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2019 NBA Mock Draft: Entire Draft (1.0)

2019 NBA Mock Draft: Entire Draft (1.0)

The NCAA Tournament is over, so it’s time to turn our sights to the NBA Draft. The draft will take place on June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The draft order will be determined by the lottery, which will be held on May 14. My first mock is based solely on team records going in descending order. The order will change after the lottery, and I’ll follow up with a revised mock shortly after that. One final mock will come out the week before the actual draft. Before we dive in, there are a couple of things to watch for before and during the draft:

  • The first pick: Zion Williamson is almost unquestionably the top player on everyone’s big board, but if the Knicks somehow don’t get the first pick, he may not go number one. The Suns could really use a talented point guard to run the offense, and Ja Morant is a special talent at that position. He could be selected first overall if Phoenix gets the top pick.
  • The Atlanta Hawks potentially own five picks in this draft, including two possible lottery selections. They own four outright picks but received a top-five protected pick from the Mavericks last year in exchange for Luka Doncic. Keep an eye on the lottery, because if Dallas falls out of the top-five, their pick goes to Atlanta.
  • Some players boosted their stock and rose on my draft board based on quality play in the NCAA Tournament. For a full list and breakdown of those seven players, click here.

Some players have not yet declared for the draft, and they will be added to or removed from this group of players when this mock draft is next updated.

ROUND 1

  1. New York Knicks: Zion Williamson (PF/C – Duke) – I won’t get cute with this one. Williamson is the most talented and electric player in this draft class, and he’ll provide much-needed star power to a franchise that has been deprived of it for many years. At 6’8/290, he has a menacing and unique frame. Even with his enormous size, Williamson can move quickly and fluidly and jump with the best of them. He’s an athletic freak who can guard and play multiple positions, making him the most talented player in this draft class.
  2. Cleveland Cavaliers: R.J. Barrett (SG – Duke) – Barrett is one of the most aggressive scorers in this draft class and a competitor at the highest level. He isn’t the type of player to take a play off. He can improve his three-point and free-throw shooting, but he’s an incredible playmaker who led the Blue Devils in scoring on a team with two other lottery picks, Zion Williamson and Cam Reddish. The Cavs just spent a lottery pick on Colin Sexton last year, so it makes much more sense to take Barrett here rather than Ja Morant.
  3. Phoenix Suns: Ja Morant (PG – Murray State) – He was one of the best scorers and facilitators in the NCAA this season, averaging 24.6 points and 10.0 assists per game for the Racers, leading them to an NCAA tourney bid and a first-round upset over Marquette. Morant became just the fourth freshman in the last 36 years to lead the country in assists, and he was the only D-1 player to hand out at least 10.0 dimes in 2019.
  4. Chicago Bulls: Jarrett Culver (SG – Texas Tech) – Culver possesses a unique skill-set on both ends of the floor that make him NBA-ready right now. He’s strong and quick and can get to the basket with ease and can make a variety of shots on the floor. He scored nearly 20 points per game last year. He’s an excellent defender – probably the best one in the lottery. He led a Texas Tech team that boasted the NCAA’s best defensive rating while stifling opponents all season long.
  5. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish (SG/SF – Duke) – The Hawks’ starting lineup could certainly use some more scoring options, and Reddish is one of the most exciting prospects in the draft for his shooting skills. He’s got a lot of range and is excellent on catch-and-shoot opportunities. Although he cooled off at the end of the season, he’s still a sharpshooter and three-point specialist.
  6. Washington Wizards: De’Andre Hunter (SF/PF – Virginia) – Hunter led Virginia to a number-one seed in the NCAA tournament behind his 15.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 57.0 percent shooting from the floor and 46.0 percent from three. He’s 6’7 with a long reach and should immediately aid the Wizards’ team defense. Hunter is a reliable scorer who can get to the paint and isn’t afraid to take contact when doing so. He’s a much-needed scoring option to pair with Bradley Beal.
  7. Memphis Grizzlies: Coby White (PG/SG – North Carolina) – White is an extremely fast guard who excels in transition passing and scoring. He can use his speed to get a head of steam and finish with tough shots at the rim or pull up and hit an elbow jumper. He’s got a quick release and has a nice range. White is a player who can build momentum easily when he gets hot. He’ll add an instant spark to the Grizzlies’ backcourt.
  8. Atlanta Hawks: Rui Hachimura (SF/PF – Gonzaga) – Hachimura can shoot from anywhere on the floor and should provide another scoring punch for the Hawks. He provides physicality with his quickness in the post and ability to shoot through contact. Hachimura has a nose for the ball and should fit well with a team that needs a lot of help on the defensive end of the floor.
  9. New Orleans Pelicans: Brandon Clarke (PF/C – Gonzaga) – Back-to-back Gonzaga players come off the board in the top-10 here. Clarke spent two productive years at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga where he sat a year and then exploded onto the scene in 2019. He not only averaged better than 17 points and eight rebounds but blocked over three shots per game for the Zags. His two-way skills will be valuable in the NBA, and it looks like he’ll be the Pelicans’ replacement for Anthony Davis when AD is inevitably dealt this summer.
  10. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jaxson Hayes (PF/C – Texas) – Hayes is a long and athletic big who can play the four or the five. He doesn’t have much of a scoring repertoire outside of the paint, but he hustles on defense, switching well on pick-and-rolls and going after loose balls. He’s a great shot blocker, too. Minnesota needs some depth in the frontcourt.
  11. Los Angeles Lakers: Keldon Johnson (SG/SF – Kentucky) – Johnson fills a need for a Lakers team which desperately needs outside scoring. He’s a long, athletic wing who shoots 39.0 percent from three and 46.8 percent overall from the floor. LeBron James needs shooters, and Johnson fits the bill. He could slide into the rotation at the two or the three position and push for 20 minutes a night.
  12. Miami Heat: Nassir Little (SF – UNC) – Little stands 6’6, but he has incredible hops and plays above the rim. He’s a fiery competitor and super-athletic forward who will make a lot of highlight plays in the NBA.
  13. Charlotte Hornets: Darius Garland (PG – Vanderbilt) – Garland is exceptionally fast, can turn the corner quickly and can get to the hole. He’s not an elite passer, but he can be a quality scoring option at guard for the Hornets similar to what Kemba Walker has been. With Walker likely out the door this off-season, the move makes sense.
  14. Boston Celtics: Bruno Fernando (PF/C – Maryland) – Fernando comes in as a 6’10/240 lb. with a solid frame. He plays mostly power forward, but he’s more than capable of playing center if needed. He’s a quality passer and scorer from the post and an adept shot-blocker.
  15. Detroit Pistons: Cameron Johnson (SF – North Carolina) – He’s a fifth-year senior who will bring professionalism and maturity to the NBA. He’s improved his scoring and rebounding every year of his college career, and he’s a sharp-shooter extraordinaire. Johnson has shot 46.5 percent from three on 187 attempts this season. He’ll get some quality looks on an offense that plays inside out due to the strong play of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin.
  16. Brooklyn Nets: Sekou Doumbouya (SF/PF – Guinea) – Doumbouya is long and athletic with excellent rebounding abilities and a quick step. His reach and speed give him excellent tools to be a good defender at the NBA level. He can play guard or forward and defend multiple positions as well. He has a lot of room to improve, especially with his decision making, but the tools are there for Doumbouya to be a quality NBA player.
  17. Orlando Magic: Romeo Langford (SG – Indiana) – Langford will make a solid NBA scoring option at the two-guard, and he’s a competent defender as well. He’s far from an elite three-point shooter, but he can get to the basket and finish strong in traffic and has a reliable mid-range jumper.
  18. Boston Celtics: Goga Bitadze (C – Rep. of Georgia) – Bitadze is a raw talent who compares physically to Marc Gasol. He’s an excellent shot blocker and rebounder. Though he’s not a stretch-five with shooting range, he offers solid post offense and is great in pick and roll situations. There’s plenty of room for development for the 19-year old big man.
  19. Indiana Pacers: Ty Jerome (PG – Virginia) – Jerome is an experienced guard with three years under his belt at Virginia. He improved his shooting, scoring, rebounding, and assists every year in college. He’s a sharp-shooter from three and a great passer. He was the catalyst for the Cavaliers’ Final Four run in the NCAA tournament this year, facilitating the offense and making shots when the team needed them.
  20. San Antonio Spurs: Bol Bol (C – Oregon) – The big man from Oregon is a very interesting prospect at center. He’s tall at 7’2, but his 235-lb. frame makes him a little too slender and lanky to be a consistent presence under the basket playing against much bigger NBA centers. The good news is that he can be a stretch-five with his 52.0 percent three-point shooting.
  21. Oklahoma City Thunder: P.J. Washington (SF/PF – Kentucky) – Washington is an excellent two-way player. He plays big in the post with a range of scoring skills down low, but he can hit an outside shot if needed. He’s a great rebounder and can defend multiple positions. Washington is a difference maker on defense.
  22. Boston Celtics: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – Virginia Tech) – He’s excellent on catch-and-shoot opportunities, especially on spot-up threes, and he shot 38.3 percent from downtown in two years in college. Alexander-Walker is a great passer with good court vision.
  23. Utah Jazz: KZ Okpala (SG/SF – Stanford) – He has great handles and an uncanny ability to get to the basket. He’s always in attack mode, looking to get into the paint and draw contact, rarely settling for a jump shot.
  24. Philadelphia 76ers: Tyler Herro (SG – Kentucky) – Herro is a lanky guard with long reach that serves him well on defense and when grabbing rebounds. He’s a willing defender who can contribute on both ends of the court. He has a great first step and excellent touch around the rim. His movements are fluid when getting to the basket, and he moves well without the ball.
  25. Portland Trail Blazers: Kevin Porter (SG – USC) – Porter is a big guard who can play against much bigger opponents and get to the rim with ease. He shot 41.3 percent from three in 2018, making him a gifted scorer and outside shooter. He won’t make it into the lottery due to some off-the-court incidents and injury history, but he’s a lottery talent and could make an immediate impact in the NBA if he stays healthy and out of trouble.
  26. Cleveland Cavaliers: Chuma Okeke (SF/PF – Auburn) – Okeke is strong and explosive. He has a reliable jump shot and can knock down threes. He’s an excellent two-way player, with the ability to locate the ball and make the steal. He’s a respectable blocker, too. He falls in the draft a little bit because of his Sweet 16 ankle injury, but he’s a lottery talent.
  27. Brooklyn Nets: Matisse Thybulle (SG – Washington) – Thybulle was one of the best defenders in the country in 2018 and earned Pac 12 All-Defensive honors two years in a row. He’s only 6’5 but sports a 7’1 wingspan and can defend multiple positions. He led the nation in steals with 3.5 per game, ranked 18th in blocks (2.3), and was the first player in two decades to sport 100 steals and 70 blocks in the same season.
  28. Golden State Warriors: Daniel Gafford (PF/C – Arkansas) – Gafford is an imposing figure in the paint, and he should fill the Warriors’ need for a center should DeMarcus Cousins leave in free agency. Gafford doesn’t have an outside shot, having never attempted a three in college, and he’s a limited scorer outside of the paint. Still, he can block shots with authority and has a powerful finish at the rim, highlighted by some unbelievable dunks at Arkansas.
  29. San Antonio Spurs: Talen Horton-Tucker (SG – Iowa State) Horton-Tucker is a guard with a solid frame and some strength to him. He’s an elite scorer given his ability to make a variety of shots all over the floor. He has impressive ball-handling skills and shoots well off the dribble. THT has an excellent step-back shot that’s tough to defend.
  30. Milwaukee Bucks: Carsen Edwards (PG – Purdue) – Edwards averaged 23.6 points in his final season with the Boilermakers, leading them to a third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. He’s a gifted scorer with a serviceable three-point shot (averaging 34.6 percent in 2018 on 10.2 attempts per game), but he’s one of the best at heating up quickly and staying hot a la Klay Thompson. He’ll be an excellent scoring option off the bench for the Bucks who need help in that department for the second unit.

ROUND 2

  1. Brooklyn Nets: Admiral Schofield (SG/SF – Tennessee) – He’s big and physical and can back down defenders in the post. He has an NBA-ready body and shouldn’t have problems using his physicality at the next level. He shot 38.7 percent from three in four years at Tennessee, giving him a reliable shot from beyond the arc.
  2. Phoenix Suns: Grant Williams (PF – Tennessee) – Williams is a tough defender who can chase down the ball on defense and swat shots in the lane. He’s a sound rebounder too. He’s not a three-point shooter, having averaged just 29.7 percent from downtown on only one attempted three per game in his career, but he can score elsewhere. Williams averaged double-digit points in all three seasons with the Vols, culminating in 18.8 per game in 2018. He’s a two-time SEC Player of the Year.
  3. Philadelphia 76ers: Dylan Windler (SG/SF – Belmont) – Windler was a 20-and-10 player in his final season at Belmont, where he spent four years. He can play small forward or shooting guard, and he could fit with a team nicely as a 3-and-D wing because of his shooting and defense. He’ll provide instant offense off the bench with his range of scoring skills.
  4. Philadelphia 76ers: Charles Bassey (C – Western Kentucky) – Bassey has great size at 6’11/245. He finishes strong at the rim and has a quick step getting to the basket. He can pass effectively from the post and has a great mid-range jumper. He can also handle the ball well and shoot off the dribble.
  5. Atlanta Hawks: Jalen McDaniels (PF/C – San Diego State) – McDaniels has surprisingly good ball-handling skills for a 6’10 player. He can take the ball from the top of the key or the high post, face up with a defender, and get to the basket. He’s a solid rebounder.
  6. Charlotte Hornets: Naz Reid (C – LSU) – Another big goes off the board here with the Hornets grabbing an athletic big in Reid who can step out and make a three or take the ball from the top of the key and get to the basket.
  7. Dallas Mavericks: Luguentz Dort (SG – Arizona State) – Dort is a powerful guard who uses his bulky frame to muscle his way to the basket. He doesn’t shy away from drawing contact and almost seems to seek it when getting into the paint. He’s excellent in transition when grabbing a rebound and pushing the ball upcourt or running ahead for an outlet pass or lob dunk. He’s great without the ball and can make sharp cuts to the basket.
  8. Chicago Bulls: Shamorie Ponds (PG – St. John’s) – Ponds is super-athletic with his speed and strength. He is great at creating his own shot and shoots well off the dribble. Size is a concern for him, but he has a motor as relentless as Russell Westbrook and an ultra-competitive edge.
  9. New Orleans Pelicans: Eric Paschall (SF/PF – Villanova) – Paschall is an NCAA champion with four years’ experience, who brings a championship mentality to a rebuilding team. He’s good on both ends of the floor and plays a physical style of basketball. He’s an excellent passer.
  10. Sacramento Kings: Dedric Lawson (SG/SF – Kansas) – Lawson spent two years at Memphis before transferring to Kansas and playing one incredible season. He earned All-American honors with 19.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season. He’s a swingman who can play the four but is a bit undersized for the position in the NBA. He does a lot of dirty work in the paint and always seems to outwork opponents when going for the ball. The Kings need help rebounding, and the pick makes sense.
  11. Atlanta Hawks: Cassius Winston (PG – Michigan State) – Winston averaged a healthy 18.9 points and 7.6 assists in his final year at Michigan State, earning Big 10 Player of the Year honors. His biggest concern playing at the next level is his size (6’1/185), but he’s a gifted shooter (43.2 percent from thee, 84.7 percent from the charity stripe) and facilitator who is capable of running an NBA offense. He’s a winner, evidenced by the Spartans’ Final Four run and win over tournament-favorite Duke in the Elite Eight. He’ll add quality depth behind Trae Young.
  12. Atlanta Hawks: Nicolas Claxton (PF – Georgia) – Claxton is a long and lanky forward (6’11/215 lbs) who has decent handles and can shoot outside of the paint. His length and reach make him a great rebounder and blocker. He needs to bulk up and work on his post game, but the raw talent and size make him an interesting prospect.
  13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Darius Bazley (SF/PF – United States) – Bazley never attended college, forgoing what would have been his freshman season to instead train on his own to prepare for the NBA Draft. He doesn’t have any playing time beyond the high school level. He’s 6’9, 200 with a nearly 7’0 wingspan making him a versatile defender. Bazley is a good shooter, and he has a lot of untapped potential, especially considering he’ll have just turned 19 by the time the draft rolls around.
  14. Philadelphia 76ers: Sagaba Konate (PF – West Virginia) – Konate provides a huge presence in the paint with his large frame (6’8/250 lb) and excellent defense. Over his final two seasons at WVU, he averaged better than 10 points and seven rebounds each season, swatting three shots per game. He’ll be a solid addition to the 76ers’ second unit.
  15. Detroit Pistons: Kris Wilkes (SG/SF – UCLA) – Wilkes is a long 6’8 at the two-guard, and he uses that length to make a variety of shots in the paint. He has a well-rounded offensive skill-set, and he’s able to make shots on catch-and-shoot opportunities, off the dribble, and in transition.
  16. Sacramento Kings: Jaylen Nowell (SG – Washington) – Nowell is Minnesota’s replacement for Jimmy Butler. He can do it all on both ends of the floor with his passing, rebounding, and defense. He’s a natural scorer with a great outside shot, he finishes with ferocious power when he gets in the paint. He’s a fierce competitor.
  17. Orlando Magic: Luka Samanic (PF – Croatia) – Samanic is a big with surprising athleticism and quickness who can handle the ball. He runs the floor on fast breaks, cuts to the basket well, and has a solid post game. He’s not an excellent shooter, but that can be developed. He has the physical tools to succeed in the NBA.
  18. San Antonio Spurs: Jordan Nwora (SF/PF – Louisville) – Nwora has a natural ability to get to the basket using his quick first step, and he finishes strong even with contact. He’s a respectable three-point shooter and he can crash the glass using his huge leaping and long frame. Nwora is a willing defender and will fit well with the Jazz.
  19. Indiana Pacers: Ty Bowman (PG – Boston College) – Bowman is a quick guard with great handles and elite speed. He’s got major ups and isn’t afraid to get into the paint and is a great scorer in transition. Bowman isn’t afraid to go up for a rebound. He’s a tough guy who will work well with the Pacers.
  20. Los Angeles Clippers: Terance Mann (SG – Florida State) – Mann led the Seminoles to the Sweet 16 in his senior season after four years with Florida State. He’s long and powerful and can get rebounds when needed. He’s hard-working and a team player who will do well with the Grizzlies’ blue-collar team.
  21. Charlotte Hornets: Robert Franks (SF/PF – Washington State) – He’s a strong forward who can play under the basket and get rebounds, but he also has range. Franks shot 39.9 percent from deep on seven attempts per game and finished his career shooting over 80.0 percent from the foul line. He brings valuable size and shooting to the NBA.
  22. Boston Celtics: Aric Holman (PF/C – Mississippi State) – Holman has good size for an NBA big, and he’s an excellent defender. He has a decent post game and can step outside to make a three. He drained 43.5 percent of his shots from beyond the arc over his final two seasons at Mississippi State.
  23. Utah Jazz: Jontay Porter (C – Missouri) – At 6’10/236, Porter is long and lanky. He’s a great passer and rebounder and has the quickness and shot-making ability to play the role of stretch-five in the NBA.
  24. Philadelphia 76ers: Deividas Srvyidas (SF – Lithuania) – Servydis is a very interesting international prospect. He’s only 18 years old with a lot of room to grow. He’s long and lanky and needs to bulk up a bit, but he’s got a very quick first step and good acceleration. He’s a good shooter and can take the ball to the basket using either hand. There’s a lot of potential for this young forward.
  25. Los Angeles Clippers: Tacko Fall (C – Central Florida) – Fall was the tallest player in college basketball in 2018 who famously claimed he wouldn’t let Zion Williamson jam on him during the NCAA tournament matchup between Duke and UCF. He lives in the paint on offense and has a tendency to foul too much. Still, at 7’6/295, his presence alone can force opposing shooters to alter their shot or stay out of the lane altogether. His size is a clear advantage in rebounding and blocking shots.
  26. New York Knicks: Markus Howard (PG – Marquette) – Howard scored 25.0 points per game at only 19 years old. He’s an elite three-point shooter and all-around scorer. There are concerns about his size and defense, but such a prolific scorer will fit in well with one of 2018’s worst NBA offenses.
  27. New Orleans Pelicans: Miye Oni (SG – Yale) – The Ivy League Player of the Year averaged 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 2018 at Yale. He has a decent three-point shot and natural scoring ability with his ability to get to the basket and back down defenders in the post.
  28. Golden State Warriors: Kerwin Roach II (SG – Texas) – Roach boosted his stock by leading Texas to an NIT championship. He has the ability to get to his spot and knock down mid-range jumpers. He can improve his three-point shooting but usually hits his open looks, which he’ll get plenty of in Golden State. He is very athletic and hustles on every play.
  29. Toronto Raptors: Udoka Azubuike (C – Kansas) – Although he has a limited offensive skillset, Azubuike is a powerful finisher at the rim and will throw down some massive dunks. At 7’0/275 lbs, he’s an imposing force in the paint and an excellent defender and shot-blocker.
  30. Sacramento Kings: Ethan Happ (C – Wisconsin) – Happ has excellent handles for a man his size, and he is gifted at getting to the basket when taking the ball from the top of the key. He can beat defenders in a variety of ways, including a great spin move, shot fakes, and up-and-unders. He uses those skills in the post, where he’s able to get buckets and draw contact frequently.

Zachary Hanshew is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster. 

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