NBA Mock Draft 2019: Latest 1st-Round Projections for Best Prospects
The future of several NBA teams could soon be decided by pingpong balls and random number combinations.
The draft lottery is on the docket for Tuesday night.
The possibilities feel more open than ever, as the format changes adopted this season level the field with how the odds are dispersed of winning the top slot. For instance, the team with the worst record previously had a 25 percent chance of winning the lottery. Now, those with the three worst records each have a 14 percent chance of striking it rich.
Which fortunate franchise will get the right bounces to deliver the No. 1 pick and presumably Zion Williamson? Let's look into our crystal ball with our latest mock draft and the hypothetical fits of our top three picks.
2019 NBA Mock Draft
1. New York Knicks: Zion Williamson, PF/C, Duke
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: RJ Barrett, SG/SF, Duke
3. Phoenix Suns: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
4. Chicago Bulls: Coby White, PG/SG, North Carolina
5. Atlanta Hawks: De'Andre Hunter, SF/PF, Virginia
6. Washington Wizards: Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Duke
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
8. Memphis Grizzlies: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech
9. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks): Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
10. Minnesota Timberwolves: PJ Washington, PF/C, Kentucky
11. Los Angeles Lakers: Bol Bol, C, Oregon
12. Charlotte Hornets: Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana
13. Miami Heat: Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC
14. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento Kings): Brandon Clarke, PF/C, Gonzaga
15. Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya, SF/PF, France
16. Orlando Magic: Keldon Johnson, SG/SF, Kentucky
17. Brooklyn Nets: Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia
18. Indiana Pacers: Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina
19. San Antonio Spurs: Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
20. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers): Talen Horton-Tucker, SG/SF, Iowa State
21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech
22. Boston Celtics: KZ Okpala, SF/PF, Stanford
23. Utah Jazz: Nassir Little, SF/PF, North Carolina
24. Philadelphia 76ers: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky
25. Portland Trail Blazers: Matisse Thybulle, SF, Washington
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Houston Rockets): Mfiondu Kabengele, PF/C, Florida State
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Denver Nuggets): Luguentz Dort, SG/SF, Arizona State
28. Golden State Warriors: Grant Williams, PF/C, Tennessee
29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors): Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont
30. Milwaukee Bucks: Carsen Edwards, PG, Purdue
Draft order via Tankathon
Zion Williamson to New York Knicks
The Knicks say if the lottery gods shine upon them, they know exactly how to act.
"If we win the lottery, do we know who we're taking? Yes," Knicks coach David Fizdale said on the Dan Patrick Show, via Marc Berman of the New York Post.
That should probably be the case for everyone, as the 6'7", 285-pound Williamson appears a cut above the rest. He has a once-in-a-generation combo of size and athleticism, plus he has the skills to support his place atop most mock drafts. During his one-and-done year at Duke, he averaged 22.6 points on 68.0 percent shooting, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 2.1 assists and 1.8 blocks.
The one question with the Knicks is whether they'd keep Williamson or use him as a trade chip in a possible Anthony Davis blockbuster. With New York dreaming of a Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving pairing, Williamson could work as either a hyperathletic third wheel or the centerpiece of a megamove that nets the Knicks another accelerator in their race back to title contention.
RJ Barrett to Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs don't have many keepers for their post-LeBron James rebuild, but Collin Sexton and Cedi Osman likely make the cut. Slotting the smooth scoring guard Barrett between them could solidify their perimeter rotation going forward.
As an 18-year-old, Barrett paced Duke in points (22.6) and minutes (35.3). He trailed only Williamson on the team in player efficiency rating (23.3) and win shares (6.5), per Sports Reference.
Barrett's prospect profile has a few worrisome areas. He showed a troubling trend of developing tunnel vision late in games, and his three-ball never quite came around (30.8 percent).
But he checks off enough boxes for teams to peg him as an opening night contributor and longtime starter. If he sharpens his outside shooting and distributing, he has as much upside as any prospect not named Zion Williamson in this class.
Ja Morant to Phoenix Suns
Congratulations, Phoenix—your agonizing point guard search is finally over.
The on-paper fit is so snug, there's been talk of Morant potentially surpassing everyone on their draft board.
"Sources around the NBA are buzzing that Morant is actually the player the Suns prefer to end up with," The Athletic's Sam Vecenie wrote. "Particularly, [general manager James] Jones is thought to be a fan of the dynamic lead guard."
Morant shares several similarities with eight-time NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook for their explosive athleticism, willingness to attack and across-the-board statistical impact. Morant's second season at Murray State was nothing short of a head-turner, as he averaged 24.5 points, 10.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds while triple-doubling three different times.
The Suns could be a point guard away from taking a significant step up the standings. Between Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges, T.J. Warren and Josh Jackson, their roster looks strong at every other position. If they see Morant as the final piece of their puzzle, it isn't hard to imagine they value him over everyone.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
