With December underway, we’re getting more familiar with the 2019 NBA Draft class. Who might the Philadelphia 76ers pursue?
The 2018 NBA Draft and the 2019 NBA Draft will look very different. 2018 featured several elite bigs, whereas 2019 will place a heavy emphasis on perimeter talent. Duke also has a chance to represent the first three picks, making history in the process.
Also of note, the ACC is home to the top five prospects on this board. The top four all play in the state of North Carolina, with Duke once again recruiting the nation’s best freshman class. There will be some entertaining matchups once conference play hits.
As always, big boards do not equal mock drafts. Team fit isn’t taken into account. As the season progresses, the board will expand to 60 (potentially even 100), with more relevant names joining the mix.
If the draft were to happen today, the Philadelphia 76ers would hold the 24th overall pick. The Kings pick lands at 14, sending it to Boston. You can read our most recent mock draft here, in which the Sixers pursue another piece on the perimeter.
Here’s our updated top 30.
The second five-star center to commit to Western Kentucky in as many seasons, Charles Bassey is putting up solid numbers a few weeks in. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan and a mature frame, his physical tools alone should garner NBA interest.
Bassey still has questions surrounding his offensive skill set, but he’s a strong-bodied finisher with touch at the rim. He’s also 3/3 on three-pointers this season, which shows a promising trend — even if it’s far from reliable.
On defense, Bassey will need to prove he can consistently defend in space. His strength and length makes him a capable interior defender, but hanging with quicker players off the bounce or guarding in the pick-and-roll could prove troublesome at the next level.
Tyler Herro has carved out a starting role in the loaded Kentucky backcourt, providing value with his perimeter shooting and secondary playmaking. While defense is an issue, Herro’s ability to work off the ball and hit outside shots will serve him well at the next level.
At 18, Herro already shows good off-ball instincts, making savvy cuts to the rim and relocating for open shots on the perimeter. With NBA polish, he has potential to fill that Landry Shamet/J.J. Redick role, in some capacity.
In addition to his spot-up proficiency, Herro can attack closeouts, finish at the rim and make smart passes on the move. He has all the tools needed to become a strong complementary piece in the NBA. Expect his 31.6 percent three-point clip to improve.
Lindell Wigginton is set to miss more time with a left foot injury, but the shifty point guard has shown enough to warrant first-round grades. Standing 6-foot-2, Wigginton makes up for average physical tools with a dynamic off-the-dribble game.
He’s excellent in the pick-and-roll, working his way into the teeth of the defense and hitting pull-up jumpers with regularity. He was also a 40.1 percent three-point shooter as a freshman, doing so on 5.5 attempts per game.
Once healthy, Wigginton should have ample opportunity in the Iowa State offense. He’s one of the best scoring guards in the Big 12, aggressively slashing to the rim, looking for his shot and scoring at all three levels. Improving as a playmaker is his next step.
After an up-and-down freshman season, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is off to a strong start for a dangerous Virginia Tech team. He’s the perfect complementary guard at the next level, drilling spot-up jumpers, attacking closeouts and possessing ample defensive upside.
Listed at 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Alexander-Walker has great length for his position. He can handle either guard spot defensively and use his length to disrupt passing lanes. Through seven games, the sophomore is averaging 2.3 steals per contest.
Now a career 39.8 percent three-point shooter on healthy volume, Alexander-Walker boasts promising mechanics that should translate to the next level. Add in the occasional playmaking foray, and he’s an excellent 3-and-D comboguard for the modern NBA.
After foregoing the draft las season, P.J. Washington is looking to establish himself as a first-round pick. Standing 6-foot-7 with a solid frame and 7-foot-3 wingspan, Washington has one of the highest defensive ceilings outside the projected lottery discussion.
The offense remains a work in progress, but Washington has developed a solid face-up game, using his strong frame to get to the rim and finish inside. He’s also an apt mid-range shooter, with range that’s beginning to extend beyond the three-point line more often.
While the sample size is small, Washington is shooting 58.3 percent from deep through eight games. If he regresses to around 35+ percent on the season (compared to 23.8 percent as a freshman), expect him to move further up draft boards.
A thin frame presents some concerns on defense, but Luka Samanic is one of the few international prospects worth a first-round grade in the 2019 class. He’s a fluid offensive big at 6-foot-10, fitting the modern stretch-four mold.
With his size, Samanic’s ability to operate off the dribble is unique. He can attack closeouts, size up defenders and make the occasional high-level pass on the move. His shooting stroke, while inconsistent in the past, is smooth out to the three-point line.
With promising mobility, Samanic has the tools to develop into a quality defender down the line. He might be a draft-and-stash candidate, but the talent should intrigue teams in the mid-to-late first round.
While Duke has several five-star recruits with more flash than Tre Jones, the point guard is gaining considerable steam in NBA Draft circles. He doesn’t present the highest ceiling, but he’s a low-risk floor general who seldom makes mistakes.
As we’ve seen with his brother Tyus Jones in the past, there’s value in smart playmakers who, despite average physical tools, can play within the offense and avoid turnovers. Jones also has three-point range, a pull-up jumper and nice touch around the rim, so he’s not a non-factor scoring the ball.
As the maestro behind the Blue Devils’ talent-laden offense, Jones should continue to get recognized for the important role he plays in Coach K’s system. With most Duke five-stars going one-and-done, expect Jones to eventually take that route.
A unique prospect at 6-foot-10, Jalen McDaniels has considerable upside on both ends. He should find his niche as a small-ball four at the next level, using his quickness to face up and attack slower bigs.
While not an elite shooter, McDaniels does have range with fairly sound mechanics. He’s most comfortable from mid-range, but that can be expanded upon with time. He’s also effective off the ball, moving around the court, setting screens and either slipping to the rim or popping for three.
On the defensive end, McDaniels needs to bulk up and add strength. His mobility and length should allow him to defend two or three positions, though, which has obvious value in the modern NBA. McDaniels is firmly in the first-round discussion and rising.
Simisola Shittu presents an intriguing project for NBA teams. He’s essentially a non-shooter (0/5 from three-point range this season), but his blend of athleticism, versatility and basketball I.Q. should win over scouts.
At 6-foot-10, Shittu uses his strong frame to absorb contact and finish inside. He lacks touch on jumpers, but that isn’t the case around the rim. His ability to handle in the open court, combined with excellent core strength and court vision, makes him difficult to contain in transition.
Even without a jumper, Shittu’s slashing and passing should make him a viable contributor in some capacity. His defensive versatility is what should lock him into the first round. He can defend across the positional spectrum and plays with impressive fire on that end.
Continuing the trend of unique comboforwards, Jaylen Hoard has made a strong early impression at Wake Forest. He’s only shooting 21.4 percent from deep, but his slashing, cutting and rebounding are all viable NBA skills.
At 6-foot-9, Hoard is fluid attacking the basket. He’s great in the open court, can exploit slower bigs, and embraces contact at the rim. He’s shooting 69.2 percent at the free throw line and his shooting mechanics, while far from perfect, are workable long term.
Hoard will also get praise for his defensive prowess, using his 7-foot-1 wingspan to wall off drives to the rim and intercept passes. He can defend on the perimeter and has the size to eventually bother players in the post. The tools are there.
Averaging 21.7 points per contest, Luguentz Dort is quickly establishing himself as one of the Pac-12’s premier guards. A compact but powerful athlete at 6-foot-6, Dort plays bigger than his size on both ends. He’s one of the quickest risers in the 2019 class.
While not an elite shooter, Dort has proven himself capable at all three levels. He’s a viable pull-up threat and is hitting 33.3 percent of his threes, but the freshman is at his best when slashing to the rim. Using strength and deft touch, Dort welcomes contact and finishes at a high clip inside.
On the defensive end, Dort is an aggressive on-ball defender who flashes excellent anticipation. He also attacks the glass exceedingly well for his position, often turning rebounds into fastbreak opportunities.
Despite earning first-round hype last June, Daniel Gafford returned to school for his sophomore season. The early results have been promising, with Gafford putting up gaudy stat lines for a respectable Arkansas team.
At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Gafford has NBA athleticism and a solid frame. His quick second jump makes him a dynamic rim protector and rebounder, while his willingness (and ability) to run the floor makes him an easy fit in up-tempo offenses.
Gafford’s offensive repertoire is mostly paint-bound, but he has shown some touch on short-range jumpers this season. He’s rounding into a quality rim-runner with an obvious NBA niche on both ends. Barring injury, don’t expect to see him any lower than this come June.
After a strong freshman campaign, Jontay Porter will miss the entire season with a torn ACL and MCL. It’s an unfortunate turn for someone with lottery potential, but the brother of Michael Porter Jr. should still garner NBA interest down the line.
While not an elite athlete, Porter is supremely skilled for his size. He’s an apt three-point shooter, above-average passer and someone who fits the jack-of-all-trades mold at the five spot. The defensive concerns are valid, but Porter does the little things needed to make an offense tick.
Conditioning will almost be a swing skill of sorts for Porter, as it was a serious question mark before the knee injury. He needs to improve his ability to defend in space, and serious knee injuries don’t always promote lateral quickness. NBA teams will need to get a good sense of his medical situation.
Louis King hasn’t made his debut yet after suffering a torn meniscus in high school. The five-star recruit is part of Oregon’s elite freshman class, though, and has the potential to make an immediate impact once he’s healthy.
Standing 6-foot-9, King is a fluid slasher who balances his game with a smooth three-point stroke. He gets to the rim in long strides, using spin moves and euro-steps to evade defenders and finish with touch. He has silky floaters in his arsenal as well.
Given his length and athleticism, King should fare well on the defensive end. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but has the lateral quickness to stick with other wings and switch along the perimeter. Once his frame fills out, he could spend time as a small-ball four.
Few bigs are as unique as Naz Reid, who fits the unicorn label in more ways than one. While there are valid concerns regarding Reid’s conditioning and defensive fit at the next level, he’s too talented offensively not to receive top-20 hype.
Reid is shooting 34.6 percent on 3.3 three-point attempts per game, flashing range well beyond the NBA line. He’s also well-versed off the dribble, using quick crossovers and tight spin moves to generate space and finish inside.
When in transition, Reid’s bulky frame, passing instincts and feathery touch are on full display. The upside is tantalizing, even with the obvious flaws. Reid will surely draw more interest from some scouts than others, but expect his stock to gradually trend upward.
After starring alongside Keenan Allen and freshman phenom Zhaire Smith last season, Jarrett Culver is breaking out in year two. He fits the NBA mold perfectly, from his long arms and active defense to his quick three-point trigger.
While his mechanics are unconventional, Culver is now a career 39.3 percent shooter from deep. He gets it off quickly, doesn’t need a huge window of space, and tends to project ample confidence out to NBA range.
In addition to his shooting, Culver can attack in straight-line drives and use his length to finish around the rim. Add in a strong defensive projection, and it’s reasonable to expect some lottery or mid-first round hype come June. Culver is what NBA teams are looking for on the wing.
As a freshman in 2016-17, Rui Hachimura averaged 4.6 minutes per game. Not points, minutes. Last season that number grew to 20.7, with the lanky forward averaging 11.7 points and beginning to etch his name onto NBA radars.
Now, in his third season with one of the country’s most prestigious programs, Hachimura is an absolute star at the collegiate level. He’s averaging 21.9 points per contest while shooting 50 percent from deep, a sharp spike from seasons past. He’s not perfect, but the growth is promising.
At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Hachimura has one of the draft’s highest defensive ceilings. He’s still prone to lapses both on and off the ball, but he shows flashes of brilliance as a weak-side rim protector and switch-friendly power forward. Add in his offensive development, as he’s looking more and more like a lottery pick.
Bol Bol might top Zion Williamson for the most unique prospect in the 2019 draft. He has unique physical tools that, despite overwhelming upside, also present unavoidable challenges. It will be ceaselessly interesting to monitor how his game translates to the next level.
In many ways, Bol resembles his father. He’s impossibly long, standing 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-8 wingspan, but he’s also painfully thin. His awkward movement, fragile lower body and poor core strength will leave him susceptible to both mismatches and injuries in the NBA. He’ll need to work hard to improve his body.
With that said, if everything comes together, Bol can block shots, handle in transition, drain threes and finish lobs. His low release point could cause issues, but Bol has been surprisingly consistent on limited three-point attempts. He also has impressive touch inside the arc, allowing him to use his length to finish in abnormal and crafty ways around the rim.
Darius Garland will miss the season with a torn meniscus, potentially limiting his college career to five games. Given his track record and success prior to Vanderbilt, though, a solid medical would likely result in lottery consideration.
An exceptionally crafty scorer, Garland has the ideal skill package for a lead guard. He’s an advanced ball handler with pull-up range out to the three-point line, as well as some nice touch in the painted area. He naturally thrives in the pick-and-roll, which is a staple in most NBA offenses.
Physical tools will limit Garland’s upside, but he’s also a high-I.Q. player who, given his skill set, should fit nicely at the next level. He competes on defense, is a willing passer, and has the talent to overcome his thin 6-foot-2 frame.
Ja Morant might single-handedly make Murray State (!) a must-watch basketball team. Once an unheralded recruit with minimal D1 opportunities, Morant now looks like a potential lottery pick in his second season, averaging 27.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.4 assists through five games.
Even against high-level opponents, Morant is generally the best athlete on the court. His thin frame generates some concern, but he boasts an explosive first step and blinding end-to-end speed. He’s the rare NBA athlete playing for a mid-major school.
Turnovers are an issue, but that can partially be chalked up to usage. Morant continues to slash his way to success, leveraging his athleticism and finishing in traffic around the rim. He’s not an elite shooter, but 33.3 percent on 5.4 three-point attempts per game is an improvement over last season.
To some extent, Quentin Grimes has disappointed through seven games. His defense, despite a solid reputation entering the season, has been largely underwhelming. He’s also carrying a small load in Kansas’ deep backcourt, which limits his opportunities.
Even with some underlying concerns, Grimes has clear NBA appeal. He’s a physically mature 6-foot-5, possessing point guard skills and the ability to adjust to multiple roles on the perimeter. His three-point shot seems legit so far, which was a question mark coming in.
If the defense continues to disappoint, Grimes will drop down more draft boards. As the season progresses and Grimes gets more comfortable in his role, though, expect the Jayhawks to lean more heavily on their five-star comboguard. It’s too early to lose faith.
Kevin Porter Jr. isn’t Trae Young, but he’s following a similar trajectory. Without the historic production, Porter has quickly established himself as a top-10 prospect on most draft boards. The freshman has three starts in six games, showcasing elite scoring upside in the process.
Standing 6-foot-6, Porter has prototypical size on the wing. He’s dynamic off the dribble, using quick crossovers and step-backs to generate space in isolation. His pull-up shooting should serve him well as a pick-and-roll ball handler.
With teams craving 3-and-D wings, it’s easy to forget the importance of isolation scoring when used correctly within the offense. Having someone who can break down defenders, score at all three levels and carry the load in late-game situations has value. Ideally Porter continues to evolve as a passer and defender.
The Wildcats once again have several NBA prospects, but Keldon Johnson slots well above the rest. A physical 6-foot-6 wing, Johnson plays both ends of the floor and checks several boxes for NBA teams.
With a solid frame and 6-foot-9 wingspan, Johnson has the tools to defend at least three positions. Add in an improving three-point shot and high basketball I.Q., and it’s easy to lock him into the lottery discussion at this point.
Johnson has fluid mechanics when spotting up, which bodes well moving forward. He still does most of his damage as a slasher, though, aggressively charging the lane and finishing with a variety of touch shots. He’s not an elite athlete, but he embraces contact and uses his length to finish in traffic.
Despite struggling against better competition, Sekou Doumbouya remains an intriguing long-term prospect that should generate top-10 hype. He’s an elite athlete at 6-foot-8, with the size and mobility needed to defend across the positional spectrum.
In a league that’s becoming so reliant on versatility, Doumbouya’s ability to switch four or five positions has tremendous value. He’s also 17, the youngest player on this draft board. Even with offensive shortcomings, there’s ample time to grow and evolve.
Doumbouya has shown some shot-making potential in the past, although his handles and isolation chops are largely underdeveloped. He thrives in transition, through, where his physical tools shine. The upside earns him a spot in the lottery.
A natural scorer, Romeo Langford continues to flash his special talent as Indiana’s go-to scorer. His three-point percentage (25.7) isn’t indicative of his shooting prowess, so expect some positive regression as the season progresses.
While not the most explosive athlete, Langford uses quick hesitations and smooth handles to create angles, generate space and get off shots. His step-back, combined with a compact release, makes defending him in isolation a challenge.
Growth as a defender and playmaker would cement Langford’s stock, but the upside is clear. He’s one of the most gifted scorers in college basketball, displaying innate talent that’s hard to pass up on. He’s firmly in the top-five discussion.
After spending his freshman season as the Cavaliers’ sixth man, De’Andre Hunter has stepped into the starting lineup with great success. He’s currently averaging 16.4 points per game and shooting 47.6 percent from deep, providing Virginia with a much-needed scoring punch.
Standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Hunter is the ideal modern four. He’s an excellent face-up scorer, making strong moves to the rim and hitting the occasional pull-up jumper. He can also pick and pop at a high level, with clean spot-up mechanics.
It’s Hunter’s defense that puts him in the top five. He’s the best defensive prospect on the board right now, boasting the ability to check one through five in certain situations. As his frame continues to fill out, NBA teams will covet his two-way versatility.
Nassir Little has hit a bump in the developmental road on North Carolina, playing just 19.6 minutes per contest and getting fewer opportunities than most expected. It’s still too early to jump ship, though.
As someone who attended the McDonald’s All-American Game, it’s impossible to forget the strong impression Little made en route to MVP honors. He was (and is) ultra-competitive, singling out Zion Williamson on multiple occasions and winning every battle during the game.
A physical 6-foot-7 slasher, Little finishes strong in traffic and has shown promise as a pull-up shooter. His 27.8 percent three-point clip isn’t great, but the mechanics should yield positive results down the line. Add in his defensive ceiling, and Little maintains a solid grasp on the top four — for now, at least.
Few play with the competitive fire R.J. Barrett does, and it shows in every aspect of his game. On defense, Barrett digs in, often embracing one-on-one matchups. When it comes to offense, he relentlessly attacks the rim.
The leading scorer in Duke’s talent-laden rotation, Barrett has the flash, skill and physical tools to garner No. 1 pick consideration. His inefficiency has turned some draftniks away, but he’s an improved shooter and an elite slasher.
Standing 6-foot-7, Barrett should defend three or four positions comfortably at the next level. He needs to become a more willing passer, but the scoring instincts and all-around potential keep him firmly in the top three. Don’t expect him the drop.
My preseason No. 1, Cam Reddish has been the least productive and least inspiring of the Duke trio. That can be largely attributed to role, but Reddish does have some legitimate concerns. His talent, however, is still worth buying into.
Reddish has point guard skills at 6-foot-9, flashing high-level court vision and playing unselfishly within the Duke offense. His finishing around the basket continues to underwhelm, but he’s easily the best shooter in the top five. Expect him to score comfortably at all three levels.
Effort has been a point of emphasis for Reddish in the past, as he doesn’t always show up every night. That will inevitably push some scouts away if the storyline persists at Duke, with some pointing to his down game in the Blue Devils’ loss to Gonzaga a couple weeks ago. At his peak, though, Reddish has the potential to outclass both Zion and Barrett for the class’ top player.
While it’s unfair to say Zion Williamson has answered every question — his shooting remains a valid concern — the dunk mixtape extraordinaire continues to establish himself as the No. 1 prospect. He’s scoring with remarkable volume and efficiency, all while flashing elite two-way potential.
Averaging 20.8 points per game, Zion is shooting 67.7 percent from the field. He’s athletically superior to everyone at the collegiate level, gracefully attacking the rim with unrivaled power and finesse. His footwork, combined with insane strength and leaping ability, makes him difficult to contain in isolation or on the fastbreak.
Williamson isn’t just a dunker or at-rim scorer either. He has some jumpers under his belt and his passing remains severely underrated. At 6-foot-7, 285 pounds, he gets others involved, using his gravity on drives to draw in defenders and locate open teammates. His defensive potential is tantalizing, for obvious reasons.
To read our previous big board, click here.