An updated look at the top 60 prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft class.
Through two rounds of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, several prospects have made statements. Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett stood out in Duke’s win over UCF. Grant Williams led Tennessee to an overtime victory against Iowa. Ja Morant put up the first triple-double in the tournament since 2012.
As the NBA Draft picture evolves, so will our big board. Per usual, the big board evaluates prospects in a vacuum, analyzing which traits will translate to the next level and trying to strike the right balance between upside and floor.
Team needs are not taken into account. It is not a mock draft. With the June draft still far out, there’s considerable room for movement in the coming months. These rankings are by no means set. Further tournament games and film study will have an impact on the final order.
Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers are slated to pick 25th overall in June, with an outside chance at the No. 1 pick via Sacramento. Assuming the Kings don’t win the lottery, though, the Sixers will need to focus on late first-round talent.
Here is an updated top-30 prospects.
Formerly of Mega Bemax and on loan to Buducnost, Goga Bitadze has put together another strong season in Europe, establishing himself as a first-round prospect. The NBA is going away from traditional centers, but Bitadze has the size, skill and mobility to carve out a serviceable niche.
There are questions about Bitadze’s ability to defend in space, but he’s relatively light on his feet at 6-foot-11. That fluidity shines on offense, where his footwork and soft touch allow him to score effectively in the post. He’s also an apt rim protector.
A constant riser of late, there’s a chance Bitadze moves up draft boards between now and June. Teams are evidently interested, as Bitadze continues to cement his status as the top international prospect outside Sekou Doumbouya.
Daniel Gafford skipped an opportunity to go in the first round last season, which could end up backfiring. Entering the season as one of the most highly-touted bigs, a solid season hasn’t been enough to bolster Gafford’s stock.
It was, for the most part, a season of improvement for Gafford, who saw jumps in minutes, points and rebounds per game. His block numbers dipped, but he’s still an impressive athlete who can cover immense ground at 6-foot-10. His efficiency and free throw shooting also improved.
While there are questions about Gafford’s offensive ceiling, he’s an athletic roll man whose rim protection skills project well at the next level. He should be firmly in the first round discussion as June edges closer.
After a rocky freshman season, KZ Okpala has broken out in his sophomore campaign with the Cardinal. He’s an excellent physical specimen, standing 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan — ideal measurables for a modern NBA wing.
Okpala comfortably stepped into a bigger role this season, boosting his scoring average by 6.6 points per 40 minutes. He’s also shooting 37.5 percent on 3.7 three-point attempts per game, a massive improvement over his 22.6 mark as a freshman.
While still raw in some areas, Okpala has the basic outline of an effective two-way wing at the next level. His size offers versatility on both ends and his skill set has shown promising growth over the past season.
A relatively unheralded freshman coming into the season, Talen Horton-Tucker has launched himself onto first-round radars. He’s a unique prospect, standing 6-foot-4 with broad shoulders and an atypical physical profile, but his skill set presents NBA upside.
Using his strength, Horton-Tucker can embrace contact and finish around the rim. He’s not an elite shooter, so it’s his ability to get downhill, finish inside and playmake for others that gives Horton-Tucker intrigue at the next level.
There’s also defensive upside related to Horton-Tucker’s strong frame and long arms, which allow him to switch around the perimeter and guard multiple positions. As long as his 30.8 percent three-point percentage translates (and eventually improves) at the next level, he has a role to fill.
The two-time reigning SEC Player of the Year, Grant Williams has become to staple of Tennessee’s recent success. He helps fortify the Vols on both ends, providing a dynamic post-up game alongside excellent defensive instincts.
At 6-foot-7, there’s some concern regarding Williams’ size and natural position. He’s more of a small-ball four, but lacks the shooting numbers to warrant respect on the perimeter. Even so, his mid-range game and touch should spark some optimism.
On defense, Williams shows tremendous talent as a weak-side rim protector who can slide on the perimeter and defend in space. He, along with Admiral Schofield, has anchored a tough Vols defense this season. He’s firmly in the first round conversation.
Cameron Johnson fits a valuable NBA archetype, standing 6-foot-9 and shooting threes at a 46.7 percent clip. Even at age 23, his skill set and physical attributes alone make him a solid first round prospect. He still has room to rise as well.
Now in his fifth collegiate season, this is Johnson’s second campaign with North Carolina. It’s been far and away his most impressive. He can play either the three or four, providing space with his shooting and boasting the size to contend with more traditional power forwards.
The Sixers have already expressed interest in Johnson, who might not last until the late 20s with a strong NCAA Tournament run. He’s a name on the rise and someone who checks several important boxes in 2019.
Despite an inconsistent season, Luguentz Dort deserves strong consideration in a relatively weak first round. He’s an impressive athlete on the perimeter, standing 6-foot-5 with long arms, a strong frame and ample explosiveness.
While not perfect, Dort flashes serious upside on defense, using his strength to body players one-on-one and using his burst to intercept passing lanes and force turnovers. He has the tools to defend three positions in the NBA.
Dort has been a strong offensive presence for Arizona State, but the freshman wasn’t the most consistent three-point shooter at 30.7 percent. He’s at his best when using his frame to attack and finish through contact at the rim.
Matisse Thybulle has been among the best defenders in college basketball for a couple seasons now. At 6-foot-6, the lanky forward anchors Washington’s zone defense, averaging 3.5 steals and 2.2 blocks per game.
It can be tough to evaluate players in a zone defense, but it’s clear Thybulle possesses NBA-caliber talent on that end. He’s long, gets into passing lanes, and wracks up weak-side blocks with unmatched instincts. He should have no problem adjusting to the NBA’s switch-heavy schemes.
What Thybulle lacks, however, is prolific offense. He’s a career 36.1 percent three-point shooter, but has hit a career-low 31.5 percent as a senior. Add in his 9.2 points per game scoring average, and it’s clear Thybulle won’t be relied on for significant offensive production.
Often shuffled behind Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett in the Duke conversation, Tre Jones has put together a solid campaign of his own. The younger brother of Timberwolves point guard Tyus Jones appears to be a one-and-done lock at this point.
While not an elite athlete, Jones’ skill level should maintain interest among NBA decision-makers. He possesses a high basketball I.Q., avoids turnovers, and has a penchant for pinpoint passes. He’s also a decent shot-maker who’s shooting threes at a 37.9 percent clip.
Jones has the ability to manage an NBA offense from day one, even if his overall production is unspectacular. He’s similar to his brother in that respect. With a high floor, expect teams to embrace his intelligence and character.
After a slow start to the season, Tyler Herro has been rising up draft boards throughout conference and tournament play. In 18 SEC games, he shot 42.1 percent on 4.2 three-point attempts per game, adding a much-needed perimeter threat to the Cats’ talented rotation.
In an NBA that’s gravitating more and more toward the three-point line, high-level shooters with guard skills are at a premium. Take Landry Shamet as an example. Herro has the touch to hit spot-up jumpers at a high clip, whether it’s standstill or on the move. He also has some underrated passing chops.
Defense will present some concerns — the main reason for him not being higher on the board — but he’s a solid first-round prospect who should garner the interest of several NBA teams. He’s a standout weapon in Kentucky’s sea of athletes.
After an inconsistent freshman campaign, Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped into a featured role in the Virginia Tech offense. The results were promising. He’s a long comboguard with a smooth three-point stroke and nice passing instincts — yet another perimeter piece filling a valuable niche.
Listed at 6-foot-6 and wielding a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Alexander-Walker has the length to disrupt opposing guards on the perimeter. He’s averaging 1.9 steals per contest, a considerable boost over last season’s total.
On the offensive end, the improvement has been universal. He’s scoring with superior efficiency in more volume, maintaining a strong 38.3 percent three-point clip on 4.7 attempts per game. Turnovers are an issue at times, but he’s rounding into a nice piece who could occupy either guard spot in time.
Brandon Clarke has been one of the best players in college basketball this season, putting together a Player of the Year case that would gain more steam in a Zion Williamson-less year. He’s the engine behind Gonzaga’s title aspirations.
A transfer in his first season with the Zags, Clarke has burst onto the scene in memorable fashion. He’s shooting an efficient 69.9 percent from the field, using his springy athleticism to finish at the rim and clean up offensive rebounds.
There are concerns about Clarke’s 6-foot-8 frame and age, as he’s both older and smaller than most players at his position. Even so, his basic skill set — which comes with a high floor — should keep teams interested. The path to effectiveness is pretty clear, especially if his three-point shot comes around.
P.J. Washington has taken a considerable step forward in his sophomore season, emerging as one of the best defensive prospects in the 2019 class. Standing 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan, he has the tools to switch between all five positions.
On top of his stout defensive profile, Washington has shown ample growth on offense. He’s shooting 41.9 percent from deep and continues to thrive as a face-up scorer, boasting nice touch in the lane.
There are questions about Washington’s offensive ceiling, but he should fill a complementary role quite nicely. He’s the ideal small-ball four who, through defense, can impact games on a consistent basis. His return to school worked out.
There are legitimate concerns about Rui Hachimura, who’s still somewhat raw as a junior. Even so, his marked improvement and physical tools could garner lottery consideration. There will be teams who see the upside and are willing to gamble.
After holding a small role for two seasons, Hachimura stepped up as the Zags’ primary option this season. He’s averaging 19.7 points and shooting 60.3 percent from the field, developing a workable mid-range game and finishing at a high level around the rim. Even his three-point shot, in a small sample size, has improved.
The defensive end is where some of Hachimura’s biggest questions reside. He shows flashes with impressive blocks and athletic feats, but he’s also a clumsy defender in space who’s prone to youthful mistakes. It could make for a rough transition to the next level.
Bol Bol began the season on a tear, averaging 21.0 points and 9.6 rebounds in the nine games he played. He shot 52 percent on 2.8 three-point attempts per contest over that stretch, leading to calls for him to shoot more.
Then it ended. Bol sustained a foot injury that required surgery and effectively ended his collegiate career. NBA teams will have a lot to weigh regarding his health status. At 7-foot-2, Bol’s thin frame could perpetuate concerns about his long-term outlook. Individual team sessions and physicals could go a long way in determining Bol’s draft position.
With that said, the upside alone should keep Bol firmly in the top-20 discussion. He’s 7-foot-2, boasting elite rim protection upside and a legitimate three-point stroke. His touch is beyond impressive for someone of his size. Defensive questions are there, but his talent warrants optimism.
Jaxson Hayes quickly went from an unknown to a potential lottery pick, anchoring the Longhorns’ frontcourt and following the footsteps of Mohamed Bamba and Jarrett Allen. An athletic finisher and rim protector, Hayes fits a clear NBA archetype.
Despite limited minutes, Hayes became an integral defensive presence, averaging 3.8 blocks per 40 minutes. His 7-foot frame, long arms, and quick first (and second) bounce allowed him to terrorize shooters in the paint.
On the offensive end, Hayes plays a straightforward game, shooting 86.7 percent at the rim, according to Hoop-Math. He can set screens, roll to the rim, finish lobs and clean up the offensive glass. He will have value in the NBA.
In what was considered a down year for Kentucky’s recruiting efforts, the Wildcats grabbed a top-two seed and could have three first-round picks. It’s a testament to John Calipari, both as a recruiter as a talent-developer.
Keldon Johnson hasn’t had the most impressive season, but he’s a strong talent who should earn lottery consideration. At 6-foot-6, he’s a versatile wing defender who shot 39.6 percent from deep — exceeding his expectations out of high school.
A hard-nosed player known for his effort level and work ethic, Johnson should win NBA scouts over in the pre-draft process. He’s someone who, despite not having the highest ceiling, presents a very clear set of positive attributes that should translate at the next level.
It was an odd season for Kevin Porter Jr., who battled a suspension and injuries en route to a cloudier draft status than initially thought. Through it all, though, he remains a dynamic shot-creator whose upside should tantalize teams in a relatively thin class.
Porter’s role was limited, averaging just 22.1 minutes and starting four of 21 games. That, combined with poor college spacing, hurt his ability to take advantage of an exciting live-dribble game. He was also prone to bad shots and poor decisions, something he will need to iron out at the next level.
Concerns and all, Porter’s ability to create shots in tight spaces, combined with his physical tools, make him a potential lottery pick. He has some strong sixth-man spark plug vibes, but his ceiling lies much higher.
After gaining top-five steam before the season, Sekou Doumbouya has disappointed as the top international prospect. Injuries dragged him down, as did inconsistent play. Even so, he still maintains lottery interest.
An elite athlete at 6-foot-9, Doumbouya has a path to becoming the best defender in the 2019 draft. He has five-position potential, boasting quick feet, explosive leaping ability and considerable strength. That all translates to an impressive transition game, to boot.
Improving his all-around skill level remains a focus, as Doumbouya is more raw than his collegiate counterparts. He needs to improve as a shooter, passer and ball-handler. If it all comes together, he’s a special talent.
It was difficult to peg Jontay Porter before the re-injury, but now there’s a good chance he stumbles in the following months. After missing the entire 2018-19 season due to an ACL tear, Porter tore the same ACL in a workout in Denver. Not great.
Porter entered the season as a strong lottery candidate, so it’s a real shame his injuries continue to pile up. The Porter family has a long history with knee issues, which could push some teams away.
With that said, scouts should still show interest in Porter, as ACL injuries are far from career-ending in 2019. He’s a skilled 6-foot-11 big with a three-point stroke and a high basketball I.Q. Defensive concerns are only magnified with knee problems, but he’s too good not to get first-round looks.
At one point in the season, Coby White was the subject of many Sixers fantasies. It felt like he was the ideal late-20s pick, filling the backup point guard void with a quality defender and high-level shooter. Now the odds he falls that far are slim.
White has rocketed up draft boards in recent weeks, buoying the veteran Tar Heels with his presence at point guard. His 35.6 percent three-point clip doesn’t do justice to his stroke, especially with his range and ability to create off the bounce.
Standing 6-foot-5, White has excellent size for his position. That elevates his defensive ceiling quite a bit. When it’s all said and done, he might be the first North Carolina player taken. Given where Nassir Little began the season, that’s quite an accomplishment.
Speaking of Nassir Little, it’s too early to lose faith in the 19-year-old. As someone once considered R.J. Barrett’s biggest threat for the No. 1 spot — hahahahahaha — Little’s season has taken a vastly different trajectory than expected.
Glued to the bench as part of the second unit, Little’s opportunities have been sparse compared to some of his five-star counterparts. He’s averaging just 9.7 points in 18.3 minutes per game, coupling flashes of brilliance with poor shooting and questionable decisions.
He’s an elite athlete at 6-foot-7, which manifests on both ends. The upside should get a lottery team to bite. His poor touch, lackluster shooting splits, and general inability to carve out a bigger role will push away some teams, though.
The go-to weapon for his hometown Indiana team, Romeo Langford put together a respectable freshman campaign. He failed to make the impact some expected, but it’s clear the shifty shot-creator has lottery talent.
Efficiency is the biggest concern for Langford, who shot just 44.8 percent from the field and 27.8 percent from deep. His three-point mechanics are unconventional, but were largely effective in high school and AAU. It’s a concerning trend that will give some teams pause.
A natural scorer with playmaking upside and nice defensive tools, Langford will still get top-10 consideration. His improvement late in the season — mainly a more efficient stretch in conference play — helped dissuade some detractors.
Darius Garland played five games for Vanderbilt before sustaining a knee injury and moving on to NBA Draft preparation. Despite the limited sample size, some mocks project Garland as high as fourth, showing faith in his recovery and skill set.
While not an elite athlete at 6-foot-3, Garland is a crafty ball handler who can score at all three levels and shred defenses with his passing. He’s one of the most dynamic live-ball creators in the draft, making him a valued commodity in a draft thin on lead guards outside the top-10.
There are natural questions about Garland’s defense, but he’s solid enough to defend his position well. Add in low concern levels about his health, and it’s easy to see teams jumping on Garland in a draft that could prioritize upside.
After spending last season as the sixth man and missing Virginia’s first-round loss to UMBC, De’Andre Hunter has been an integral part of the Cavaliers’ starting unit as a sophomore. He’s a strong top-10 prospect, providing several valuable attributes on both ends.
Standing 6-foot-8, Hunter gives Virginia a much-needed isolation scorer in the halfcourt, using his smooth face-up game to spearhead the offense. He’s also a 42.2 percent three-point shooter, fitting the stretch four mold.
Hunter, in the same realm as Doumbouya and Washington, stands as one of the draft’s most promising defensive prospects. He has the size and mobility to defend the post or switch on the perimeter.
A strong sophomore campaign has cemented Jarrett Culver in the top-five discussion. He checks several boxes for an NBA wing, from his three-point shooting to his physical tools. He should make an immediate impact on both ends.
Standing 6-foot-6 with long arms and broad shoulders, Culver has the makings of an excellent multi-positional defender. In year two, he has built on his defensive prowess with tremendous offensive growth. He’s averaging 18.8 points and 6.5 rebounds as one of the Red Raiders’ go-to pieces.
Culver’s shooting stroke, while not the quickest, is better than his 33.1 percent clip would indicate. He’s also a much-improved player off the dribble, making strong moves to the rim, developing a nice mid-range game, and showing flashes as a passer.
Most draft boards have Cam Reddish lower than this, for good reason. He has struggled in Duke’s talent-laden rotation, shooting just 35.8 percent from the field and seldom putting his thumbprint on games.
At least some of Reddish’s struggles can be attributed to his situation, though. He’s a top-four recruit forced to play third or fourth wheel on offense, searching for a role in Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett’s shadows. He probably would’ve looked better on his own team.
It’s important to go beyond Reddish’s Duke tenure when evaluating his draft status. He was impressive in high school and AAU ball, earning the status of most naturally talented player in the class. He’s a 6-foot-9 wing who can spray it from deep and make the occasional high-level pass. The tools are there.
The argument for R.J. Barrett at No. 2 is a strong one, as he’s putting up elite numbers on arguably the nation’s best team. He’s the Blue Devils’ leading scorer and, despite questions about his shot selection, showing growth in key areas.
At 6-foot-7, Barrett has the prototypical make-up of a high-end wing prospect. He needs to control his impulses on offense, but he’s a shifty isolation scorer who’s gradually improving his three-point stroke. It gets the better of him at times, but Barrett’s non-stop, attacking mentality will win over some decision-makers.
He’s a hard-nosed defender with the size to defend multiple positions along the perimeter. Questions about his touch are legitimate, but he’s a natural scorer who has shown glimpses of improved passing.
Ja Morant continued his statement-making season in March, leading Murray State to a first-round upset with the first triple-double in the tournament since 2012. He’s the clear-cut top point guard in the class, blending dynamic athleticism and impressive skill on the perimeter.
It’s rare to see top-three picks from mid-major schools, but Morant has shown out against high-level competition in the past. His thin frame has sparked questions about his defense and durability, but there’s room (and time) for him to bulk up. He’s already an explosive athlete who relentlessly attacks the paint.
Along with getting stronger, Morant will need to continue his growth as a three-point shooter in the NBA. His passing chops are elite and he’s a bona fide bucket-getter, but teams will have a better chance at containing him if he isn’t a reliable deep threat.
Zion Williamson is the undisputed top prospect. In what’s considered a relatively thin draft class, Williamson might be the best individual prospect since Anthony Davis. He’s the best player in college basketball and one of the most unique players in recent memory.
At 6-foot-7, Williamson is listed at 272 pounds, which would make him one of the heaviest players in the NBA. He somehow blends that bulk with top-flight athleticism, unleashing a 45-inch vertical and fluid direction changes on helpless defenders.
That athleticism translates to a tantalizing defensive ceiling, which is only boosted by Zion’s impressive work ethic. He’s also smart, making pinpoint passes on the move and manipulating defenses with his unique tool kit. There should be no debate, regardless of who’s picking first overall.
You can read our most recent mock draft here.