The NBA Draft is in a mere 5 days, and I couldn’t be more excited for it. Although Orlando doesn’t have a lottery pick, I’m interested in what trades might go down, and of course, where Tacko Fall goes. Let’s get right into it. (I’m only doing the first round with no trades involved.) Update: Anthony Davis and Mike Conley trades.
1. New Orleans Pelicans - Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
Whether Anthony Davis ends up staying in New Orleans or not, Zion is the right pick. He increases fan interest, sales, and has the highest upside of anyone in the draft. This is a no-brainer to me. He’s just so unique. He’s looking more and more like a Charles Barkley-type player as we near draft day.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
This pick is also a lock in my mind. The Grizzlies have come out and said that they are taking the explosive Morant. I don’t blame them either, Mike Conley is not the point guard of the future in Memphis. Morant averaged an insane 25 PPG, 10 APG, and 6 RPG last year at Murray State. I would be excited as a Grizzlies fan. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant are going to be fun to watch.
3. New York Knicks - R.J. Barrett, SG, Duke
I’m not that big of a fan of Barrett. He’s inconsistent, and he only shot 67% from the free throw line last year. However, this is the perfect pick if the Knicks are looking to pick up Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant in free agency. He could fit right into the starting shooting guard position and mold into a future all-star, surrounded by the right players, that is. Although I’m not too high on him, he could be the perfect complimentary piece in New York. If Durant goes to New York, next year could be a developmental year for Dennis Smith Jr., Kevin Knox, and Barrett. They would get another lottery pick and be ready to go in 2021.
4. New Orleans Pelicans- Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
I think that DeAndre Hunter is the right pick here, but I think New Orleans will opt to go with Garland, the high-upside natural scorer. He could either make an immediate difference for the Pelicans bench, or he’ll sit behind Lonzo. He’s only 6’2”, but that may be what the Pelicans need to compliment Lonzo Ball: A quick, shifty point guard who’s not afraid to put up shots when he needs to. In my mind, this is a little high to take a player coming directly off a knee injury, but getting this high of a pick was a bonus for the Pelicans. They already got Lonzo, Ingram, and Josh Hart from the trade. Why not take a risk with Garland?
5. Cleveland Cavaliers - DeAndre Hunter, SF, Virginia
Hunter is a perfect fit for the Cavaliers. They have a need at the position, and DeAndre Hunter is certainly ready to fill that hole. He’s a champion and a team player, exactly the qualities of someone you want to build a team around. His defense is tremendously underrated, and he is the ultimate three-and-d guy for this Cavaliers team. I could even see him going #4 to L.A. and playing around LeBron, but I think the Cavs get lucky here. He has an impressive three point shot at 42%, and yet can also switch onto anybody on the floor. Him and Collin Sexton will be a dynamic duo for years to come.
6. Phoenix Suns - Coby White, PG, North Carolina
Rather than going for the best available, the Suns tailor to their need at point guard and take Coby White out of UNC. Supposedly, Darius Garland and White were given promises by teams in the top 6, and I think the Cavaliers have a promise with Garland, and the Suns have a deal with White. White is a lightning quick, explosive athlete with shot-creating prowess. Putting him next to Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton will only flourish his development. His scoring abilities will translate well to the NBA, although it might take him a couple years to get going. I see his development like Kris Dunn’s, he’ll get there eventually.
7. Chicago Bulls - Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech
The easy choice here is Jarrett Culver. He’s a well-balanced player, and, although Chicago isn’t looking for a shooting guard, will make an immediate positive influence. He’s strong defensively, but can also nail threes if you need him to. He’s proven he can be a #1 option, after leading Texas Tech to the NCAA Championship Game last year. Last year, he was directly involved in 35% of Texas Tech’s scoring, an extraordinary mark for a sophomore in a new system.
8. Atlanta Hawks - Cameron Reddish, SF, Duke
Although wildly inconsistent at Duke, it was quite easy to see that Reddish has a lot of NBA potential. Was his inconsistency the result of being surrounded by so many other top prospects? I believe so. He’s pretty fast, and already has the deadeye shooting of an NBA sharpshooter. His form is really smooth, especially off the dribble. Reddish is the perfect wing to pair alongside Trae Young and John Collins.
9. Washington Wizards - Bol Bol, C, Oregon
The first center finally comes off the board at #9. Deciding between Sekou Doumbouya, Jaxson Hayes, and Bol Bol,Washington goes with the player with the highest upside: Bol Bol. The 7'2" freshman brings along a past of injuries, but before his stress fracture to his foot last season, he was averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds. His size is super unique, and his agility makes for a big plus as well. This might be a little high for Bol, especially with the injury concerns, but I only see his stock rising. For a team like Washington, this could be the centerpiece they need to kick-start their rebuild.
10. Atlanta Hawks - Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
Now with their point guard, small forward, and power forward for the future, the Hawks opt to go with a center. Jaxson Hayes is uber-athletic and has the potential to become an elite NBA shot-blocker. During his collegiate career, Hayes shot 86.7% on his shots around at the rim. He’s a consistent player on the offensive end. Expect many lobs to be thrown from Trae Young to Jaxson Hayes and John Collins. This Hawks team may surprise people next year. He’s not too bad of a shooter, either. He’s just early in his development, and I think that with the pieces the Hawks have in place, Atlanta could be the perfect home for him.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves - Sekou Doumbouya, PF, France
The Timberwolves need someone to pair with Karl-Anthony Towns in their frontcourt for the long-term, and I think Sekou Doumbouya is their man. He’s extremely athletic, and runs the fast-break flawlessly. This is exactly what Minnesota needs. He also contributes well on the defense end of the ball. What Timberwolves fans should be excited about with this pick is the coast-to-coast ability Doumbouya has. He can swoop a rebound from under the hoop and immediately get running. He’s not afraid to finish the basketball over somebody or kick it out to the wing. He’s still learning the game and is quite raw, but he will fit right in in Minnesota.
12. Charlotte Hornets - Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina
The 6'6" 224 pound-Little is the definition of the ultimate two-way player in today’s NBA. His collegiate season might have been a little disappointing, but his athleticism and defense are off the charts. His size makes him the perfect dynamic slasher for the NBA. Right now, his shooting isn’t there, but it will surely develop under the Hornets’ coaching staff. His slashing abilities will definitely help the cause down in Charlotte.
13. Miami Heat - P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky
P.J. Washington is an undersized stretch four that can do it all on offense. Right now, at the power forward position for the Heat, Kelly Olynyk isn’t cutting it. Washington is unique in the way that he can do a little bit of everything. One play you’ll see him hit a post hook, the next he’ll be hitting a corner three. Time will only tell how this translates to the league, but I think he could be a consistent starter for the Heat for years to come.
14. Boston Celtics - Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana
With the departure of Kyrie Irving incoming, the Celtics take this “bonus” pick (which was confusingly acquired in the Fultz-Tatum trade) to take a high-risk high-reward player in Romeo Langford. Langford is quick and aggressive offensively and can also play point if he needs to. he seems to have a knack for getting to the rim. The reason his stock has fallen after being a top 10 prospect coming out of high school is the fact he played all of last year with a torn thumb ligament. The Celtics do have the cushion, though, to take this risk. If he can improve his shot, then watch out for Romeo Langford.
15. Detroit Pistons - Rui Hachimura, SF, Gonzaga
Rui Hachimura is not only very athletic, but he can do just about anything else, too. His shot is only improving, and his defense will get there. His ability to take it to the rim is unmatched, as he understands the game. He plays a controlled game and can score at will. This the kind of guy Dwane Casey wants on his team. He’s a hard worker and will do whatever it takes to bring his team to greatness.
16. Orlando Magic - Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech
Alexander-Walker and Orlando is the perfect match. Orlando needs a versatile combo guard, and Walker is just that. he’s very quick, shifty, and uses his basketball IQ to weave his way through defenses. His ambidexterity also helps him get past the defense without an explosive first step. His shot form is perfect for the NBA, and he will be able to replace a bit of Evan Fournier’s production as a sharpshooting wing. His defensive instincts are also elite, as he averaged 2 steals a game last year as a Hokie.
17. Atlanta Hawks - Goga Bitadze, C, Montenegro
Bitadze is another high-risk high-reward pick, and I think the Hawks take the risk. He most recently played basketball in the EuroLeague for a team based in Montenegro, but his rebounding and stretch-like attributes make him quite the NBA prospect. His athleticism is the only thing lacking from his game. In his arsenal, he has the jump hook, wing three-pointer, posterizer, you name it. He has the potential to be one of the best sixth-men in the league if he can take advantage of his size and natural abilities.
18. Indiana Pacers - Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky
The main player the Pacers are hoping for is probably the Indianan Romeo Langford, but the next best option is Keldon Johnson, the perfect complimentary piece Victor Oladipo needs. Johnson is a very athletic wing and will be a weapon for Oladipo when he returns. He’s similar to Corey Maggette with his explosiveness and power to the basket. His free throw shooting might be an issue though, as 70% might not cut it in a year or two.
19. San Antonio Spurs - Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga
Coming off of a 17 PPG and 9 RPG season, the Spurs are lucky to have Clarke fall this far. He is undeniably the second best defender in the class, averaging over 3 blocks and a steal a game this year. He can still score though, as his explosive athleticism gives him the advantage against most big men. He can guard anyone on the court, and only needs to improve defensively in the pick and roll. Other than that, he should be a solid starter for years to come.
20. Boston Celtics - Mfiondu Kabengele, PF, Florida State
He didn’t get very much playing time at Florida State, but in his limited playing time, Kabengele proved how much of a beast he is. He crashes both the offensive and defensive glass, and constantly gets in the way of shots. He averaged 2.7 blocks a game over the ACC tournament. He’s very smart, has soft hands, and has the size that NBA coaches love. Did I mention he’s a 37% three-point shooter?
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina
In my mind, Oklahoma City just wants someone who can come off the bench and score. That’s exactly what Cameron Johnson can do. He’s a lights-out shooter and is someone who will come up big defensively when called upon. He’s not an aggressive slasher, but off the bench, I don’t think the Thunder need anything more than what Cameron Johnson offers.
22. Boston Celtics - Kevin Porter Jr., SG, Southern California
Once again, the Celtics take a high-risk high-reward player. Kevin Porter Jr. is a very athletic isolation player that is James Harden-esque at times. He shot 41% from three-point range last year. He can nail stepback jumpers if needed. He definitely has the slashing of an NBA player and is very aggressive when he gets to the hole. I do think, though, that Porter Jr. would gain a lot from going back to college for another year. He isn’t the most mature person, and he has a small sample size. If he had decided to stay another year, he could easily be a top-10 pick in 2020.
23. Memphis Grizzlies - Matisse Thybulle, SG, Washington
Matisse Thybulle is easily the best defender in the draft. This is a pretty low-risk pick, as Thybulle’s defensive poise is already established. All that’s left to see is if he can develop his catch-and-shoot game. He would be a perfect fit alongside Ja Morant in Memphis. After averaging 3.5 steals and 2.5 blocks a game as a 6'5" guard in his senior season, he won the National Defensive Player of the Year award. He has the instincts and athleticism to make plays like this:
24. Philadelphia 76ers - Kezie Okpala, SG, Stanford
Kezie Okpala will be a nice developmental piece for the Sixers. He tremendously improved his jumpshot between his freshman and sophomore years, and, as long as the sophomore one translates to the NBA, he’ll be a spark plug off the bench for Philly. He’s a solid rebounder at six a game, and is a freak athlete. He’s extremely dangerous in the open court. I think Kevin Porter Jr. might be a player Elton Brand wants to go after, but Elton just misses out on him, just like how Brand missed out on joining the Heat.
25. Portland Trail Blazers - Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont
Windler is known for his sharpshooting abilities (43% 3PT), but what is incredible to me is the 11 rebounds he’s putting up while spending a majority of possessions on the perimeter. Most teams would under-utilize someone like Windler, but I see only good things coming out of Windler and Portland. He can really push the floor and will only benefit from the NBA’s extended three-point line. Many of his long-range shots come in transition, so he is well prepared for the speed of the game at the next level. In my book, he is a stud, but people are raising concerns because of the fact he played in the Ohio Valley Conference and is a senior. At the end of the first round, I don’t see any issues with taking a guy like him.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers — Nicolas Claxton, PF, Georgia
Claxton averaged 13 PPG and 9 RPG on a lackluster Georgia team. He’s a good player, but the team wasn’t quite flourishing as he would’ve hoped.This is definitely an experimental pick, as he does having glimpses of both ball-handling and shooting from the outside. The one constant in his game, though, is his defensive versatility. Especially with his 7'0" 217-pound frame, his defensive skills will come up big. It’s just a solid depth pick.
27. Brooklyn Nets - Daniel Gafford, C, Arkansas
Daniel Gafford has the same qualities as Chris Andersen. He’s quick, can run the floor, puts in work at the rim. Last year, he averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds a game in only 29 minutes per game. He is a lackluster shooter, but he knows what he can and can not take. He draws fouls, but makes less than 60% of his free throws. He just needs to work on his shooting and polish up his defense to be a solid role player off the bench for Brooklyn.
28. Golden State Warriors - Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky
Finally, Tyler Herro’s fall ends at pick #28. Herro reminds me of J.J. Redick, but with a little bit more to offer on the defensive side of the ball. His shooting is undoubtedly phenomenal, and he deserves to be drafted only off that, but Tyler Herro is not a one-dimensional player. He can make plays happen off-the-dribble, through the catch-and-shoot, through transition and more. Plus, as was seen in the NCAA Tournament, when his team needs buckets, he’ll deliver. The Warriors say “Why not?” and take him late in the first round.
29. San Antonio Spurs - Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland
Bruno Fernando is one of the most well-rounded and consistent bigs in the class. His only weakness is the lack of a three-point shot… And is that even a weakness if you are shooting 75% from the free-throw line? The Spurs wouldn’t mind adding some consistent center depth late in the first round. He’s a great shot-creator out of the post, and he attacks the hoop aggressively. He’ll finish an alley-oop the possession after hitting a baby hook. His scoring is reminiscent of Hakeem Olajuwon, but he is just missing the polish.
30. Milwaukee Bucks - Luka Samanic, PF, Slovenia
Samanic is a versatile forward with a lot of offensive upside. He’s not too consistent, but when he gets hot, he gets hot. He has a very high basketball I.Q. and knows how to use that to his advantage. The Bucks aren’t looking to find a future All-NBA player here, but it would be nice if Samanic develops into someone who can consistently play next to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
