2019 NBA Draft

1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, PF, Duke: The Pelicans got their coveted superstar. This could end up being a franchise changing pick if Zion lives up to the hype. He was the best prospect and deserved the number one pick. GRADE: A

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State: The standout sophomore may be the most skilled offensive player in the draft. The Grizzlies pick up their new face of the franchise after trading Mike Conley. GRADE: A

3. New York Knicks: R.J. Barrett, SG, Duke: R.J. wanted to be a Knick, and now his dream has officially come true. If he finds a way to become an effective shooter Barrett could end up being the best player of this draft. GRADE: B+

4. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Hunter, SF, Virginia: A solid all around collegiate player, only time will tell if Hunter can contribute at a high level in the NBA. The risk is small with Hunter, but he lacks the upside of other prospects in the draft. GRADE: B

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt: This a clear decision to pick a premium talent over need. It will be interesting if this is already the end of the road for point guard Collin Sexton (Cleveland’s 1st round pick last year) with the arrival of Garland. GRADE: C+

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech: A well rounded athlete who will compete with the incumbent shooting guard Josh Okogie for a starting job. Culver’s versatility will allow him to contribute to the Wolves right away. GRADE: B+

7. Chicago Bulls: Coby White, PG, North Carolina: The Bulls will be one of the youngest and most athletic teams in the NBA next year. White will contribute right away defensively, the question will be how effective can he be offensively. GRADE: A

8. New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxon Hayes, C, Texas: The Pelicans are having themselves a draft by picking up elite athletes. Hayes has to build on his frame in order to last at the next level. However, his vertical jump and defensive instincts are worth the pick here. GRADE: A

9. Washington Wizards: Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga: The Wizards needed some help at the power forward position. Hachimura will bring offensive talent to the table, but lacks the defensive skill of other prospects. GRADE: C

10. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish, SF, Duke: This is a pick where the Hawks are banking on Reddish’s potential. He lacked consistency at the collegiate level, which led to him dropping to the number ten pick. GRADE: B

11. Phoenix Suns: Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina: The Suns continue to add shooting to their roster. They traded for Dario Saric, and now have drafted a three point threat in Johnson. Cameron is a competitor and the first four year player to come off the board. GRADE: C

12. Charlotte Hornets: P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky: A standout sophomore season allowed Washington to move up draft boards. A solid three point shooter and competitor will have the opportunity to start right away in Buzz City. GRADE: B+

13. Miami Heat: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky: The Heat are looking to improve their perimeter game with this pick. Herro has the potential to be an off the ball threat similar to J.J. Redick. This could be a solid pick if Herro develops his overall game. GRADE: C

14. Boston Celtics: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana: Another upside pick in the draft by the Celtics. Langford is a special athlete who plays with a competitive edge, if he develops a jump shot this could be a steal at 14. GRADE: B

15. Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya, SF/PF, France: Impressive measurables and frame made Sekou stand out in his draft profile. He needs time to develop, but for the Pistons it is worth the risk in the middle of the first round. GRADE: C+

16. Orlando Magic: Chuma Okeke, PF, Auburn: A well rounded defender with the ability to shoot threes. Chuma is a risk as he will be recovering from an ACL tear suffered during the NCAA tournament. GRADE: C

17. New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech: Alexander-Walker can instantly become a 3 and D threat in the NBA. The Pelicans continue to add to their rebuilt team based around youth talent. GRADE: A

18. Indiana Pacers: Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia: Bitadze has impressive offensive skill for a big man. He has not played against the same talent as his peers, but could be a nice complementary piece behind Myles Turner at center. GRADE: B

19. San Antonio Spurs: Luka Samanic, PF, Croatia: Could we have another dose of Luka Magic for the Spurs? Samanic turned heads at the NBA draft combine, and obviously caught the eye of San Antonio. The Spurs continue their habit of drafting and molding international talent. GRADE: B

20. Philadelphia 76ers: Matisse Thybulle, SG, Washington: The 76ers are obviously looking to improve their perimeter defense. Thybulle boasted impressive block and steal numbers during his time at Washington. How he develops offensively will be the ultimate question. GRADE: A

21. Memphis Grizzlies: Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga: What he lacks in athleticism he makes up for with his grit and determination. A solid rebounder and defender Clarke can contribute right away. GRADE: B

22. Boston Celtics: Grant Williams, PF, Tennessee: A stout athlete who was the unquestioned leader of the Volunteers. Will be interesting if his offensive skills can translate at the next level. GRADE: C+

23. Oklahoma City Thunder: Darius Bazley, SF, USA: Originally committed to play college basketball at Syracuse, but decided to forgo college and focus on the draft. Solid athlete who can guard multiple decisions will need time to develop. GRADE: C

24. Phoenix Suns: Ty Jerome, PG, Virginia: The Suns may have found their future at the point guard position. Jerome is a solid all-around player that doesn’t stand out in any one area. Was the floor general of the 2019 NCAA champion Virginia Cavaliers: GRADE: B+

25. Portland Trail Blazers: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina: A former top prospect coming out of high school, Little was underwhelming during his time with the Tar Heels. However, Little is tremendous athlete and competitor defensively who could be a major steal at the end of round one. GRADE: A

26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont: Windler averaged a double-double at Belmont, and possesses solid shooting skill. The question will be how does Windler handle the step up in competition. GRADE: C

27. Los Angeles Clippers: Mfiondu Kabengele, PF, Florida State: A standout during the 2019 NCAA tournament for the Seminoles. Has tremendous length, and has showcased his skills as a perimeter threat. The Clippers add another valuable piece to their depth minded team. GRADE: B+

28. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Poole, SG, Michigan: The Warriors three peat hopes crashed and burned due to injuries. Kevin Durant is likely to miss all of next year due to an achilles injury, and is set to hit the open market as well. Klay Thompson will miss most of next year’s season with an ACL tear. Golden State adds Poole who can really shoot the rock. GRADE: C

29. San Antonio Spurs: Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky: The Spurs have quietly had a very nice draft so far. Johnson brings competitiveness and defensive skill to the table. If his shooting continues to improve the Spurs have themselves a serious player. GRADE: A

30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC: Porter Jr. disappointed at USC, as his play was underwhelming and he had issues of the court. However, Porter Jr. is worth the risk with his physical gifts and ball handling skills. New Cavalier coach John Beilein is the perfect mentor for Porter as he is familiar with developing young college kids. GRADE: B

Round 2

31. Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton, C, Georgia: The standing reach and overall physical skills are intriguing. Claxton has to improve his frame and body in order to hold up at the center position. GRADE: B

32. Miami Heat: KZ Okpala, SF, Stanford: Okpala has unbelievable physical tools and eye opening athleticism. He like Claxton, is a serious project and will take time to develop. However, Okpala can spend some time in the G-League to bolster his overall game. GRADE: B+

33. Boston Celtics: Carsen Edwards, PG, Purdue: Edwards has the size of the point guard, but the playing style of a shooting guard. Edwards went on a phenomenal run leading the Boilermakers to the Elite 8 in the NCAA tournament. A confident scorer brings instant offense to a defensive minded Celtics team. GRADE: A

34. Atlanta Hawks: Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland: Fernando is an old school, back to the basket center. He has the ability to be a real rim protector, but lacks the shooting ability to stretch the defense. GRADE: B

35. New Orleans Pelicans: Marcos Louzada Silva, SF, Brazil: Plays with a non-stop motor, and has solid defensive instincts. A serious project who is a long way from playing steady minutes at the NBA level. GRADE: C

36. Charlotte Hornets: Cody Martin, SF, Nevada: Solid finisher at the rim, high basketball IQ, and well rounder defender. Martin has to improve as a three point shooter in order to stick around in the league. GRADE: C

37. Detroit Pistons: Deividas Sirvydis, SF, Latvia: Solid shooter who has experience playing at the highest level in Lithuania. Another project who could pay off in the long term. GRADE: C+

38. Chicago Bulls: Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas: The Bulls add another above the rim player to their lineup. Gafford has the skills to run for a big man on the fast break, and can also protect the rim. Like Fernando, Gafford has a limited game offensively, but could be a DeAndre Jordan type player in the future: GRADE: B+

39. Golden State Warriors: Alen Smailagic, C, Serbia: Smailagic played for the Warriors G-League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors, so this draft decision is no surprise. Another developmental pick who is unlikely to contribute for several years. Decent rebounder who plays with a ton of energy. GRADE: C

40. Sacramento Kings: Justin James, SG, Wyoming: James had a great season for a bad Wyoming team. James has some skills, but does not stand out in any one area. GRADE: C

41. Golden State Warriors: Eric Paschall, PF, Villanova: A solid contributor during his time at Villanova. Paschall does all the little things, and has a mentally tough approach to the floor. Draymond Green could be the perfect mentor to Paschall. GRADE: B

42. Washington Wizards: Admiral Schofield, PF, Tennessee: Another high character and natural born leader type. Schofield was one of the top offensive options on a impressive Tennessee team last season. The Wizards are clearly taking experienced college players over young projects: GRADE: C+

43. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaylen Nowell, SG, Washington: The player of the year for a lackluster Pac-12 conference. Nowell has ball skills, but lacks shooting skill and defensive instincts. The Timberwolves are hoping he can develop into a dependable player. GRADE: B

44. Denver Nuggets: Bol Bol, C, Oregon: A massive prospect standing at 7’2 with surprising perimeter shot making ability. Bol Bol’s short nine game run at Oregon was impressive, but his major injury to his foot hurt his draft stock. Teams obviously were apprehensive about taking a chance on such a large man recovering from a stress fracture. GRADE: A

45. Dallas Mavericks: Isaiah Roby, PF, Nebraska: A solid athlete with an ability to attack at the rim. Roby also showed some well rounded defensive skills. Mavericks simply need depth in their frontcourt, and Roby fits the bill. GRADE C+

46. Los Angeles Lakers: Talen Horton-Tucker, SG, Iowa State: A big, physical guard who moves defenders when he decides to drive. Solid ball handling skills, but will have to improve defensively in order to stay on the floor. GRADE: B

47. New York Knicks: Ignas Brazdeikis, PF, Michigan: Not the best athlete in the world, but constantly found ways to score at Michigan. Brazdeikis can really shoot it, and seems to fit the bill as a solid bench piece. Grade: C+

48. Los Angeles Clippers: Terance Mann, SF, Florida State: Decent player for the Seminoles that showcased potential on the defensive end. Like most of the second round prospects, Mann will likely have to develop in the G-League before making the NBA jump. GRADE: C+

49. San Antonio Spurs: Quinndary Weatherspoon, SG, Mississippi State: Weatherspoon stood out as a top option for the Bulldogs. One of the best players in the SEC during the previous season earned him a draft spot. Weatherspoon can be yet another 3 and D option for the Spurs. GRADE: B

50. Utah Jazz: Jarrell Brantley, PF, Charleston: Brantley is a solid rebounder and could develop into a solid defender. Has little to no shooting ability, more of a back to the basket type post player. GRADE: C

51. Boston Celtics: Tremont Waters, PG, LSU: The floor general for the Tigers last season, Waters can handle the basketball and has quick hands. Undersized point but competes at a high level. GRADE: C+

52. Charlotte Hornets: Jalen McDaniels: A major project that had an underwhelming Sophomore season at San Diego State. He has the physical talent, but so far has not translated into a consistent player. GRADE: C

53. Utah Jazz: Justin Wright-Foreman: A serious scoring threat who shined for Hofstra this past season. He averaged 27 points a game which is impressive at any level. The question will be can he translate his game against far superior competition. GRADE: C+

54. Philadelphia 76ers: Marial Shayok, SF, Iowa State: Had a standout season as the leader of the Iowa State Hawkeyes. Showcased improved offensive skills and steered his way into the draft conversation. GRADE: C

55. Sacramento Kings: Kyle Guy, PG, Virginia: Consistent shooter who stepped up in big time moments for Virginia. Guy lacks athleticism, but will bring some depth to the Kings behind De’Aaron Fox. GRADE: C

56. Brooklyn Nets: Jaylen Hands, PG, UCLA: Solid passer who is very unselfish with the rock. Is an average shooter at best, but his willingness to pass allows him to be a good team player. GRADE: B

57. Detroit Pistons: Jordan Bone, PG, Tennessee: Showed some physical and athletic gifts during the NBA Draft combine. Has the physical makeup and size of a ideal point guard. The Pistons are banking on his makeup more than his basketball prowess. GRADE: B

58. Utah Jazz: Miye Oni, SG, Yale: Hard worker with an impressive wingspan, was by far the best player for Yale last season. Has some shooting skills could possibly make a run on a NBA roster. GRADE: C

59. Toronto Raptors: Dewan Hernandez, C, Miami: Missed all of last season due to NCAA violations. Hernandez showcased a solid skillset during his time with Miami. He is worth taking a flier on at the end of Round 2. GRADE: C

60. Sacramento Kings: Vanja Marinkovic, SG, Serbia: Marinkovic has been playing professionally since 2013. He has an offensive minded approach, and his experience could help him find a spot with the Kings. GRADE: C+

Photo Credit: https://www.complex.com/sports/2019/06/2019-nba-draft-prospect-compared-to-pros