2019 NBA Mock Draft - by Connor Kirst

2019 NBA MOCK DRAFT - by CONNOR KIRST - THE BYE WEEK X THE 6TH MEN

The NBA offseason is quickly becoming just as exciting as actual basketball. 2019 was one of the craziest years in particular. The 2018-19 season was a series of highs and lows - from Kawhi's ascension to a playoff god to the absolute freak show of a Lakers season, we learned to expect the unexpected. The 2019 Draft class is no different. The Los Angeles Lakers completely shook up the league (and this mock draft), and other than the top 3 picks - no one really knows what's going to happen. All I know is that I'm here to enjoy the ride. Without further ado here is my 2019 mock draft.

UPDATED ON 6/19 after the Mike Conley trade

1. New Orleans Pelicans - Zion Williamson, F, Duke

One thing has been extremely clear since the start of the College Basketball season - Zion Williamson would be the number 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. While Zion and Anthony Davis would have been an interesting duo, the Pelicans have to be thrilled to potentially hit on another franchise talent like Zion here. Zion is quite possibly the best prospect since LeBron. Few athletes demonstrate Zion's combination of strength, size, explosiveness, and quickness. Zion will immediately be one of the elite athletes in the NBA and has shown an amazing ability to finish at the rim in traffic. His motor is unreal on both sides of the ball as well as on the boards. Despite lacking ideal height for a big man, I believe that he will be able to eventually become a 5 position defender. The only knock on Zion's game is his shooting ability. While he shot 33% on 3pt attempts, Zion has somewhat of an awkward shooting stroke with a hitch in his release and doesn't always have the best arc to his shot. Obviously, this is nitpicking the best prospect in the draft, but if he doesn't develop an outside game it could be an issue. With a top 4 of Zion, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Jrue Holiday, the Pelicans are suddenly right back in the mix of sniffing out a playoff spot.

PLAYER COMP: Charles Barkley, Blake Griffin, Draymond Green on Steroids/springs

2. Memphis Grizzlies - Ja Morant, PG, Murray State

With Mike Conley getting traded to the Jazz, Ja Morant is the clear pick here and arguably the 2nd best player in the draft. Morant is an extremely athletic PG with excellent passing vision. Few players at the college level can put up the stats that Morant did last season (24.5 Pts 5.7 Rebs 10 Asts on 49, 36 and 81 shooting splits). While he did go to a small school, Morant was extremely impressive in the NCAA tournament - putting up 36 pts against Belmont, and a triple-double in an upset against Marquette. Morant is confident and smooth with the ball in his hands, can create for himself and others off dribble moves, stepbacks and the pick and roll. He does need to prove he can become a more consistent 3pt shooter and isn't the best defender right now. Memphis needs to move on past the old "grit n grind" era and start over with Ja and Jaren Jackson as their new core.

PLAYER COMP: John Wall, DeArron Fox

3. New York Knicks - RJ Barrett, G/F, Duke

The New York Knicks needed Zion more than any other team in the NBA. After an absolutely dismal season, they're going to have to settle for RJ Barrett. This pick could always be moved in a blockbuster trade, but as of right now Barrett is the best player left for them. I really think that after Zion and Ja there's quite a bit of drop-off, but Barrett will be a good player in the NBA. There is a lot to like about his game - he has excellent size and handles well, is a good athlete and has a smooth shooting stroke. Barrett is also able to cover a lot of ground quickly in transition with long strides and can finish at the rim. RJ really just needs more consistency in his game as he only shot 30% from 3pt range and is prone to ball-stopping and "hero-ball". If he can learn to trust in his teammates more, he could potentially be a lead guard in an offense as he has good passing vision. The Knicks are banking on getting a superstar this offseason. I don't necessarily think Barrett is that guy, but if they lose out on everyone else at least he has a high ceiling.

PLAYER COMP: Andrew Wiggins, Devin Booker

4. New Orleans Pelicans - Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt

The Pelicans are sitting pretty here at pick 4. They can easily grab a playmaker to make Zion's life easier, or perhaps trade for a wing or a big.  If they do keep the pick, I think the best fit is Darius Garland. I think Jarrett Culver may be the 4th best player in the draft, but Garland fits better with Zion. Of course, the Pelicans now have Lonzo Ball playing PG and Jrue Holiday at the 2, but Garland flashed excellent shot creation and shooting ability that the other 2 lack. There is a ton of risk-taking Garland as he only played 5 games in college after tearing his meniscus. On top of that, Garland is undersized and thin limiting his potential on defense. Despite the risk, Garland is an electric player who has a little bit of Kyrie in his game. Even with Ball and Holiday, Garland seems to be a logical pick. While it may not be an ideal fit, Garland offers so much more upside for floor spacing than any other remaining player.

PLAYER COMP: a poor man's Kyrie, a poor man's Damian Lillard

5. Cleveland Cavaliers -Jarrett Culver, G/F, Texas Tech

The Cavs have had a rough go at things since LeBron took his talents to LA. However, this is a decent chance for Cleveland to find a potential number 1 option on offense. While Culver can be a little erratic with his shot (30% on 3s), he can do a lot of things on offense. Culver is a versatile scorer and is good both on and off the ball. He made big strides from his freshman season, but he needs to stop settling for contested midrange shots at the next level. I like his potential as a secondary playmaking scorer, but I would also like to see him improve on defense. The Cavs might have to wait a few more years before they find a true star to replace LeBron, but with a core of Sexton, Culver and a healthy Kevin Love, it wouldn't be crazy to see this team improve next season.

PLAYER COMP: Taller Jamal Murray, Khris Middleton

6. Phoenix Suns - De'Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

Phoenix has to be one of the most frustrating teams in the NBA. On paper Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton, Josh Jackson, Mikael Bridges and TJ Warren, sound like a good young core - but it's not translating to wins. The Suns really could use a PG, but I think Hunter fits better with this team than a guy like UNC's Coby White. Hunter is a safe, consistent pick who will immediately give any team "3 and D" from either forward spot. Hunter is built well (6 foot 7, 225 lbs), has the strength and the length you look for in a modern day player (7 foot 2 wingspan). Hunter shot 43% from 3pt last year and should be a good spot-up shooter. I'm not sure if he can consistently create his own shot, but his shooting and athleticism at least make his offense intriguing. At Virginia, Hunter was able to guard 5 positions, and while that might be tough at the NBA level, you know he's going to compete. Hunter may never be a star, but every team in the NBA should have a player like this. The Suns desperately need a glue guy next to Booker and Ayton. I like Hunter a little more as a prospect than what Josh Jackson has shown, I like Hunter over Warren defensively, and it's too early to tell how Bridges will fit in the Suns plans.

PLAYER COMP: Prime Luol Deng, Robert Covington

7. Chicago Bulls - Coby White, PG, UNC

The Chicago Bulls are in a tough spot. They could've really used a higher pick. Chicago has a lot of solid young players like Lauri Markkenan, Wendell Carter Jr. and Zach Lavine, but they're still a few pieces away from even contending for a playoff spot. I like Coby White's game and he could be a decent fit in Chicago. I would also consider Cam Reddish here for the Bulls, but Otto Porter is slightly more proven in his role than current PG Kris Dunn. White would be an instant upgrade over Dunn as a scoring option. I don't love a backcourt of White and Lavine, but it will make Chicago very exciting on offense. Coby is at his best in the open floor where he has excellent straight-line speed and can finish in transition. White is feisty and can score from almost anywhere with, his dribble moves and stepbacks. His shot IQ isn't always the best and he doesn't seem like a natural PG at times. White should be a solid defender as well - he competes on defense but isn't as quick as you'd think for someone so fast. 

PLAYER COMP: Collin Sexton

8. Atlanta Hawks -  Cam Reddish, G/F, Duke

This is really where the draft could get interesting. Atlanta has a ton of picks and could really change the course of their franchise with a good draft. If he's available, it would be really hard for Atlanta to pass on Cam Reddish. After trading Taurean Prince, the Hawks need to grab another wing to replace him. Reddish is a flawed prospect but fits in nicely with Trae Young and Kevin Huerter. To me, Reddish is a less polished version of his teammate RJ Barrett. He looks the part of a star but doesn't always play like one. His shooting splits were abysmal (39/33/77) but he has a nice looking shot, so I'm not super worried that he can't improve. Reddish also looked spectacular at times on defense and has the length and athleticism to help cover some of Atlanta's flaws.

PLAYER COMP: more athletic Rodney Hood

9. Washington Wizards - PJ Washington, F, Kentucky

I've seen Sekou Doumbouya mocked to the Wizards in a ton of mock drafts, but I think PJ Washington might be the pick here. Jabari Parker was not super impressive in his short time with the team last year and has a team option for $20 million on his contract. PJ would be a good replacement for Jabari and doesn't have the injury issues. PJ is ideally a small ball 4 with an elite potential to stretch the floor with his shooting (52/42/66). PJ really improved his shot as a sophomore, so hopefully, he can continue it in the NBA. The Wizards are in a very weird spot. John Wall didn't look like the same player last year BEFORE tearing his Achilles, and trade rumors are swirling around Bradley Beal. If Washington wants to get back in the playoffs this year, I think taking PJ Washington would make much more sense than Doumbouya who is a multi-year project.

PLAYER COMP: Paul Millsap with average defense

10. Atlanta Hawks - Brandon Clarke, Big, Gonzaga

Brandon Clarke is the perfect player for today's NBA. I struggled with what to even put for his position. He's 6'8" with a 6'8" wingspan and weighs 215 pounds - so he's built like a wing, but plays like a big man. Of all the players not named Zion, Ja and RJ - along with Garland, Clarke was my favorite player to watch tape on. Clarke has jump out the gym athleticism and averaged 3.2 blocks in 28 minutes a game last year at Gonzaga. Clarke is quick enough laterally to stay with almost anyone but might struggle against the Joel Embiid's of the world. On offense, it'll be tough to say what his role is. Clarke will be 23 by the time the season starts, so he's pretty much a finished product. While he overhauled his shooting mechanics, he's still yet to show that he can shoot outside of the paint consistently. In the paint, he's actually very efficient (70% on 2 pointers), and has a nice floater and spin move game. While Clarke and John Collins might be an undersized frontcourt for Atlanta, Clarke can make up for Collins not being a rim protector. If the Hawks do make this pick, I think they will be one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA,

PLAYER COMP: Shawn Marion or a rim protecting Kenneth Faried with more offense (wow this was a stretch)

11. Minnesota Timberwolves - Sekou Doumbouya, F, France/Limoges CSP

Minnesota would probably love to have Brandon Clarke fall here, but Doumbouya is a solid 2nd choice. Sekou is a relative unknown - he's 18 years old but very strongly built and athletic. He has a decent handle and a nice looking shot but isn't a playmaker or a great shooter yet. This is a pick based upon potential. Sekou could eventually be a Pascal Siakam type player for the Twolves. Minnesota definitely needs to improve the PF spot as the 33-year-old Taj Gibson is about to enter free agency. Doumbouya can grow into a role next to Karl-Anthony Towns. If a PG like Coby White or Garland fall, I could also see them going in that direction since Derrick Rose is a free agent and Jeff Teague has taken a step back.

PLAYER COMP: eventually Pascal Siakam?

12. Charlotte Hornets - Bol Bol, C/PF, Oregon

The Charlotte Hornets could be in huge trouble if star PG Kemba Walker leaves in free agency. They have a lot of money tied up in players like Nick Batum, Cody Zeller, Marvin Williams, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. While none of those players are absolutely horrible, all of them are on pretty bad deals. There are many better players still left on the board here, but Charlotte has to shoot for the stars. Bol Bol is one of the most interesting prospects in this draft. He was very productive at Oregon but only played 9 games due to a foot fracture. Bol can shoot and handle extremely well for his towering height (7'2" and 7'7" wingspan). Bol, like his father Manute Bol, is also a very good shot blocker. He has some major red flags, however. Bol is very very thin (208 pounds) and does not play physically at all. He struggles getting into the paint and relies too much on his outside jumper. I think he might be more suited to play more like a traditional stretch 4 rather than a center, but he's not really quick enough to keep up with most modern 4s. 

PLAYER COMP: Somewhere in between Thon Maker and Kristaps Porzingis

13. Miami Heat - Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana

Miami is a solid team overall but could use more pure scorers. Josh Richardson is a nice player but needs someone to take some of the scoring load off of him. If there's anything Romeo Langford can do, its score. Langford didn't shoot the ball very well during his lone season at Indiana, and also needs work on his shot mechanics. Luckily Langford is a gifted slasher. If he can develop a more consistent outside shot and prove that he's more than a one trick pony, Langford could be a steal for the Heat here.

PLAYER COMP: a non-playmaking Will Barton

14. Boston Celtics - Goga Bitadze C, Georgia KK Mega Bemax

I feel like it unlikely the Celtics will keep all of their picks, but it would be wise to take a player who can eventually replace Al Horford. Goga does a little bit of everything. Even as a 19-year-old, his 6'11" 250-pound frame is ready for the NBA. Goga has a decent shooting stroke and could eventually be a very good stretch 5. Goga sets tough screens and can handle pretty well for his size, making him an excellent threat in the pick and roll game. The biggest knock against Goga is that he doesn't move well laterally. I like his instincts on defense however and he is usually a solid rim protector. This might be a little early to take him, but I prefer Goga over Texas' C Jaxson Hayes due to his offensive potential.

PLAYER COMP: Brook Lopez with more intensity

15. Detroit Pistons - Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G, Virginia Tech

Detroit needs a playmaker who can shoot and Nickeil Alexander-Walker fits the bill. The cousin of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil shares some similarities to his game. I think this would be a great pick for the Pistons, who have been missing on most of their picks recently.

16. Orlando Magic - Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC

Orlando really could use a young PG, even with Markelle Fultz and playoff legend DJ Augustin on the roster. I don't think there is still one worth drafting at this point of the draft however. KPJ reminds me of James Young. Clearly, you can see that there's a lot of talent there, but I'm not sure if he'll ever put it together. The Magic are a fun, young team and would be able to let KPJ grow.

17. Atlanta Hawks - Nicholas Claxton, C, Georgia

Honestly, I'm not sure if the Hawks will keep this pick, or if Claxton is worth taking this early. Claxton isn't a finished product, but he showed some floor stretching ability as well as rim protection. He moves well laterally and should be able to switch in pick and roll defense. I like Claxton's potential, but he could be a few years away. Pairing Claxton with Clarke and Collins would make a lot of sense for the Hawks if that's how the draft shakes out for them.

18. Indiana Pacers - Rui Hachimura, F, Gonzaga

The Pacers could potentially lose both Bojan Bogdanovic and Thaddeus Young in free agency this summer. Rui has the potential to eventually be a good NBA player. He has good size and finishing ability and is strong enough to play both forward spots. He doesn't quite have a great feel for the game yet. Another option the Pacers should consider is Tyler Herro from Kentucky.

19. San Antonio Spurs - Grant Williams, F, Tennessee

Grant Williams is a perfect fit for the Spurs. He's a playmaking small ball 4. Not a great shooter but is improving. Williams is slightly undersized and isn't an eye-popping athlete, but always seems to make the right plays.

20. Boston Celtics - Nassir Little, F, UNC

Even after a so-so freshmen season, Nassir Little should be a good player in the NBA. I think he's best suited to play the 4 on offense, but he can definitely guard wings. I think Boston could definitely play Little with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on the floor. Little has a lot he needs to improve on, but he is one of the better athletes in the draft.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky

OKC was the most frustrating team to watch in the playoffs. Russell Westbrook lost his ability to shoot and Paul George was clearly not healthy. While I like Terrence Ferguson's potential as a 2-way wing, they just need more shooting. Herro likes to shoot and in theory, should be pretty good for this team. Despite being billed as an excellent shooter, Herro shot 35% on 169 3s, so he does need some improvement.

22. Boston Celtics - Matisse Thybulle, G/F, Washington

I guarantee that Danny Ainge is going to move one of these picks, but Thybulle is going to go somewhere in this range, and sure the Celtics sound fine. Thybulle is an incredible defender with a knack for jumping passing lanes and blocking shots. He played in a zone-heavy scheme in college, but his lateral quickness and instincts will translate. The idea of Thybulle out there with Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown is very exciting. I don't think he offers much on offense, unfortunately.

23. Memphis Grizzlies - Keldon Johnson, G/F, Kentucky

The Grizzlies acquired this pick in the Mike Conley trade and should look for a versatile wing who can score and defend. Keldon Johnson won't become a scoring champ any time soon, he offers a lot of potential on both sides of the ball. He plays with a ton of effort and should fit nicely next to Ja Morant, and ideally help cover some of Morant's shortcomings on defense.

24. Philadelphia 76ers - Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

This is a bit of a fall for Hayes who is a talented player. After seeing players like Clint Capela sit for long stretches in playoff games, a rim running center has lost some of its luster. Hayes has a ton of potential on defense with his quickness. The Sixers would be wise to draft some Joel Embiid insurance, and honestly, Hayes is a steal here.

25. Portland Trailblazers - Lugentz Dort, SG, Arizona St.

Portland surprised a lot of people by going as far as they did in the playoffs, but have a couple things they need to improve on. Both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum are average (probably below average) defenders. Dort should add some toughness to their backcourt even if he is a little raw as a shooter and scorer.

26.  Cleveland Cavaliers - Mfiondu Kabengele, PF/C, Florida St.

So this is definitely the best name in the draft right? Kabengele can block shots, shot 37% from 3 and is long and athletic. At this point in the draft, what's not to like for Cleveland?

27. Brooklyn Nets - Talen Horton-Tucker, G/F, Iowa St.

The Nets are looking to make some major moves this offseason, but Horton-Tucker should be their next development project. Kenny Atkinson has done a really good job tapping into the potential of D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Caris Levert. Horton-Tucker is built like a tight end and is only 18. He's raw all around but is long, athletic, and showed off some shot creating skills.

28. Golden State Warriors - Carsen Edwards, G,  Purdue

Carsen Edwards had an insane NCAA Tournament. Steph Curry had an insane NCAA Tournament. Not saying they're the same player, but Edwards can probably at least be another Quinn Cook for the Warriors.

29. San Antonio Spurs - Luka Samanic, F, Croatia/Union Olimpija

Samanic is 6'11" and offers versatility on defense due to his athleticism. He's not quite a knockdown shooter yet, but the Spurs would love to develop a guy like Luka.

30. Milwaukee Bucks - Ty Jerome, G, Virginia

The last time the Bucks drafted a guard from Virginia it really paid off for them with Malcolm Brogdon. Jerome is pretty slow but is a great 3pt shooter and skilled playmaker. It might be tough for him to overcome his below average athleticism, but the Bucks don't need him to be a star right away.

Well, that concludes my 2019 NBA Mock Draft. Be sure to stay tuned on this blog, I'm going to try and start writing more often. Also please check out soundcloud.com/thebyeweek for podcasts coming soon!