2018 NBA Mock Draft: Versatile bigs dominate the top 5

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 08: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on February 8, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 08: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a play against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Dean Smith Center on February 8, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – DECEMBER 19: Jacob Evans #1 and members of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate going into a timeout during the game against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions at BB&T Arena on December 19, 2017 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – DECEMBER 19: Jacob Evans #1 and members of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate going into a timeout during the game against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions at BB&T Arena on December 19, 2017 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

17. Phoenix Suns: Jacob Evans, SG, Cincinnati

Big Board Rank: 19

After giving the Suns DeAndre Ayton, they’re going to try and boost their perimeter defense with Jacob Evans. Evans profiles as a 3 and D guard that can knockdown three’s and guard 3 positions. Evans isn’t your typical 3 and D guard though.

His playmaking ability really sets him apart from most of the 3&D prospects in the draft. Averaging about 3.4 assists a game, Evans should be able to attack a closeout, make good reads in the passing lanes, and find open teammates.

Evans finds his way onto the Phoenix bench to start the season, but if Josh Jackson isn’t knocking down his jumpshot, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Evans ends up in the starting lineup as a rookie. He should have success playing alongside Devin Booker, attacking closeouts, knocking down shots, and making plays.