This is personally what I would consider to be the toughest area to draft in because their are less "for sure" prospects left and you start looking for potential. Typically the players that are considered to have high potential fall within this midpoint in the draft. These are my projected picks for picks #8 - 16 in the 2018 Draft Lottery
8. Cleveland Cavaliers – Trae Young, Point Guard
To me this is a gamble and this is more of a "hype" based pick than a true fit. Young is a dynamic small guard with range and great court vision, so this combination of skills is hard to pass up considering the Cavs do have a huge hole at Point Guard since George Hill and Jose Calderon are not getting any younger. Let's also not forget that Lebron James may possibly be leaving Cleveland again and they are going to need a big name draft pick to keep the fans interested and relatively optimistic as the team begins to rebuild.
9. New York Knicks – Mikal Bridges, Small Forward
Realistically, the Knicks are questionable at every position with Frank Ntilikina coming into his second year, Kristaps Porzingis still questionable going into next season after his injury, Michael "Too Easy" Beasley being their only true Small Forward and the lack of talent at the Center position. Bridges provides a level of versatility that the Knicks so desperately need and with this, he could easily become the number two option for this team right out the gate.
10. Philadelphia 76ers – Kevin Knox, Small Forward
Two things make this a great pick: 1st. The length and size he provides can fit in perfectly alongside 7'0 Joel Embiid, 6'10 Ben Simmons, and 6'9 Dario Saric. Defensively their team will further improve with their long wingspans and athleticism at every position to play passing lanes and block shots. 2nd. Knox is definitely an upgrade from Robert Covington at the Small Forward spot. Unlike Covington, Knox can play off the dribble and if his shot behind the arc isn't falling, he has a pretty decent mid-range game to fall back on. Knox has the potential become a solid wing player that easily could creep into the starting Small Forward spot in the 76ers' rotation.
11. Charlotte Hornets – Miles Bridges, Small Forward
Easily one of the most athletic, if not the most athletic player in the draft. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is a decent role player at best, but to me Bridges' freak athleticism and high flyer talent gives him a higher ceiling. This way, the Hornets can bring a new face at the Small Forward spot and you are destined to see some Kemba Walker to Miles Bridges lobs on the ESPN Top 10 plays.
12. Los Angeles Clippers – Collin Sexton, Point Guard
With his athleticism, competitive streak, and knack for scoring the basketball, it was hard to even place him out of the Top Ten. Unfortunately, his height does provide a bit of risk, but I feel that he could be a viable scoring threat alongside Louis Williams off the bench or starting in place of Patrick Beverley who is known more so to be a defensive stopper at that Point Guard spot.
13. Los Angeles Clippers – Robert Williams, Power Forward/ Center
This is to play off of their previous pick by pairing a big man with their newly acquired Point Guard. Williams is an athletic Power Forward with a wingspan of 7'5 which combined with his NBA skill set, he could soon become a rebounding machine. This could also be a safe pick since DeAndre Jordan is a free agent, which if he chooses to leave, it would severely impact the team defensively in the front court. Williams possibly a DeAndre Jordan replacement in the works?
14. Denver Nuggets – Lonnie Walker, Shooting Guard
This would be a steal. The Nuggets desperately need a true Shooting Guard since the lack the position all together having only Point Guards and Forwards. Walker's athleticism and versatile scoring ability gives the Nuggets another great scorer in the back court to pair with Jamal Murray.
15. Washington Wizards – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Point Guard
More so a fit based pick than a best player available. With Ty Lawson and Roman Sessions being way past their prime and John Wall slowly building an injury history, it would definitely be in the Wizards' best interest to grab a solid Point Guard. Gilgeous-Alexander showed a promising basketball IQ and playmaking ability at Kentucky that could help him contribute heavily as the Sixth Man off the bench.
16. Phoenix Suns – Zhaire Smith, Small Forward
This is what I would consider to be a "hype" pick. Smith performed very well in the most recent NCAA tournament leading Texas Tech to the Elite Eight. His big time play in big time games showed that he is at least worthy of being picked in the mid-teens. Definitely a good addition to the Suns' developing, athletic front court.
