, but his interior defense has been questioned. You’d think someone with his size would be a great rim protector, but he just isn’t. This has some calling him a bust already (which is utterly ridiculous), but despite those naysayers, Ayton will likely make multiple All-Star appearances in his career.
The Suns recently hired a new Head Coach, Igor Kokoskov, after firing Earl Watson and not resigning interim coach Jay Triano. Kokoskov recently coached in Slovenia where Luka Doncic, another highly coveted prospect in this draft played. This relationship between Doncic and Kokoskov may lead to the Suns selecting him first overall, but Phoenix needs a big more than anything, and Ayton fits the bill perfectly.