Image retrieved from hiptoro.com
Hey everyone. I posted my first and only other mock here the other day, and with how crazy the NBA is, I feel an update is necessary before the draft tonight. All changes are as of 11:45 EST on June 20th, 2019. Please give it a read and leave feedback in the comments!
!! = new team drafting or new player picked
(-) = player moved down
(+) = player moved up
2019 NBA Draft First Round Mock v2 (FINAL)
1. New Orleans – Zion Williamson (Duke)
This one is fairly easy to justify in any
case. Zion has a ton of potential on top of the fact that he was far and away
the most dominant player in college basketball last year. On top of this, he’s
shown that he’s a capable defender who should certainly improve at the NBA
level. Definitely has his flaws with shooting and his reliance upon the same
post moves, but you simply cannot pass up a talent like Zion with this pick.
2. Memphis – Ja Morant (Murray State)
Another fairly easy pick to make here with Morant going to the Grizzlies. Mike Conley is officially gone, and the Ja Morant-led Grizzlies era is upon us. A phenomenal passer and scorer, just needs to improve decision making in some cases and fix his jump shot. His energy is off the charts and his speed should translate smoothly to the NBA. Other than that, the Grizzlies should and will end up getting exactly what they expect when they draft Morant.
3. New York – RJ Barrett (Duke)
Simply put, Barrett is the third best player
in what has been dubbed a three-player draft. People will look to his
inefficiency at Duke as a warning sign, but I’d still take Barrett before
anyone not named Williamson or Morant. The Knicks need the best player
available, and Barrett was the number one prospect for this draft class before
Zion took the world by storm. Having to play in a system with two other
potential top 10 picks certainly didn’t help either, and Barrett still managed to
set the ACC freshman scoring record. Barrett has all the tools and the work
ethic to be great at the next level, and by joining the Knicks, he’ll be
provided the environment to instantly become a star for a team lacking in that
department.
!! 4. Minnesota (from New Orleans via Lakers) – Darius Garland (+2)
(New Orleans sends the 4th pick to Minnesota in exchange for the 11th pick and Robert Covington)
First difference from my original mock. This exact trade has been gaining some traction in the rumor mill, so let’s go with it. New Orleans trades down and can still get a player they need (a big, for example), and Minnesota gets the player they want in Garland. Garland is a bit of a question mark in regard to his ability to play at this level – he only played a handful of games in college before his season ending meniscus injury – but if his skills from those games and high school can translate, he’ll fit perfectly on the Bulls. Garland is a reliable shooting option and his passing skills are great. Paired next to an offensive star in Andrew Wiggins Karl Anthony-Towns, and Garland is in the perfect position to succeed. Unfortunately, that’s where the line is drawn for Garland. He’s a bit undersized and hasn’t shown he can draw fouls, and his defense is suspect, but from an offensive standpoint, this is exactly the player Chicago needs for future success.
!! 5. Atlanta (from Cleveland) – Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech) (-1)
(Cleveland sends 5th pick to Atlanta in exchange for the 8th pick, 17th pick, and 35th pick)
This is where things get a bit interesting. The Hawks have been very interested in acquiring Culver’s services, and since the Pelicans wouldn’t trade out in this scenario, this potential trade between Cleveland and Atlanta could happen here. Culver is a strong defensive wing that will take some heat off of Trae Young while maintaining floor spacing for the shooters on the Hawks like Young and Kevin Huerter. Culver can also fill a void as a tenacious rebounder for his position. While Culver isn’t an exceptional shooter, Young and Huerter will provide shooting from the outside so Culver isn’t dependent on a three point shot he doesn’t have in his bag – yet. Meanwhile, Cleveland gains more draft capital as their rebuilding project gets underway.
!! 6. Phoenix – Coby White (North Carolina) (+1)
Phoenix needs a PG, and the question for the
past month or so is which one they will end up with in this draft. I originally
had Garland here, but word on the street is they prefer White substantially.
White always looks like he’s playing at full speed, which is why he excelled in
the fast-paced UNC offense. His three-point stroke was smooth and quick in
college, and he can beat defenders to the hoop with his speed. His speed also
makes him a pest on defense, which is a plus for a smaller guard like White.
This tough thing with White is his size. While he can beat defenders off the
dribble, he’ll have trouble handling the longer and stronger bodies in the NBA,
and his low shot release will be suspect to longer defenders, but if his speed
can translate, White should be a great pick up for the Suns.
!! 7. Chicago – De’Andre Hunter (-2)
De’Andre Hunter has the potential to go anywhere from 4th to 8th, but in this scenario Chicago misses out on the three point guards they desire in this draft and take BPA instead. Chicago is much closer to succeeding than one would like to admit, and a trade here for Lonzo Ball potentially could bring them even closer, but Hunter is the safe pick here. Hunter provides spacing in this offense with his three point shooting ability, and his defense will mesh perfectly with a team already made up of promising or established defenders. Sometimes he’s a bit slow and has trouble getting to the hoop, but solid 3 and D players will always be welcome in today’s NBA, and Chicago needs solid players to keep in their rotation.
!! 8. Cleveland (from Atlanta) – Cam Reddish (Duke)
(Cleveland sends 5th pick to Atlanta in exchange for the 8th pick, 17th pick, and 35th pick)
Cleveland is rumored to be high on Reddish, and even if they
trade down to 8th they should be able to grab him due to the team
needs of Chicago and Phoenix. Reddish is another question mark in this draft
with how he underperformed at Duke, but it’s tough to outshine two of the three
best players in the draft. Reddish is long, but he can create his own shot off
the dribble. He moves well without the ball and with proper the shooting
mechanic he already has, he’ll eventually become a great shooter if everything
goes well. His length also makes him an apt defender who can play the 1 through
4. While Reddish can create his own shots, he has trouble finishing and
sometimes forces too many, though that may be a product of wanting to score
after watching Zion and Barrett dominate. If Reddish can turn his FGAs in FGMs
with the form he already has while continuing to improve on defense, Reddish
should remain a talent in the NBA for years to come.
9. Washington – Jaxson Hayes (Texas)
The Wizards project to be in tough shape for
the next few years, so drafting a large boom prospect like Hayes makes a lot of
sense. The Wizards need rim protection, and that’s exactly what Hayes offers.
Hayes averaged 17.1 point, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per 40, proving that he
can excel under the basket on both sides of the floor, but that’s about it. He
can’t pass and didn’t attempt a single three pointer this past season for
Texas. Like most young big men, he falls for fakes in the paint and doesn’t
defend the pick and roll well, and his somewhat slender frame makes it tough to
set screens and rebound over stronger and bigger bodies. Hayes is raw, but his
potential as a rim protector and post scorer can’t be overlooked – if he
develops well, he should exceed expectations for the Wizards.
10. Atlanta (from Dallas) – Sekou Doumbouya (+1)
The Hawks are really in a great position moving forward, so taking a bit of a risk on a high reward player could make some sense here rather than taking someone with a high floor. Sekou Doumbouya is that player with loads of untapped potential at his disposal. Doumbouya has length and scoring ability to make him a legit threat immediately in the NBA, and his youth gives Atlanta plenty of time to let him develop. While Doumbouya can shoot and score well, and has the length to defend all 5 positions, his low basketball IQ is certainly an issue. Proper development in the best league in the world should fix those problems after time, and with Doumbouya only 18 years old, there is plenty of time for the Hawks to fix Doumbouya’s issues and turn him into a great player.
11. New Orleans (from Minnesota) – Bol Bol (-1)
(New Orleans sends the 4th pick to Minnesota in exchange for the 11th pick and Robert Covington)
No matter where Bol is placed in the mock drafts I’ve read, there are always people who vehemently disagree and don’t want him. The Pelicans aren’t competing – yet – but when they are a few years from now, a developed Bol Bol would be incredible. Bol shot 52% from three in his small sample size from college while averaging ridiculous 28.2/12.8/1.3 splits per 40. The main issues with Bol are his motor and his health. Bol is slow due to his abnormal size, and that shows through his defense. Past that, he either looks lost or disinterested on defense most of the time, which for someone who should be able to protect the rim is disheartening. His body also leaves him susceptible to health problems, like the stress fracture that kept him sidelined most of the year. Bol has major upside as a 7’3” shooter with post skills to boot, but his defense and effort must improve for him to excel in the NBA.
12. Charlotte – Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga)
Charlotte has problems everywhere but PG (and
if Kemba leaves, that’ll be an issue as well), but the most important problem
right now is defense. Clarke was an exceptional defender last year, who
apparently had as many blocks as missed shots this past season (shoutout The
Ringer). His 16.9/8.6/1.9 splits are also impressive even if he played in the
WCC. He’s a perfect small-ball 4 or 5 who will fit well with whatever team who
drafts him. Clarke’s biggest issue is that his shooting wasn’t great by any
means at Gonzaga, and his post scoring ability will certainly be hindered by
the bigger defenders in the NBA. Without a reliable shot from range, Clarke
will most likely just be known for his defense if he pans out.
13. Miami – Nassir Little (North Carolina)
The Heat are in a really tricky situation
given their cap issues and lack of talent locked up, so the best option here is
to take a boom or bust player like Little and hopes he pans out. While Little
was relegated to the bench at UNC, he absolutely took advantage of those
minutes when he played. He averaged 21.5/10.1/1.4 per 40 and is a strong
defender as well with his 7’1” wingspan. Little’s biggest problem is unquestionably
his shooting (only 26.9% from three on 52 attempts), and in a league where
shooting is as valuable as it has ever been, Little will need a jump shot to
succeed in the league. However, Little’s size and potential make him a suitable
pick for the Heat, who need a star to lead them once their contracts are
eventually off the books. Rui Hachimura could also be a pick, but the Heat
don’t need another high floor without as much promise as Little to develop.
14. Boston (from Sacramento via Philadelphia) – Rui Hachimura
(Gonzaga)
As a Boston fan, I would love Hachimura to fall here, and I think this is the most realistic scenario in which that happens with Minnesota trading up. Hachimura picked up the game only a few years back and has already shown enormous potential in his time at Gonzaga. His length and frame are similar to Giannis in my opinion (although there is a dramatic talent difference, obviously) and his ability to cut to the basket will fit great on a team that could possibly resign shooters like Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris. Hachimura’s faults lie in his ability to comprehend the game around him – he’s often slow making reads on both offense and defense. He shot well from three at 41.7%, but only took 36 attempts last year, so he’ll certainly need to improve that as well. Hachimura’s uncertainty on the floor and lack of outside shooting will make it tough to adapt to the NBA immediately, but Hachimura’s fairly high floor and physical tools make him a safe pick for the Celtics with boom potential.
!! 15. Detroit – Romeo Langford (Indiana) (+1)
Detroit is going to need a guard, so enter Romeo Langford. At 6’6”, his 6’11” wingspan adds more length to defend a variety of positions, and his scoring ability will be welcome even more if Detroit moves on from Blake Griffin at any point, which seems unlikely although there are some rumors out there. Despite his lackluster numbers from 3 (27.2%) and the field in general (49.1 EFG%), Langford looks like he could score on anyone with the way he attacks the hoop. He can rebound well for his position given his length, and his defense will be top tier if he can keep up with what’s going on at the next level. Detroit fills a team need and possibly gets the best player available with this pick.
!! 16. Orlando – Matisse Thybulle (Washington) (+13)
Over the past few days I’ve gotten a lot
higher on Thybulle, and a team like Orlando should be able to slot him in
perfectly. Thybulle wasn’t exceptional on the offense end, only averaging 9.1
PPG, but his 3.5 SPG and 2.2 BPG as a guard are amazing. He has a great FT% at
85.1%, which could potentially translate to a jumpshot, and his athleticism
could turn him into a great slasher if he can learn to score that way. While
Orlando loves its length, Thybulle’s studly defensive ability will make it look
like he has a 7’ wingspan. Pair him with fellow Washington guard Markelle Fultz,
and Orlando has a backcourt that could wreak havoc is they’re both developed properly.
!! 17. Cleveland (from Atlanta via Brooklyn) – Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech) (+3)
(Cleveland sends 5th pick to Atlanta in exchange for the 8th pick, 17th pick, and 35th pick)
Cleveland still hasn’t moved Kevin Love, and they won’t in this
mock either, so the void there is filled for the time being. What hasn’t been
touched in Cleveland is the second guard spot next to Collin Sexton. Jordan
Clarkson played well, but that was on a tanking team with no success to lineup
with those stats, so I’ll slot Nickeil Alexander-Walker here. He has some
experience as a sophomore and decent length at 6’5” with a near 6’10” wingspan.
His 16.2/4.1/4.0 splits on 54.6 EFG% is great, and he’s an apt defender
averaging 1.9 steals a game as well. His shot is a little wonky, which makes it
difficult to shoot off the dribble, but his catch and shoot three ball will fit
nicely next to a slashing PG like Sexton. Alexander-Walker can pass too,
something that Sexton wasn’t known for last year, so he’ll be a welcome
addition to Cleveland’s young backcourt.
!! 18. Indiana – Tyler Herro (Kentucky) (-1)
Tyler Herro bumps down one spot in this mock,
but the story is still the same. He
can catch and shoot, shoot off the dribble, and his record-breaking free throw
percentage is a good metric for how he’ll shoot actual jumpers in the NBA. The
guy plays with a chip on his shoulder and it shows. What he lacks in length he
makes up for with heart. With Bojan Bogdanovic potentially
leaving in free agency, Herro will fill the void left by the knockdown shooter.
19. San Antonio – Goga Bitadze (International)
I’d love for Goga Bitadze to fall to Boston at 20, but the Spurs seem like the perfect fit for him. The Georgian center earned the Serbian League MVP this past season after posting 16.9/7.6/2.3 splits while averaging 2.1 blocks per game. He’s only 19 years old, so Pop will have plenty of time to develop him (depending on how long he stays). He’s strong, has a variety of post moves, and can shoot. He’s a capable defender, but his size makes him too slow in some situations. Minus that, Bitadze should be an NBA ready center the second he gets drafted and should make an immediate impact for the Spurs.
!! 20. Boston (from LA Clippers via Memphis) – Ty Jerome (Virginia) (-5)
After missing out on Alexander-Walker (who I originally had
slotted here), Boston resorts to one of the next best guards available with Ty
Jerome. He’s a smart passer who averaged 5.5 assists per game in the slowest
offense in college basketball, nearly shot 40% from three, and was a solid
defender as well with 1.5 steals per game. Nearly 6’6”, Jerome can defend, and
defend well, several positions, and busts his ass as well. For his height, may
struggle finishing inside, which may be an issue on a Celtics team that should
open up the paint, but that works both ways as his three point ability will be
welcome in the Celtics system. If the Celtics retain both the 20th
and 22nd picks, Jerome could certainly be drafted at either spot.
21. Oklahoma City – Nicolas Claxton (Georgia)
I got to watch Claxton live at Alabama this past year, and while I wasn’t overly impressed with how he played, he certainly deserves the recognition he’s been getting recently. While his 13 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 2.5 BPG are great, his shooting splits of 46.0/28.1/64.1 leave much to be desired. Although he’s fairly lanky, Claxton is an above average ball handler for his size who can also pass well. He’s also an apt defender, and that should only improve as he puts on the weight needed to play in the NBA. If Claxton can bulk up, develop a shot, and continue to develop as a defender, he theoretically can be a great stretch 4 in the league, which is exactly what the Thunder can use right now given their inability to make any free agent signings with their cap situation.
22. Boston – PJ Washington (Kentucky)
I don’t expect Boston to keep all three picks they have, and the 22nd pick seems like the most likely to be traded, but PJ Washington would be a great player to grab this late. A true big who can also shoot well for his size (52.2/42.3/66.3 splits), Washington’s scoring and rebounding would fit the Celtics perfectly, especially now that Al Horford is bound to walk. Washington plays like a guard with his shooting and passing abilities, but his shot selection can be awry at times. He’s somewhat slow and can struggle on defense because of this, but a hardheaded defensive team like the Celtics will be able to fix or hide this weakness.
23. Memphis (via Utah) – Kevin Porter Jr. (USC)
I originally had Memphis acquiring this pick
in my first mock draft, so there’s nothing really to change here. Kevin Porter
Jr. is a bit of a question mark, but he may be worth a shot for a team that
isn’t going to be competing for a few years. Porter Jr. may have been limited
in his playing time as USC, but that didn’t stop him from being an offensive
stud when provided the opportunity. He may have weird shooting mechanics and
his game may appear to be a bit too flashy, but put Porter Jr. next to a
facilitator such as Ja Morant, and he should excel. Two ball handlers has
worked across the league, and adding a potentially elite scorer in Kevin Porter
Jr. next to Ja Morant, along with All Rookie First-Teamer Jaren Jackson Jr.,
and Memphis could have a powerful young core in the future.
24. Philadelphia – Cameron Johnson (North Carolina)
Philadelphia is expected to remain in win now mode and attempt
to resign both Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler to max deals, which would make it
difficult to retain JJ Redick. Cameron Johnson would be a great fit to replace
him with his stupendous three point shooting ability (45.7% on 210 attempts).
Johnson is 23 years old, making him ideal to play now rather than develop, and
his shooting isn’t just limited to the three ball, making him the ideal 5th scorer if the Sixers decide to incorporate
him that way. His movement will be questioned, especially with his recent hip
surgery, but for a team that is loaded with defense otherwise, a spot up shooter
like Johnson should fit right in.
!! 25. Portland – Keldon Johnson (Kentucky) (-7)
Dylan Windler was slotted here originally, and unfortunately I have him completely out of the first round now (you’ll see who took his spot shortly). Keldon Johnson’s defense will certainly be welcome by the Trail Blazers, and his shooting ability is something the Trail Blazers look for in all their players. Johnson isn’t a prolific passer (1.6 assist per game on a skilled Kentucky team) but with 17.6/7.6 per 40 splits, Johnson should be a skilled 3 and D player at worst in the NBA if his shot can translate. Johnson’s greatest weakness is his mobility with and without the ball. His dribbling ability is amateur, and he often can get caught standing around on both ends of the floor. However, with the grit he displayed last year, there is real potential for him to excel at the next level.
26. Cleveland (from Houston) – Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida
State)
Tristan Thompson is finally off the books
after this season, and the Cavs will want to retool at the position sooner than
later. Kabengele could end up being Tristan Thompson with a three point stroke,
which the Cavs would gladly take. He’s better offensive rebounder than
defensive, and loves to block shots, but he’ll have to adapt to playing with an
actual team of NBA talent rather than the Florida State team where he was the
center of attention. I have my doubts with Kabengele, but he can certainly
become a capable NBA player with his frame and potential.
27. Brooklyn (from Denver) – Grant Williams (Tennessee)
With Kyrie Irving likely coming to Brooklyn,
they’re going to be in win now mode, so why not draft a guy who’s won for his
whole college career? Grant Williams is a great interior player with post
skills to boot. He’s gritty and can fight through contact to score and draw
fouls. Williams isn’t a notorious outside shooter, but his free throw
percentage was great, which leaves improvement as an intriguing possibility.
His defense is also great, so he’s certain to be incorporated in one way or
another on a contender.
28. Golden State – Chuma Okeke (Auburn)
Carsen Edwards made too much sense here before
Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant got injured, so while Golden State relaxes a bit
in the regular season, they should take the time to develop Chuma Okeke as he
comes back from his torn ACL. Okeke is a proper three point shooter coming from
a run and gun team, so he should find success in the Golden State offense. He’s
a great passer as well for his size, which is very important in an offense like
Golden State’s where the ball moves rapidly to get the open shot. Okeke won’t
be rushed back by any means given the situation in Golden State, so the
Warriors would have plenty of time to incorporate a more than capable three
point scorer into their already electric offense.
!! 29. San Antonio (from Toronto) – Carsen Edwards (Purdue) (+2)
This is my replacement for Dylan Windler in my second mock. I don’t
know how great of a fit Carsen Edwards is for San Antonio, but his talent and the
fact that San Antonio needs guard depth give this pick some explanation.
Edwards lit up the NCAA Tournament with his scoring ability – namely his three
point shooting. He’s a bit small, although his wingspan is decent, and he’s a tireless
scorer from anywhere on the court. His EFG% is somewhat weak (49%) and his
defense is suspect due to his size. He can pass, but it’s nothing special,
which is what the Spurs will need sooner than later. Nonetheless, San Antonio
could certainly use a spark plug, which Edwards could certainly be after some
time.
!! 30. Detriot (from Milwaukee) – Darius Bazley (High School)
This pick was traded late last night, and to be completely honest I really don’t know where this pick could go, so I’ll take the suddenly coveted Darius Bazley. Bazley skipped out on college and the G-League this past year to prepare on his own for the draft, and his skillset is something most every NBA team could use. He’s ultra fluid, strong, and and score well. His shot selection is questionable, but he’s young, so he has time to figure that out. Overall, Detroit should take whoever they feel is BPA here, and I’d go with Darius Bazley.
Just missed the cut: Dylan Windler, Talen Horton-Tucker, Terence Davis, Bruno Fernando, and KZ Okpala
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