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)
29 of 31

28. Brooklyn Nets: Rawle Alkins, SG, Arizona

Big Board Rank: 28

You can find a lot of mock drafts with Big Apple native Hamidou Diallo returning home to Brooklyn, but what about Rawle Alkins? Alkins is a Brooklyn native who will make his homecoming fort the Nets. Alkins brings that hard-nosed Brooklyn intensity every game when he steps out on the court.

He’s dealt with a foot injury for about half the season, and it has left some mixed reviews on his draft stock. However, what Alkins showed last year at the NBA combine in 5 on 5 should be enough to prove to anybody that he’s a legitimate prospect.

He isn’t a crazy athlete, but he’s a great defender and his strength really helps him standout defensively. Alkins can knock down an open shot or create for others. Rawle Alkins will have a chance at immediate backup minutes in Brooklyn, as a bench scorer and defender.