The 2019 NBA Draft picture is already heating up. Who might the Philadelphia 76ers be eyeing?
We’re roughly three weeks into the college basketball season, with several storylines beginning to unravel. People, for a brief moment, actually thought Duke could beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then Gonzaga happened and the Philadelphia 76ers put forth an embarrassing effort.
Even after entering the loss column, though, the Blue Devils are overwhelming title favorites. Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish might form the top three picks. The state of North Carolina will have its say in the 2019 NBA Draft.
To add some variance, the lottery order was determined via Tankathon simulation. It’s worth mentioning the flattened lottery odds, which give teams with better records higher odds than years past.
It’s still early in the season, so changes will come en masse between now and June. Teams will improve, prospects will rise, and situations will take unforeseen turns. That doesn’t take away the benefits of getting an early look at draft prospects and potential fits.
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Despite a close loss to Gonzaga in the Maui Invitational Tournament, the Blue Devils have been overwhelmingly dominant early in the season. Zion Williamson is the main reason why, averaging 20.7 points and 9.5 rebounds in 27 minutes per contest.
With unprecedented size and athleticism, Zion has the makings of a generational athlete. He can guard all over, run through defenders in transition and throw down highlight-reel dunks on the regular. He’s also shooting 65.3 percent from field, scoring with unrivaled efficiency.
The jumper is still a concern, but Williamson is shooting 25 percent from deep on 1.3 attempts per game. Just adding that wrinkle — even if it’s far from elite — makes him a more dangerous all-around player. If the Knicks luck into the top spot, Zion is looking like the current favorite.
With flattened lottery odds, the potential for an unconventional top-three is exponentially higher. The Heat are struggling right now, cash-strapped, wholly average and lacking future flexibility. Adding an elite talent like R.J. Barrett would be a welcomed shake-up.
The preseason favorite to go No. 1, inefficiency has led some to cool off on Barrett’s NBA stock. Zion’s tour de force hasn’t helped either, as his standout athleticism tends to overshadow those on the court alongside him.
Barrett remains an enticing prospect, though, as well as one of the youngest players in the 2019 class. He’s averaging a team-high 22.8 points per game, aggressively attacking the rim and gradually expanding his range. His 31.8 percent clip from deep is promising.
Though Zion and Barrett are infinitely more flashy, there’s still an argument to be made that Cam Reddish is Duke’s best prospect. He’s a smooth 6-foot-9 playmaker, boasting impressive passing chops and three-level scoring ability.
Effort was a big knock on Reddish in high school, but he’s doing a nice job carving out a niche in the Blue Devils’ talent-laden rotation. He’s quietly averaging 15.7 points per contest while shooting 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Someone with Reddish’s size who can handle, create and shoot at a high level will always have value. Add in his basketball I.Q. and defensive potential, and it’s difficult to slot him lower than this. Duke has quite the triad. The Bulls would need some luck, but again, the new lottery odds make it feasible.
Nassir Little was expected to challenge his cross-state counterparts for the No. 1 pick coming into the season. His role at North Carolina has underwhelmed, though, with Roy Williams playing the five-star recruit just 20 minutes per game.
Even with fewer opportunities than other high-level prospects, Little has managed to make some strong first impressions. He thrives at either forward spot, hitting jumpers on the perimeter and using his strong frame to attack mismatches and get to the rim.
An aggressive perimeter scorer with defensive versatility, Little’s pedigree should keep him firmly in the top five. It would also be wise to expect an uptick in both opportunity and production as the season goes on. Little is too good not to get more touches.
The Hawks took the Warriors-lite path in the 2018 draft, selecting Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Omari Spellman in the first round. Romeo Langford fits seamlessly into the picture, giving them another wing who can fill it up on the perimeter.
While not the best prospect available, Langford’s shooting stroke, secondary playmaking and defensive potential would fit nicely in Lloyd Pierce‘s system. He’s the go-to star at Indiana right now, pouring in 18.6 points per game. His three-point shooting (26.1 percent) should improve as the season progresses.
A bona fide bucket-getter, expect Langford to hang around the top of draft boards all season. He’s someone who will get ample shine and opportunity playing for his hometown Hoosiers, where his polished scoring arsenal will shine.
The Suns are experiencing moderate success with Devin Booker at the point guard spot, but it isn’t a long-term solution. Quentin Grimes is the best guard in the draft, giving the rebuilding Suns an immediate solution on the perimeter.
Despite poor defensive efforts, Grimes has given scouts plenty to like in the first few weeks. His production is limited in Kansas’ crowded rotation, but he’s shooting 47.4 percent from deep and making plays when given the chance.
He has excellent size, vision and scoring instincts for his position. He’s someone who can produce to and fro with another ball-dominant guard in the NBA, such as Booker. In the same boat as Little, expect Grimes to improve his productivity as the season wares on.
Few prospects are as difficult to peg as Bol Bol, but the lanky 7-foot-3 big seems destined for the lottery. The Wizards are bordering on an implosion, and at the very least need some sizable changes. Adding a high-upside center to the mix could have benefits.
John Wall‘s contract will be hard to move, which means the 29-year-old will likely stick around. While Bol isn’t an elite screen-setter, his upside as a finisher and spot-up shooter could fit nicely in the Washington frontcourt.
Given his unique skill set and physical tools, Bol has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. His floor is admittedly worrisome, but someone will take the plunge. Few teams seem better suited for that risk than the Wiz.
Few prospects fit the Nets better than Keldon Johnson. He’s a versatile, hard-nosed perimeter defender with ample upside on offense. He’s far and away the most enticing Kentucky prospect, cementing his status early in the campaign.
Questions about Johnson’s shooting are valid, but he’s making up ground with his slashing ability. He’s aggressive on his drives to the rim, attacking to the tune of 16.5 points per game. He also gets after it on defense and fights for rebounds, averaging 5.8 per game at 6-foot-6.
The Marcus Smart comparison has been made, and the reason why is evident. He plays with a mean streak and affects the game across the board, even without a reliable jumper. If his shooting improves, expect Johnson’s stock to skyrocket.
The Jazz will certainly improve, but their early struggles have sparked valid concerns about the current roster construction. Putting more versatile pieces around Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert should be priority No. 1, and De’Andre Hunter fits the bill.
After thriving in a sixth man role last season, Hunter is taking it up a level in the Cavaliers’ starting lineup. He’s averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 46.7 percent from deep, giving Virginia a go-to weapon who can score at every level.
In addition to his offensive growth, Hunter can aptly defend four or five positions against some matchups. He’s the perfect four or small-ball five in the modern NBA, and would give Utah excellent value in the top 10.
Headlining a weak international class, Sekou Doumbouya’s slow start to the 2018-19 campaign has left some draftniks disappointed. He’s adjusting to a higher level of competition, leading to uninspiring production on offense.
Even with an evolving, largely raw offensive repertoire, Doumbouya remains a top-10 talent. At 6-foot-8, he’s a high-level athlete who can defend across the positional spectrum. The Timberwolves would be wise to add more defensive bodies next to Robert Covington.
With flashes of shot-making potential in the past, Doumbouya’s physical gifts should get NBA teams to buy in. He’s easily the top international prospect, marking a down year ahead of the 2020 class, which promises to be much deeper.
Getting a second first-round pick from Dallas, the Hawks can add another versatile frontcourt member in Rui Hachimura. Few players in the 2019 class — perhaps only Hunter, Doumbouya, Bol and Williamson — can match the junior’s defensive ceiling.
After taking on limited roles in his freshman and sophomore seasons, Hachimura has gone scorched earth in the Zags’ first six games. He’s far and away their top scorer, averaging 22.5 points per contest and leading the charge in an impressive win over Duke.
If Hachimura’s three-point shot is legit — currently 44.4 percent on 1.4 attempts per game — he’s going to quickly establish himself in the top 10. There’s a reasonable chance 11th will mark Hachimura’s lowest projection all season.
The Spurs are running thin in the frontcourt, with LaMarcus Aldridge being their only consistent source of production. Pau Gasol is aging and Jakob Poeltl, for some reason, hasn’t panned out. Expect Gregg Popovich‘s team to address the problem.
Daniel Gafford surprised many by returning to school last summer, forgoing a potential top-20 selection. It might benefit him, however, given the much thinner center crop in the 2019 class. He’s off to a strong start in non-conference play.
In 27.6 minutes per game, Gafford is averaging 19.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. He’s an ultra-athletic finisher, giving the Spurs a vertical threat in the middle. His rim protection is something San Antonio would appreciate.
Arguably the best point guard in the 2019 class, Darius Garland will miss significant time after suffering a meniscus injury in his left knee. While that puts a damper on his draft stock, it shouldn’t take away from Garland’s talent.
The Pelicans typically view Jrue Holiday as a two-guard, embracing versatility and running another lead guard (Elfrid Payton) alongside him. Garland would be an upgrade over Payton, giving the Pelicans another dynamic option in the backcourt.
With shifty handles, three-level scoring and solid passing chops, Garland has all the tools needed to carve out his niche in the NBA landscape. He’s somewhat undersized, but defends the point of attack well and can handle his position.
The Rockets are settled in the backcourt with Chris Paul and James Harden. Clint Capela isn’t leaving anytime soon. That means adding complementary pieces on the wing should top Daryl Morey’s priorities list.
Jarrett Culver fits the bill, averaging 18.6 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in an expanded role this season. He’s also shooting 47.1 percent on 3.4 attempts from deep, proving consistently efficient despite unconventional mechanics.
He’s the ideal two-way wing for the Rockets’ system, hitting spot-up jumpers and attacking closeouts with success. He can also defend multiple positions, giving him the potential to contribute right away at the next level. Houston probably won’t end up in the lottery, though.
No prospect has risen as quickly as Kevin Porter Jr., who just five games into his collegiate career has gone from long-term project to potential lottery pick. He’s averaging 14.0 points in 25.6 minutes per game, flashing well-developed scoring moves on the wing.
The Magic need a point guard, but the options aren’t great here. Orlando won’t stick around the middle of the pack all season, but in this situation, it’s wiser to address the need for more youth on the wing. Porter fits.
Despite questionable shot mechanics, Porter can score at three levels, using crafty handles to create space and score off the bounce. He’s an adept finisher in traffic, can hit pull-ups and should grow as a playmaker. He’s firmly on the NBA radar.
The 2019 class lacks center depth, but the frontcourt talent is certainly unique. Naz Reid embodies that uniqueness, spearheading the LSU offense with a rare blend of strength, mobility and skill. He can handle on the perimeter, score in the post, and is shooting 34.8 percent from deep.
With Cody Zeller, Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez holding down the five spot, Charlotte can certainly afford an upgrade. There are concerns regarding Reid’s defensive profile in the NBA, but he’s too talented to overlook.
Reid is only averaging 0.7 assist per game, but he’s capable of high-level passes in the post or on the move. He can also grab-and-go in transition, flashing tight handles and the willingness to embrace contact at the rim. He gave some DeMarcus Cousins vibes in high school.
Right now, it looks as though Terry Rozier will eventually depart Boston. The Celtics will need a replacement, with the draft giving them a prime opportunity to inject more young talent into the rotation. Temetrius Morant makes sense.
An explosive athlete at the lead guard spot, Morant’s productivity flew under the radar at Murray State last season. The Racers have only played two games this season, but Morant is off to a quick start — 22.0 points and 9.5 assists in 26.5 minutes per game.
With a quick first step, Morant thrives on drives to the rim. He’s an excellent, unselfish passer and a capable finisher in traffic. Improving his three-point shot should be a focus, but expect Morant to get ample consideration inside the top 20.
Villanova lost four players to the NBA after last season’s title run, leaving Eric Paschall center stage as the Wildcats’ top prospect. It hasn’t been the strongest start, but he’s a versatile forward with NBA tools.
The Celtics, who currently have four projected first-round picks, are in win-now mode. Paschall can contribute to winning basket, spacing the floor as a potential small-ball five and high-energy bench piece. He does all the little things to make an impact on both ends.
An explosive finisher and smooth spot-up shooter, it’s easy to see Paschall fitting immediately into an NBA system, similar to former teammate Omari Spellman. The Celtics can steal another solid prospect from Philadelphia, only this time from the local school.
Louis King is still on the sidelines as he recovers from a torn meniscus. That will naturally subdue his stock until talent evaluators get an extended look at him against high-level competition. If things break right, though, he’s a potential lottery pick.
One of two five-star recruits on the Oregon roster, King has the potential to thrive as a focal point in the Ducks’ rotation. He’s a fluid wing scorer at 6-foot-9, showing craft and touch around the basket. He’s a high-upside pick worth gambling on for a team like Detroit.
The Pistons presently lack wing depth, with Stanley Johnson looking far from a reliable NBA player. Glenn Robinson III, Reggie Bullock and Luke Kennard are all serviceable, but King adds a higher ceiling to the mix.
An underrated freshman from France, Jaylen Hoard has quickly made an impact for Wake Forest. He’s averaging 32.8 minutes per contest, tallying 16.8 points and 9.0 rebounds while accumulating impressive stats on the defensive end.
He’s a double-double machine, attacking the glass and showcasing his versatility on both ends. At 6-foot-8, he should defend two or three positions with ease. He can also score at all three levels, though his 22.2 three-point percentage needs work.
The Pacers thrive on unselfish play with hard-nosed defenders and multi-faceted pieces alongside Victor Oladipo. Hoard would be a nice addition to the second unit, giving them a worthwhile development project behind Thaddeus Young.
The Lakers are thin in the frontcourt, with Ivica Zubac looking less and less like an NBA player and Tyson Chandler nearing retirement. Adding another young body to the mix makes sense — especially one with Charles Bassey‘s upside.
Previously a top-five recruit in the 2019 high school class, Bassey reclassified and joined Western Kentucky, marking the program’s second five-star recruit in as many seasons (although Mitchell Robinson never really showed up). Bassey is as NBA-ready as athletes come.
With a strong, sturdy 6-foot-10 frame, Bassey is averaging 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He’s an excellent interior finisher, absorbing contact and finishing with touch around the rim. He even hit his lone three-point attempt through five games, which is worth monitoring.
A relatively unheralded freshman, Luguentz Dort has burst onto the scene at Arizona State. He’s currently averaging 23.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, aggressively looking for his shot and competing on the defensive end.
The Sixers need perimeter pieces who can handle, shoot and defend. Dort checks every box, adding another pick-and-roll ball handler who can create off the dribble, spot-up from deep or slash to the basket. At 6-foot-5, close to eight boards per game is impressive.
Dort’s stock might grow beyond Philadelphia if his current play continues. But, for the time being, he’s someone Sixers fans should eagerly watch. He’s an ideal fit hovering around the late first-round conversation.
After working his way into the first-round discussion as a freshman, P.J. Washington is establishing his NBA prospects as a sophomore. He’s already embracing a bigger role, averaging 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game with early success from three-point range.
Standing 6-foot-7 with long arms and a strong frame, Washington’s defensive versatility should entice NBA teams. The Blazers already have decent forward depth, but Washington adds another multi-positional defender to the frontcourt mix.
If Washington can continue hitting threes, his stock won’t drop any lower than the early 20s. He’s a focal point, on both ends, for a talented Kentucky group. The Wildcats will always face stiff competition in the national spotlight, which plays to Washington’s advantage.
Moving into the starting lineup and doubling his field goal attempts per game from last season, Herb Jones is already experiencing the benefit of an increased workload. He’s also shooting 37.5 percent from deep, early success he hopes to sustain moving forward.
At 6-foot-8, Jones presents intriguing defensive versatility on the wing. He’s still somewhat raw on offense, but he’s growing into a more important role as a sophomore. If his shot-making continues to improve, expect a steady rise in interest from scouts and draftniks alike.
Alabama is known for tough athletes who compete defensively, as epitomized by Collin Sexton last season. Jones fits the mold, and he’s someone the Nets should have interest in. He fits their two-way mold, especially if the three-point shot sticks.
An intriguing big man prospect, Jalen Smith could give the Warriors another young big to fill the void when DeMarcus Cousins leaves. Golden State doesn’t need another center, but Smith has arguably the highest ceiling left on the board. He could warrant a flier.
At 6-foot-10, adding strength will be paramount for Smith’s success as a versatile five-man at the next level. His three-pointer isn’t falling yet (14.3 percent), but it’s something he’s leaned on the past. Add in mobility and touch around the rim, and Smith generates plenty of intrigue.
He profiles well as a rim-runner and switch-friendly defender, something the Warriors need in the middle. He becomes especially valuable if Kevon Looney joins the aforementioned Cousins in departing over the summer.
The Celtics are trying to win now and, again, have four first-round picks in this scenario. Taking high-upside risks are worthwhile, and Simi Shittu should continue to hold the interest of NBA talent evaluators.
Despite poor shooting touch, Shittu has the tools to become a hyper-versatile defender at the next level. He’s also a unique offensive talent, aggressively slashing to the rim and possessing upside as a playmaking four. He fits the modern NBA, sans the jumper.
Shittu could join the aforementioned Jaylen Hoard as a big riser once the season gets going. His versatility, even in a raw state, is something teams will value. He is averaging 16.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, as well as a block and steal per game.
Off to a strong start with prospect hub Mega Bemax, Goga Bitadze has been on draft radars for a couple seasons now. He represents an aging archetype, but he’s skilled enough to carve out an NBA role. The Celtics would need to stash at least one of their four picks.
The Celtics have put stronger, below-the-rim centers to good use in recent seasons — with Aron Baynes being the obvious example of success. Bitadze is more offensive-oriented, though, scoring with touch around the rim and boasting high-level passing chops.
If the 19-year-old can passably defend in space, it’s easy to see him living up to first round hype as a potential draft-and-stash. He’s consistently productive overseas and, despite valid question marks, should be on your radar.
Following another impressive tournament run from Syracuse, Tyus Battle received some first-round discussion in 2018. He eventually returned for his junior season, though, primed to take on another featured scoring role for the Orange.
After watching his three-point percentage dip last season, Battle is shooting an even lower 28.6 percent through five games. It’s obviously a small sample size, but consistently hitting from the perimeter will go a long way in establishing Battle’s draft stock.
With defensive versatility and the ability to generate buckets at all three levels, Battle fits what teams are looking for late in the first round. The Thunder need more complementary pieces next to Russell Westbrook and Paul George, which Battle can feasibly provide.
Jontay Porter was on the lottery track after a strong freshman campaign, but he will unfortunately miss the entire season after tearing his ACL and MCL. Knee injuries always garner extra concern from NBA franchises, especially when it comes to bigs.
If Porter tumbles, his fit in Milwaukee is clear. He’s essentially a long-term Brook Lopez replacement, giving Mike Budenholzer another floor-spacing big who can screen, finish in traffic and make solid reads as a passer.
There are concerns regarding Porter’s fitness and defense, but he’s a hyper-skilled offensive big with lottery upside. Knee injuries are never fun, but he’s someone who’s likely to fly too far under the radar after a season off the grid.
Stepping into a significant backcourt role with North Carolina, Coby White is already establishing himself as a potential one-and-done candidate. In just 22.9 minutes per game, he’s averaging 15.7 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 43.9 percent on 5.9 three-point attempts.
White represents the perfect backcourt complement for a presently short-handed Spurs team, giving Gregg Popovich another floor-spacing comboguard who can fit next to DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Much like Nassir Little, expect White’s role to grow as the season progresses. The Tar Heels aren’t known for their freshmen talent, but both Little and White should be key contributors throughout the campaign.
Standings updated as of 11/23/2018; Stats updated as of 11/24/2018