The 2019 NBA Draft will take place on June 20, 2019. The order will be determined by the Draft Lottery, until the Lottery takes place standard ranking methods will be used in determining the projected draft order.
Rankings are accurate as of 11-27-18.
1. Phoenix Suns – Zion Williamson, PF (Duke)
It’s hard to argue with selecting Zion Williamson with the top pick after witnessing just a handful of games at the collegiate level. He has elite speed and athleticism at a size never before seen in the NBA. He has also shown promise as a passer in his opening weeks with the Blue Devils.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – RJ Barrett, SG (Duke)
RJ Barrett is the most talented player in the draft, he is an elite scorer from all levels, can see the court and has all the intangibles to make a difference in the NBA. While he does not produce the same high flying highlights as his college teammate, he can run the show and control a game from start to finish.
3. Atlanta Hawks – Nassir Little, SF (North Carolina)
Nassir Little has come off the bench in the opening weeks of the season, but do not let that fool you, he is a top prospect. Little is a prototypical Forward in the NBA and is a high floor pick with the third pick.
4. Chicago Bulls – Cam Reddish, SF (Duke)
Cam Reddish is an elite shooter, he will find a place in the NBA whether he develops into a star or not. The knock on Reddish, and what is keeping him out of the top 3 is concern over his ability to take over as a #1 option for a team. It is not likely those questions will be answered while playing with Williamson and Barrett.
5. New York Knicks – Romeo Langford, SG (Indiana)
The freshman guard from Indiana has shown already his ability to score, he can develop into an excellent shooter and a prolific scorer. If Langford continues to showcase his abilities at Indiana he will find himself in the top 5 of the upcoming draft.
6. Miami Heat – Kevin Porter Jr., SF (USC)
Kevin Porter can score at all levels, he has an proficient pull-up game and can shoot the fade away well. Porter has been a solid defender so far this season and he will benefit by facing a number of excellent Forwards during the season.
7. Brooklyn Nets – Keldon Johnson, SF (Kentucky)
Keldon Johnson will make his living in the NBA on the defensive end of the floor. He is an elite defender who has drawn comparisons to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, although he has a much higher offensive ceiling than the former Kentucky Guard.
8. Washington Wizards – Bol Bol, C (Oregon)
Bol Bol might be the most interesting prospect in the 2019 draft. He is a 7’3 (or taller) big man who is long, even for his height. Bol’s ability to handle the ball and step outside when needed has intrigued scouts, but some still question if his abilities are NBA level or simply impressive for his size.
9. Utah Jazz – Naz Reid, PF (LSU)
Naz Reid is a versatile Power Forward who can beat you on the post or on the perimeter. He is exactly what NBA teams are looking for in today’s league. He can shoot, play solid defense and set screens at a high level.
10. Houston Rockets – Rui Hachimura, PF (Gonzaga)
Rui Hachimura has raised stock more than any player to this point in the season. He played an incredible game against Duke, but a closer look at his progression in his time at Gonzaga reveals big potential as a well-rounded player in the NBA. He can do everything that a modern forward has to do on offense and is a smart defender.
11. New Orleans Pelicans – Daniel Gafford, PF (Arkansas)
Gafford will likely leave Arkansas after his Sophomore season, following in the footsteps of Bobby Portis, the last Arkansas player to be drafted in the lottery. He has a versatile game and has the athleticism to make a difference on both ends of the floor.
12. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jaylen Hoard, PF (Wake Forest)
13. Dallas Mavericks – Sekou Doumbouya, PF (France)
Doumbouya will be the first international player off the board in the 2019 draft, he does not have the accolades of Luka Doncic, but he is a promising talent. His game is raw and he has a few bad practices to be broken before he makes an impact, but there is a promising future if he gets the proper development.
14. San Antonio Spurs – Darius Garland, PG (Vanderbilt)
Garland’s career at Vanderbilt was cut short by a meniscus injury, but his stock may have risen most in the minutes after his departure. Garland is a point guard who can score, but his most valuable asset is his presence as a floor general and leader in the offense.
15. Orlando Magic – Ja Morant, PG (Murray State)
16. Boston Celtics (From Kings) – Kris Wilkes, PF (UCLA)
17. Charlotte Hornets – DeAndre Hunter, SF (Virginia)
18. Boston Celtics – Quinten Grimes, SG (Kansas)
19. Los Angeles Lakers – PJ Washington, PF (Kentucky)
20. Portland Trail Blazers – Charles Bassey, C (Western Kentucky)
21. Boston Celtics (From Grizzlies) – Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SF (Virginia Tech)
22. Detroit Pistons – Tre Jones, PG (Duke)
23. Indiana Pacers – Jalen McDaniels, PF (SDSU)
24. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tyus Battle, PF (Syracuse)
25. Philadelphia 76ers – Jalen Smith, PF (Maryland)
26. Brooklyn Nets (From Nuggets) – Jontay Porter, SF (Missouri)
27. Golden State Warriors – Charles Matthews, SG (Michigan)
28. Milwaukee Bucks – Bruno Fernando, C (Maryland)
29. Boston Celtics (From Clippers) – Moses Brown, C (UCLA)
30. San Antonio Spurs (From Raptors) – Kerwin Roach, SG (Texas)
Some trades hold conditions that have or have not been triggered based on the rankings at the time of this mock draft.
