The NCAA draft withdrawal deadline has passed, with college players making life-altering decisions to either stay or go. With some players’ stocks taking late leaps or sudden drops, it is a crucial point in both the draft process and for colleges. With the field almost entirely set, let’s take a look at our first full 60-pick 2019 NBA mock draft.
2019 NBA Mock Draft
1. New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson: Combo Forward- Duke
This is the obvious pick. The Pelicans get a chance to pair Zion Williamson with Anthony Davis. If Davis still wants to leave, the Pelicans have their new franchise player ready to go. This is the jackpot.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant: Lead Guard- Murray State
All signs point to Memphis moving towards a full-on rebuild. This means trading 31-year old Mike Conley and starting anew with Ja Morant as the franchise guard. Morant promises high offensive upside, and having an elite defensive big man in Jaren Jackson is sure to cover some defensive woes.
3. New York Knicks
RJ Barrett: Wing- Duke
The Knicks grab a Duke star after all. Barrett is a physical specimen of a wing who could become a high-level secondary scorer that can initiate some offense. Add in some serious on-ball defensive upside and Barrett could become a contributor in multiple ways alongside the stars that the Knicks may bring in.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Darius Garland: Lead Guard- Vanderbilt
This one is more predictive than anything, as I personally do not rate Garland this highly. However, Darius Garland left the NBA Draft Combine, leading to mass speculation that he received a promise from a team. With the need for a pick-n-roll scorer who can play two guard spots and a Klutch Sports connection, it is reasonable to believe the Lakers are the team that has promised.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
De’Andre Hunter: Combo Forward- Virginia
New head coach John Beilein will likely want a steady, smart, and reliable player with his first pick as the Cavs’ coach. Hunter fits that mold and can also fit alongside Collin Sexton. Projecting as a high-level 3-and-D candidate, Hunter is a great starting piece that possesses a skill set every team needs. Regardless of how Beilein wants to build his team, Hunter will have a place in it.
6. Phoenix Suns
Coby White: Combo Guard- UNC
Another predictive choice here because, much like Garland, Coby White left the NBA Draft Combine early. This sparked rumors of a promise from a team, and K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune was told that it was from a team before the Bulls at 7. With the Lakers already believed to have a promise for Garland and the Cavs not needing a point guard, this makes sense for it to be the Phoenix Suns. Look for the Suns to form an offensively explosive backcourt with White and Devin Booker.
7. Chicago Bulls
Jarrett Culver: Wing- Texas Tech
The Bulls will be hoping that one of the guards slides down to them, but Jarrett Culver is an incredible consolation. A legitimate top-five prospect, Culver adds immediate perimeter defense with the potential to act a secondary initiator on offense. There are concerns about his jumper, particularly getting to it off the dribble. With a slight hitch and slow release, Culver will need to smooth out his mechanics in order to maximize potential.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Brandon Clarke: Big- Gonzaga
Head coach Lloyd Pierce has placed an emphasis on defense and there are few in this class as good on that side of the floor as Clarke. Clarke’s elite athleticism and instincts offer a tantalizing package as a defender and rim-roller. Throw in the fact that Clarke can create a little bit of offense for himself, and he proves that he can become more than just a roll man. Though, imagine trying to defend a Trae Young/Brandon Clarke pick-n-roll.
9. Washington Wizards
Jaxson Hayes: Big- Texas
The Wizards are a team that doesn’t have much going for it, especially in its frontcourt. Take Texas center Jaxson Hayes, a prospect whose value is clear, and Washington is heading in the right direction. Hayes at 6-foot-11 is incredibly mobile, possessing the quickness to switch and stay in front of much smaller guards. He has a tendency to overplay, falling for shot and pass fakes in hopes of making a play. However, Hayes has terrific natural instincts for rotating and identifying plays. His offense will likely not be much more than a rim-roller, but given spacing, he can provide value on that end too.
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks)
Cam Reddish: Wing- Duke
After drafting a reliable high floor/low ceiling type of guy in Brandon Clarke, the Hawks roll the dice on a low floor/high ceiling guy in Cam Reddish. Reddish had a tumultuous year at Duke but managed to show just enough to keep faith. The freshman projects as a likely 3-and-D player, but will need to continue to work on both aspects. His size at 6-foot-8 paired with his mobility and handle offer an intriguing combination given the skill set he projects to have.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves
Goga Bitadze: Big- Mega Bemax
Goga Bitadze is an intriguing do-it-all big man who fits the ideal modern center mold. What he lacks in athleticism, Bitadze makes up in instincts and IQ. For his size, the Georgian center offers a terrific passing package and a scoring arsenal that features 3-point range. Bitadze’s switchability raises some concern, as he looks notable stiff against quick guards at times. However, he often can position himself well enough to not get totally burned and is also more fluid than you’d expect. Sticking Bitadze next to Karl-Anthony Towns to protect the interior checks off a need as well as a good fit. Wolves fans could be very happy with the 2019 NBA Mock Draft if it breaks out this way for them.
12. Charlotte Hornets
Bol Bol: Big- Oregon
Charlotte will be trepidatious about drafting a high-risk big man given their past failures, but Bol Bol has the highest ceiling yet. The concerns for Bol are everpresent, as his wiry frame offers questions regarding his ability to deal with NBA physicality, and the foot injuries don’t make matters any better for the near 7-foot-3 big man. What comes with that, though, is the potential for outlier level offensive impact. Bol has fluid mobility and a legitimate jump shot, as he notched 52% of his 3-pt attempts at Oregon. The reward would be a large one that takes time to fully develop, but the Hornets seem to be heading for a multi-year rebuild.
13. Miami Heat
PJ Washington: Big- Kentucky
The Miami Heat have a rebuild coming, so the obvious choice is taking the best player available. PJ Washington is a versatile 6-foot-8 that can play both frontcourt positions. With a 42% 3-point shot, a growing passing ability, and the athleticism and length to project as a switchable defender, Washington is an excellent all-around choice.
14. Boston Celtics
Sekou Doumboya: Combo Forward- Limoges
Already having a quality team, the Celtics can afford to be patient with a prospect who has arguably the highest upside left at this stage. Sekou Doumboya is still incredibly raw but is also one of the youngest players in the class. Doumboya projects as the ideal modern power forward. The Guinean-born forward can space the floor, create some of his own offense, and possesses high defensive upside. At 6-foot-9 and mobile, Doumboya could become a true multi-positional defender.
15. Detroit Pistons
Romeo Langford: Wing- Indiana
With a need at the wing, Romeo Langford provides the best option for Detroit here. The Indiana freshman projects a secondary initiator who operates inside the arc. Langford can produce his own offense and has a real knack for finishing through contact at the rim. Add in some perimeter defense and Langford looks like a quality rotation player with starter upside if he can develop his jumper.
16. Orlando Magic
Kevin Porter Jr: Wing- USC
Taking a solid foundational backcourt piece would be appropriate for the Magic. While they may be wishing for a lead guard, taking a guy who can manufacture offense to play the off-guard and wing spots is the logical next option. Porter Jr is a natural high-level scorer who has the strength to score inside as well as defend in the NBA. He’ll need to work on his shot selection and passing IQ, but the tools are there for Porter to become a successful scoring specialist at the next level.
17. Brooklyn Nets
Grant Williams: Combo Forward- Tennessee
Grant Williams is the type of smart, high-floor pick that the Nets are liable to make, at least in this 2019 NBA Mock Draft. Williams has an outstanding level of feel and basketball aptitude that make him intriguing paired with his skill set. The 20-year old projects as an outlier level passer for his position who can space the floor and offer some defensive versatility in the frontcourt.
18. Indiana Pacers
Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Wing- Virginia Tech
This is a fairly safe pick, as Nickeil Alexander-Walker projects as a high floor wing despite a ceiling that’s not so high. Alexander-Walker looks to be a versatile guard who can play multiple positions. After showing major improvements off the bounce and out of the pick-n-roll, the sophomore guard should be a factor as an initiator of offense. The former Hokie made strides as an overall defender, too.
19. San Antonio Spurs
Nassir Little: Combo Forward- UNC
The Spurs can draft for need while also grabbing one of the better players available. San Antonio needs modernizing and with the physical tools that Nassir Little possesses, there is a chance for a grand slam pick. Little is not much more than a ball of upside, as he showed little more than athleticism-related skill in college. This is a project that would take some serious time and is risky given the freshman’s low floor. However, the physical tools and San Antonio development team may be a match made in heaven.
20. Boston Celtics (Via Los Angeles Clippers)
Talen Horton-Tucker: Wing- Iowa State
Talen Horton-Tucker is the youngest player projected to go in the first round and offers an interesting upside bet given his versatility. With overall positional versatility to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball, he is a plug-and-play candidate. Horton-Tucker is a playmaker at heart, flashing vision and the ability to score within the arc.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
Keldon Johnson: Wing- Kentucky
This pick fills needs and offers an interesting young mold to work with. Keldon Johnson should be a viable 3-and-D contributor fairly early in his career. On a team that can use spot-up shooting and help on the perimeter, Johnson could be a guy that OKC covets.
22. Boston Celtics
Carsen Edwards: Lead Guard- Purdue
After taking 2 high upside players, Boston chooses a high-floor guy who can provide immediate impact. With Kyrie Irving likely on the move, Carsen Edwards provides depth at the point guard spot and some microwave scoring as well. Look for Edwards to be a shot of adrenaline as a bench scorer.
23. Utah Jazz
Cam Johnson: Combo Forward- UNC
Cam Johnson is an elite spot-up shooter who can give you a bit of shot diversity. A smart, experienced player, Johnson knows how to relocate off the ball and find soft spots in the defense. Throw in some passing ability and Johnson is an intriguing offensive package.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Chuma Okeke: Combo Forward- Auburn
The 76ers have been patient with injured rookies before and may need to do so again. Chuma Okeke is coming off an ACL injury but will be very much worth the wait. Okeke is an ideal modern forward who can space the floor, put the ball on the floor, and defend more than just his own position. Okeke fits the mold of the type of player Philadelphia needs.
25. Portland Trail Blazers
Ignas Brazdeikis: Combo Forward- Michigan
A high floor, high IQ, versatile forward may be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Trail Blazers. Ignas Brazdeikis often makes the right plays and is willing to do the little things on both ends of the floor. The Michigan freshman simply knows how to play basketball, and it shows in his composure on the court.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (Via Houston Rockets)
Tyler Herro: Wing- Kentucky
One of the best shooters in the class, Tyler Herro could provide some immediate impact and spacing. Herro has a budding ability to score off the bounce as well and even displayed some flashes of quality passing. The Kentucky freshman could have a long, impactful career as a knockdown shooter who can do a few of the little things to keep defenses on their toes as well.
27. Brooklyn Nets (Via Denver Nuggets)
Jontay Porter: Big- Missouri
With two first-round picks, Brooklyn can afford to use one of their picks on a longer-term high-reward prospect. Jontay Porter is coming off two ACL injuries but displayed an extremely high level of skill before his injury. The Missouri sophomore has an incredibly natural feel on both ends of the floor, offering rim protection and passing on offense. Throw in that Porter projects as a high-level shooter for his size and he proves worth the wait.
28. Golden State Warriors
Bruno Fernando: Big- Maryland
Bruno Fernando offers impact as an athletic rim runner to collapse defenses in compliment of Golden State’s spacing. Fernando also adds a strong interior presence who can bang on the boards, as he averaged a double-double last season.
29. San Antonio Spurs (Via Toronto Raptors)
Dylan Windler: Forward- Belmont
After taking a low-floor, high-ceiling prospect earlier, the Spurs take the safe route here. Dylan Windler serves as the best player available at this stage and fills a need. Windler, at 6-foot-8, offers a desirable modern power forward option as he shot 43% from deep last season. The Belmont senior possesses a high IQ and the ability to grab rebounds at a great clip for his size.
30. Milwaukee Bucks
Rui Hachimura: Forward- Gonzaga
The Bucks add an offensive punch in Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura. Hachimura is an excellent scorer inside the arc and great out in transition due to his combination of size and athleticism. The Japanese forward has the tools to become a quality, switchable defender but will need to show more improvement in terms of the actual product. Look for Hachimura to serve as a modern scoring forward.
2019 NBA Mock Draft: Second Round
31. Brooklyn Nets (via New York Knicks)
Matisse Thybulle: Wing- Washington
32. Phoenix Suns
Mfiondu Kabengele: Big- Florida State
33. Philadelphia 76ers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)
Daniel Gafford: Big- Arkansas
34. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago Bulls)
Jordan Poole: Wing- Michigan
35. Atlanta Hawks
Louis King: Wing- Oregon
36. Charlotte Hornets (via Washington Wizards)
Ty Jerome: Lead Guard- Virginia
37. Dallas Mavericks
Nic Claxton: Big- Georgia
38. Chicago Bulls (via Memphis Grizzlies)
Terence Davis: Wing- Ole Miss
39. New Orleans Pelicans
Luka Samanic: Big- Barcelona B
40. Sacramento Kings (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
KZ Okpala: Forward- Stanford
41. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Shamorie Ponds: Lead Guard- St. Johns
42. Philadelphia 76ers (via Sacramento Kings)
Deividas Sirvydas: Combo Forward- Lithuania
43. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami Heat)
Darius Bazley: Combo Forward- N/A
44. Atlanta Hawks (via Charlotte Hornets)
Luguentz Dort: Wing- Arizona State
45. Detroit Pistons
Tremont Waters: Lead Guard- LSU
46. Orlando Magic (via Brooklyn Nets)
DaQuan Jeffries: Wing- Tulsa
47. Sacramento Kings (via Orlando Magic)
Jalen Lecque: Lead Guard- Brewster Academy
48. Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Paschall: Forward- Villanova
49. San Antonio Spurs
Charles Matthews: Wing- Michigan
50. Indiana Pacers
Jalen McDaniels: Combo Forward- San Diego State
51. Boston Celtics
Naz Reid: Big- LSU
52. Charlotte Hornets (via OKC Thunder)
Isaiah Roby: Combo Forward- Nebraska
53. Utah Jazz
Admiral Schofield: Combo Forward- Tennessee
54. Philadelphia 76ers
Zach Norvell: Wing- Gonzaga
55. New York Knicks (via Houston Rockets)
Jaylen Hoard: Combo Forward- Wake Forest
56. Los Angeles Clippers (via Portland Trail Blazers)
Kerwin Roach: Wing- Texas
57. New Orleans Pelicans (via Denver Nuggets)
Miye Oni: Wing- Yale
58. Golden State Warriors
Yovel Zoosman: Combo Forward- Maccabi Tel Aviv
59. Toronto Raptors
Alen Smailagic: Big- Santa Cruz Warriors
60. Sacramento Kings (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Quinndary Witherspoon: Wing- Mississippi State
