NBA Mock Draft 2019
Tis’ the season…tanking season.
This is that beautiful time of year when the contenders are separated from the pretenders, the weak start to weep, and elite begin to peak. If you’re a fan of a losing team, now is the time to start looking ahead towards a brighter day: the 2019 NBA Draft.
What better reward is there for pathetic season than a lottery pick? Cavs and Suns fans are already customizing Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett jerseys. As sad as that may sound, those are potentially 2 NBA Superstars in the making.
When times get tough as a fan, you got to keep the faith and trust the process; just take a look at the Sixers. Scouts and various basketball analysts have determined this is one of the most gifted and deepest drafts of this generation, so hang in there Hawks fans your time is near.
This years draft is really going to spice up the off-season and make things interesting. The team at Playmaker HQ can hardly wait, that’s why we had to come up with our 2019 mock draft before the holidays. While this upcoming class is filled with talent, the runt of the NBA pack will be able to get their shot at drafting the cream of the crop.
Starting at the 30th pick, here is the NBA Mock Draft of 2019…
30. San Antonio Spurs (Via Toronto): Kris Wilkes, G, UCLA
The wing out of UCLA is a shooter with fierce athleticism. He’s off to a solid start this season, recently dropping 22 points against UNC.
29. Milwaukee Bucks: Killian Tillie, PF, Gonzaga
Before his ankle surgery, Killian was regarded as one of the best players in college basketball. He’s gifted on offense and defense; the Bucks would be blessed to pick him at #29 if he’s able to stay healthy throughout the majority of his career.
28. Boston Celtics (Via Los Angeles): Naz Reid, C, LSU
The big man has a jumper and can hit 3s, no problem. The guard like center would be a nice successor to Al Horford as the Celtics current center is only getting older.
27. Golden State Warriors: Jaylen Hoard, F, Wake Forest
The French forward is an unique athlete. He’s skilled defensively and has shown his ability to pass the basketball well and score. He’ll make a great replacement for Draymond Green.
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Virginia Tech
An offensively talented combo guard, Nickeil is continuing to improve as a 3 point shooter and all around scoring threat as well as develop a skilled passing game.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Brandon Clarke, C, Gonzaga
We saw Brandon give Duke problems in the Maui Invitational title game. The 6’8 center might be a little undersized at his position, but what he loses in height he makes up for in efficient scoring and shot blocking.
24. Portland Trailblazers: P.J. Washington, C, Kentucky
This is a big boy. The 250 pound center has an astonishing 7’3 wingspan, can hit 3s, and can score at ease underneath the basket. This pick would give Portland some needed depth at the center position.
23. Brooklyn Nets (Via Denver): Simi Shittu, F, Vanderbilt
Simi is a natural; he’s reliable on both ends of the floor and eats off the glass. He has shown plenty of maturity for his age on the court. His basketball IQ is one of the highest in this draft and will make a good addition to any team.
22. Boston Celtics (Via Memphis): Jontay Porter, C, Missouri
Another top tier talent that will likely fall in the draft due to injuries. If not for his season ending knee surgery, Jontay would likely be a lottery pick. He’s a sharp basketball player that can do everything you need on the offensive side and be a force on the defensive side. With all these picks, it makes sense for the Celtics to roll the dice and take a chance on Jontay.
21. Los Angeles Lakers: Jalen Smith, F, Maryland
What an athlete… LeBron will love to feed this big man the ball on pick and rolls and open looks. Jalen is one of the guys that can come right out of the draft and make a positive impact immediately.
20. Indiana Pacers: Charles Bassey, C, Western Kentucky
Charles might not get the respect his peers are getting that are coming out of Duke, Gonzaga, etc…, but he is a dominate college basketball player that has potential to be a dominate pro as well. The 245 pounder is putting up notable scoring and rebounding numbers. The Pacers would finally add some muscle at center with this pick.
19. Houston Rockets: Luka Samanic, F, Croatia
The Croatian forward doesn’t have the ideal strength for an NBA player, but he’s a 6’10 sharpshooter, something Chris Paul and James Harden might appreciate.
18. Detroit Pistons: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
It’s a shame Darius tore his meniscus recently; he is one of the best at his position as a freshman and would go much higher in the draft if not for the injury. The Pistons could use a talented young point guard with remarkable shooting, now’s their chance.
17. New Orleans Pelicans: Jalen McDaniels, F, San Diego State
Another lanky 6’10 scorer on the list, but unlike the others we’ve listed so far, Jalen is an all around offensive weapon. This kid can pull up from mid range and 3, and also has playmaker ability as a passer.
16. Boston Celtics: Tre Jones, PG, Duke
It’s tough for Tre to standout with the other freshmen stars on his team, yet he still has been able to establish himself as a respected point guard in this draft. With the uncertainty of Terry Roziers’ future with the Franchise, and maybe even Kyrie too, Tre would be a wise pick for the Celtics at #16.
15. Charlotte Hornets: Rui Hachimura, F, Gonzaga
The Japanese big has quickly become a campus favorite. He is averaging about 22 points per game with a 63% true shooting percentage for one of the best teams in college basketball. This is the kind of guy you want to draft if you’re looking to sell Kemba Walker on a bright future in Charlotte.
14. Atlanta Hawks (Via Dallas): Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas
Your classic big man. He’s a rebounding machine and can manhandle defenders in the post. Daniel recently bullied Indiana, putting up 27 points on 12-15 shooting and collected 12 rebounds.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Quentin Grimes, G, Kansas
Quentin is a good all around basketball player that can compliment any roster, but there are still questions about his star power potential. Once thought to be a top 10 pick, Quentins’ last few games have been underwhelming, making him drop in this years mock draft.
12. San Antonio Spurs: Jarrett Culver, G, Texas Tech
Jarrett is off to a big sophomore year, demonstrating that he can be an offensive talent in the NBA. He’s firing on all cylinders; his all around scoring has improved, his 3 point shooting is efficient, and his passing is better than ever. If he wasn’t slightly challenged on defense, Jarrett would be a lottery pick.
11. Utah Jazz: De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia
The 6’7 wing out of Virginia is versatile on defense and a quality shooter. His length, wingspan, and athleticism combined with a high basketball IQ will be a problem for defenders. The Jazz would look to add De’Andre to create a dynamic wing combo with Donovan Mitchell.
10. Boston Celtics (Via Sacramento): Sekou Doumbouya, PF, France
Why do the Celtics have an array of first round picks every season? They can win the Finals and still find themselves with a lottery pick (kudos to Danny Ainge).
Since Kristaps and Lukas success, the feeling around the NBA is that scouts and GMs are more open to European prospects. Athletically, he’s one of the best in this draft. At 6’10, Sekou would give traditional centers fits with his speed and agility. His number one issue is his unpredictability on offense. Keep in mind the French big man is only 17; with the right player development, we could look back on this pick as the steal of the draft.
9. Orlando Magic: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
I can’t remember the last time the Magic had a good point guard. They are in desperate need of one and Ja Morant has a ton of upside and the potential to be an All Star point guard. He’s a fluid scorer that hits 3s at 44% shooting. At 175 pounds, Ja is a bit undersized and has issues with turnovers from time to time, making this a slight risk for the Magic, but this team is a good point guard away from having a playoff roster.
8. Brooklyn Nets: Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky
Love this pick for Brooklyn. They get a gifted, high energy scorer that would be a catalyst on both offense and defense for the Nets; his drive is one of the best on this list and his vigor on defense would be tough to match.
7. Washington Wizards: Romeo Langford, G, Indiana
The proficient scoring guard is able to get buckets on demand with his shiftiness and ability to finish at the rim. The only problem with Romeo that scouts are concerned with is his spot up 3 point shooting. That aside, this is an easy pick for the Wizards, especially if they’re forced into trading Beal before the deadline.
6. Miami Heat: Kevin Porter Jr., G, USC
I love it. This man has the potential to be the heir to Dwyane Wade. He’s a flashy scorer with a bag of offensive tricks that can frustrate any defender. His handles are filthy and his jumpers are back breaking. Ironically, just like D-Wade, the scouts are only primarily concerned with his 3 point shooting abilities. Other than that, he is the perfect fit for the Heat to mold into a franchise player.
5. New York Knicks: Bol Bol, C, Oregon
The Knicks have the potential to create a lethal front court in years to come with this pick. Bol Bol is the most intriguing draft prospect of the 2019 class. The 7’3 center out of Oregon has a stroke from 3, and ideally will be in the running for most blocks in a season. His skill set will translate very well to the NBA; he just needs to put on some muscle.
4. Chicago Bulls: Nassir Little, F, North Carolina
A physical wing that plays with high intensity on every possession and is a fierce competitor on both ends of the floor out of UNC…Michael Jordan? No, Nassir Little, but by scouts standards he’s one of the top dogs in this years draft. He is a powerhouse on defense and crashes the glass on command. He is a slasher at heart and will need to improve his shooting, yet he’s still the pick Chicago needs and deserves.
3. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish, G, Duke
Here come the Duke freshmen.
Reddish is a NBA dream guard; he’s 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan, a 44% 3 point shooter, 94% free throw shooter, and a mismatch waiting to happen. Scouts recognize him as a talent that can truly blossom when he’s tested in the NBA. The Hawks will have a back court to be reckoned with in the future with this pick.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: R.J. Barrett, G, Duke
R.J. was born to play basketball. His ability to cut through defenders at will and find creative ways to finish at the rim is what makes him a high level prospect. His slashing capability is second to none and his jumper needs to be respected as well. While the young Blue Devil has been off to an inefficient start to the season, he has high hopes to become a dominant NBA player and the experts see the untapped potential as well.
1. Phoenix Suns: Zion Williamson, F, Duke
Zion is a F****** juggernaut, a tank, a beast, a playmaker, and a lock at #1. The forward out of Duke is truly unstoppable. Zion was gaining popularity fast while playing in high school when his god-like dunks were being showcased by every sports influencer on social media; now he is tearing apart college teams and everyone is starting to buy the hype. This supreme force of nature can score effortlessly. From exploding past defenders to draining 3s with no difficulty, Zion has left defenses in ruins.
But that’s not all… Zion is a nightmare on defense as well. His athleticism allows him to wreak havoc on defense, ripping the ball away and blocking shots without breaking a sweat. In addition, scouts and NBA GMs genuinely admire his dedication and positive attitude. This pick is a no brainer at #1.