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Sporting News
We are only days away from the 2019 NBA Draft and speculation could not be any higher. The top three picks seem to be set, but after that everything is up for discussion. This is the final edition of my mock draft.
1. New Orleans Pelicans: F Zion Williamson- Duke
Alright, there is not too much to discuss here. The Pelicans won the draft lottery and the Zion sweepstakes and will be able to build their organizational image around one of basketball’s most exciting players.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: PG Ja Morant- Murray State
The Grizzlies have been trying to trade Mike Conley for the past year, making Morant the obvious selection. Besides Zion, he was one of college basketball’s most explosive players, often flirting with triple doubles in a Russell Westbrook-esque fashion. Morant joins Jaren Jackson Jr in the task of rebuilding the organization.
3. New York Knicks: G/F RJ Barrett- Duke
Rumor has it that the Knicks are sold on selecting Barrett with the third pick, and for good reason. A player who does not shy away from the spotlight would be a tremendous fit in the Big Apple. Not to mention, he has the makings of a top-level scorer that New York needs.
4. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers): G/F Jarrett Culver- Texas Tech
Acquired in the package that the Pels got for Anthony Davis, New Orleans chooses to add depth at the wing position. Despite having Brandon Ingram, Culver is a good selection because of his 3-and-D mold, and offensive potential.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: G/F Cam Reddish- Duke
The third Duke player taken in the top five, Reddish has opened some eyes with his draft workouts. A 6-foot-8 wing with crafty handles and respectful perimeter shooting, he adds another scoring option to the Cavs alongside Collin Sexton and Kevin Love.
6. Phoenix Suns: PG Darius Garland- Vanderbilt
It has been rumored that Phoenix was looking to trade this pick for a veteran point guard, but it will be assumed that they use this pick for mock draft purposes. Garland is the best point guard available on the board and would do wonders for the Suns’ ball movement and offensive scheme.
7. Chicago Bulls: G Coby White- North Carolina
The Bulls take White here to pair alongside Zach LaVine; the North Carolina product can play as the primary ball handler or off-the-ball and projects as a pure three-level scorer in the league. The Bulls add another piece to a quietly scary young core.
8. Atlanta Hawks: F De’Andre Hunter- Virginia
Hunter will be able to fill two of the Hawks’ immediate needs: wing depth and defense. His offensive game is still a concern, but Atlanta won’t have to rely on him to score substantially right off the bat. Regardless, the 3-and-D potential makes this pick a no-brainer.
9. Washington Wizards: C Jaxson Hayes- Texas
The Wizards are on the brink of a full-on rebuild and Hayes is oozing with potential. Raw offensively, he shows signs of mid-range development and can run and handle the ball the way that few big men can.
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks): C Goga Bitadze- Republic of Georgia
This may be seen as a stretch, but Bitadze is my top international prospect. The pick-and-roll potential with Trae Young and possible three-level scoring makes this a dangerous pick…for opponents.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves: F Sekou Doumbouya- France
It is unclear which route the Timberwolves will go, but Doumbouya’s athleticism and work ethic outweigh his raw offensive game. The talent and skills are there; he just needs the right development to have a long NBA career.
12. Charlotte Hornets: G Kevin Porter Jr- USC
If you follow my twitter, it’s no surprise that I love this pick. KPJ is my fourth best prospect; he has good footwork, handles, and athleticism, and not to mention he can create his own shot with ease. Grand slam for Michael Jordan and co.
13. Miami Heat: F Nassir Little- North Carolina
I personally think that Little is not a lottery prospect, but he improved his stock with combine measurements and pre-draft workouts. Who better than Miami to tap into his 3-and- D potential?
14. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento Kings): SG Tyler Herro- Kentucky
In my opinion, Herro is the best pure shooter in the class; there are reports that he had a stellar workout with the Celtics and with Detroit and Orlando picking next, Boston goes ahead and gets their guy.
15. Detroit Pistons: G Nickeil Alexander-Walker; Virginia Tech
16. Orlando Magic: G Romeo Langford- Indiana
17. Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets): G/F Keldon Johnson- Kentucky
18. Indiana Pacers: F PJ Washington- Kentucky
19. San Antonio Spurs: C Bol Bol- Oregon
20. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): F Grant Williams- Tennessee
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Cam Johnson- North Carolina
22. Boston Celtics: F/C Mfiondu Kabengele- Florida State
23. Utah Jazz: F Brandon Clarke- Gonzaga
24. Philadelphia 76ers: PG Carsen Edwards- Purdue
25. Portland Trailblazers: F Dylan Windler- Belmont
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Houston Rockets): C Bruno Fernando- Maryland
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Denver Nuggets): PF Chuma Okeke- Auburn
28. Golden State Warriors: PG Ty Jerome- Virginia
29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors): F Rui Hachimura- Gonzaga
30. Milwaukee Bucks: C Nicolas Claxton- Georgia