2019 NBA Mock Draft

1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, PF, Duke: Zion is the best prospect in the draft. He is a unbelievable athlete with all the makings of a star. He has the ability to drive, shoot, defend, and finish at an elite level. The Pelicans need a superstar to replace Anthony Davis, and Zion could be that guy.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State: The clear cut number two prospect in the draft is Morant. He is the best overall point guard with the ability to shoot, pass, and be the floor general the Grizzlies need. Mike Conley has long been the face of the franchise, but has been mentioned recently in trade talks. It is time for Memphis to move on and rebuild with a new leader.

3. New York Knicks: R.J. Barrett, SF, Duke: Barrett was an accomplished player in his short tenure at duke. Showing an ability to distribute and create his own opportunities to score. He also showed flashes of being a capable defender at the next level. The Knicks are starved for young talent and Barrett offers a solution.

4. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Hunter, SF, Virginia: A well rounded prospect, Hunter was the leader of a Virginia squad that won the 2019 NCAA Championship. Hunter can defend, shoot, and contribute in a number of ways. What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in character and experience. His shooting ability would mesh well with the playmaking skills of future all-star Trae Young.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech: The clear leader of a surprising Texas Tech squad that came up short the 2019 NCAA championship game to Virginia. Culver is a smooth athlete that fits the bill as a 3 and D type player in the NBA. The Cavaliers are desperate for talent along side Collin Sexton. Culver adds to a rebuilding Cavalier team.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt: The Timbervolves desperately need a point guard to join forces with Andrew Wiggins and Karl Anthony-Towns. Garland showed tremendous upside in his limited playing time with Vanderbilt. Injuries derailed his freshman season, but his limited sample size showed his ability to score and create which the Timberwolves could certainly use.

7. Chicago Bulls: Cobi White, PG, North Carolina: The Bulls could use an upgrade over current point guard Kris Dunn. White brings elite speed and athleticism to the table along with solid defensive skills. His ability to lead the break and play at a fast pace fits the strategy of a young core in Chicago. White and other young stars like Zach Lavine, Lauri Markkanen, and Wendall Carter Jr. could resurrect the hopes of basketball fans in Chicago.

8. New Orleans Pelicans: Cam Reddish, SG, Duke: Reddish has all of the talent in the world, but lacks a major quality which is consistency. He showed flashes of superstar potential, and will have to work on becoming a more dependable overall player. His ability to shoot and defend will allow him to instantly contribute for the Pelicans. He is also reunited with his college teammate Zion as they kickstart their NBA careers.

9. Washington Wizards: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina: Little came out of high school as one of the top recruits in the nation. He underperformed at North Carolina, and in turn his draft stock took a hit. Nassir is still worth the risk with his upside, athleticism, and defensive ability. The Wizards need to find a replacement at small forward after trading Otto Porter Jr. last season

10. Atlanta Hawks: Jaxon Hayes, C, Texas: Hayes is a jaw dropping athlete with phenomenal leaping ability. He can instantly be a factor with his shot blocking intangibles and non-stop motor. He needs to work on his slim frame, but has time to develop into a DeAndre Jordan type center.

11. Phoenix Suns: Sekou Doumbouya, SF/PF, France: The Suns are a team looking to rebuild fast, and could use in influx of young talent. Sekou is your typical high-risk, high-reward talent with upside. He has star potential, but has not competed at the same level of his fellow prospects. If I’m the Suns he is worth the risk.

12. Charlotte Hornets: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana: The Hornets are bogged down with contracts, and are unlikely to be active in free agency outside of resigning Kemba Walker. This makes their draft day even more essential to make a impactful pick. I believe Langford is the best overall fit for what the Hornets need. With Jeremy Lamb hitting free agency, there is a gaping hole at shooting guard which the freshman could fill. Langford is an athletic wing with the ability to drive to the hoop. If he can improve on his jump shot he could end up being a steal in the middle of round one.

13. Miami Heat: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech: The Heat have various needs, but none more than a solid wing. Alexander-Walker is a capable scorer who can play on or off the ball. He can develop into a nice combo guard, and give the Heat an outside threat to replace the retiring Dwyane Wade.

14. Boston Celtics: P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky: Washington had a standout Sophomore year showing an ability to shoot and rebound. The Celtics need power forward help with Marcus Morris hitting the open market. Washington is a plug and play type player who would fit seamlessly into Brad Stevens rotation.

15. Detroit Pistons: Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC: Porter Jr. had a up and down season at USC. He simply did not meet expectations in L.A., and had off the court issues as well. However, if he can stay focused on the court Porter can be a real weapon for an NBA team. The Pistons need an influx of young talent to compete long term.

16. Orlando Magic: Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky: The Magic have Mo Bamba to replace Nikola Vucevic if he were to change teams this summer. However, the same can not be side behind Terrence Ross. Johnson would give them a instant replacement at a cheaper price than Ross. He displays the same attributes as a 3 and D type player.

17. New Orleans Pelicans: Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonazaga: Hacimura brings an attitude to his game, and is natural born leader on the floor. The Pelicans could use someone like him behind Zion. Rui can bring instant offense off the bench by forcing contact on the drive or streching the defense on the perimeter.

18. Indiana Pacers: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky: Herro has similar qualities as respected veteran J.J. Redick. His ability to shoot the three will allow him to always have a place on a NBA roster. The Pacers could use depth at the two position, and Herro is another instant offense prospect to consider. Herro would essentially replace Tyreke Evans who was banned from the league due to failed drug tests.

19. San Antonio Spurs: Goga Bitdze, C, Georgia: The Spurs have constantly sought out international talent, and it has been beneficial more times than not. Bitdze is a skilled big with the ability to play inside and out. He like Doumbouya, has played at a lower level and is far from a sure thing. Having Gregg Popovich as a coach, would be a perfect match for Goga to grow and become a functional part of a NBA roster.

20. Boston Celtics: Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland: Al Horford could potentially leave in free agency, and the Celtics have to prepare for the worst. Fernando is a rim protecting big with a knack for rebounding. He is somewhat effective in the post but lacks a perimeter game. He has an old school center type game that has largely faded out in the NBA of today. However, at the 20th spot this is good value for a potential top 15 pick.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga: The Thunder are tasked with managing an escalated cap situation. The Thunder could use a high energy power forward to smooth out the rotation. Clarke is a hard working, driven player who makes up for his lack of elite athleticism with grit. He would give the Thunder a defensive edge along with a gift of rebounding instincts.

22. Boston Celtics: Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina: Johnson is a tremendous shooter who steadily improved year to year at Carolina. He is one of the oldest prospects in the field as he stayed all four years with the Tar Heels. His maturity and experience gives the Celtics a reliable piece behind Jayson Tatum.

23. Memphis Grizzlies: Matisse Thybulle, SG, Washington: The Grizzlies could use some depth at the shooting guard position. It would be an ideal fit to put a defensive stopper next to Ja Morant. Thybulle has a long way to go in terms of offense, but defensively he can produce right away.

24. Philadelphia 76ers: Mfiondu Kabengele, PF, Florida State: Kabengele did himself a favor by showing out during the NCAA tournament. He has a rare combination of rim protection and three point shooting abilities. The Sixers could use some depth in their frontcourt.

25. Portland Trail Blazers: Daniel Gafford, PF, Arkansas: Gafford is more than capable of running the floor, which fits the Trail Blazers high octane style of play. He also has potential to be a legit force on the defensive end. With Jusuf Nurkic returning from a major injury, Portland needs more depth in case of any setbacks.

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bol Bol, C, Oregon: The 7’2 son of the late Manute Bol, put up impressive offensive and defensive numbers in his short stint at Oregon. His freshman season was derailed by a stress fracture in his foot. Bol Bol has shown flashes of greatness, but their is real concern about his build as well as long term health. The Cavaliers can take a risk in this case as a rebuilding franchise with a lack of immediate expectations.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Grant Williams, PF, Tennessee: Williams was the heart and soul of a successful Tennessee squad this past season. He can shoot from three, and plays with an unrivaled passion. He is undersized and lacks the athleticism of his peers. It will be interesting to see if he game can translate to the pro level.

28. Golden State Warriors: Ty Jerome, PG, Virginia: Jerome displays a high basketball IQ, ability to pass and shoot, and overall consistency. The Warriors are going to need depth more than ever with Klay Thompson missing most of next year with an ACL tear. Kevin Durant could leave in free agency, and is likely to miss the entire year with an achilles injury. The Warriors have an impeccable drafting history in recent years, and will look to add value at the end of round 1.

29. San Antonio Spurs: KZ Okpala, SF, Stanford: Okpala has a ridiculous frame, and the makings of being a tyrant on the defensive end. He is a project offensively, and is unlikely to contribute on that end right away. The Spurs should be willing to take the risk on his upside alone.

30. Detroit Pistons: Carsen Edwards, PG, Purdue: Edwards wowed the world with his offensive explosions for the Boilermakers in their run to the Elite 8. The Pistons could use his offensive prowess to put some life into their bench play. Reggie Jackson could use a reprieve behind him at the point guard position

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