The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery is complete. Here’s an updated mock draft.
The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery was quick to subvert expectations, giving the Lakers a top-four pick, dropping the Knicks to No. 3, and landing the New Orleans Pelicans — in the middle of a long, drawn out Anthony Davis trade war — the right to select Zion Williamson next month.
Unfortunately for Philadelphia 76ers fans, the Kings’ pick stayed put at 14, which keeps it in Boston’s possession. At least it sparked this bad joke from the Sacramento Twitter page, which is worth a chuckle. Or at least the Sixers’ swift response was.
Now the Sixers will select 24th, with numerous second-round picks in Elton Brand‘s back pocket. Unlike 2018, the 2019 class features minimal depth. Outside the top five or so prospects, there’s a significant drop-off in quality — one that only gets worse as the draft progresses. The Sixers won’t have the most appealing options at 24, but there will still be opportunities to add legit NBA talent.
For reference, you can read our most recent big board here. You can expect a new one in the near future, though.
For a moment Tuesday evening, the nation was anxious. Both the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in the top-four lottery slots, leading some to speculate the NBA’s biggest markets would get the top picks. Then the opposite happened.
New Orleans and Memphis, respectively, received the first and second picks. The NBA’s smallest markets won big, giving the Pelicans — fresh off an Anthony Davis trade request and some inadvertent tanking — a chance to add the most hyped prospect since LeBron James.
At this stage, nobody will surpass Zion Williamson on draft boards. Assuming the 19-year-old dynamo doesn’t bail on the draft in an effort to avoid New Orleans, he’s going to be a Pelican. He will instantly make the Pelicans a must-watch team on League Pass.
Williamson is an elite talent almost irrespective of position. He feels like a natural four, but has the skill set to operate in multiple different facets. He can handle in the pick-and-roll, attack in transition, or rim-run and set screens. He’s a do-it-all talent with unmatched athleticism and underrated basketball I.Q.
When you add in Williamson’s defensive profile, he could also transform the Pelicans into an elite defensive squad alongside Jrue Holiday. That’s especially true if Anthony Davis is willing to stick around and test the waters in Zion’s company. This will be fun.
According to ESPN’s Jonathon Givony, barring the unexpected, Ja Morant will don a Memphis Grizzlies jersey next season. The electric point guard rocketed up draft boards all season, leading Murray State to the NCAA Tournament and standing out against lesser competition.
The Grizzlies already have Mike Conley on the roster, but there are two options — trade Conley or allow Conley to mentor Morant. Both methods have beneficial attributes, with Conley possessing the knowledge to expand and improve Morant’s skill set in numerous areas.
Either way, the pick would signal the end of an era in Memphis. Much like the Marc Gasol trade last season, it would put a near-official end to the Grit-n-Grind Grizzlies. Putting Conley’s tenure on the clock and moving Memphis in a new direction.
Morant needs to become a more consistent shooter and bulk up for defensive purposes, but he’s an elite-level athlete with spectacular feel on the offensive end. His slashing, passing and transition game are going to make Memphis fans quite happy.
The Knicks struck out big, landing third in the lottery despite finishing dead last in the NBA. It could still yield a quality prospect, though, as R.J. Barrett is the overwhelming favorite to join Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr. and New York’s youthful core.
Before the season, many pegged Barrett as the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 on draft night. Zion was quick to earn that title, but Barrett was among the most productive players in college basketball. At just 18 years old, he became the first high-major player to average 22 points, seven boards and four assists.
Duke ran its offense through Barrett, for better or worse. He’s a relentless slasher who uses his size, strength and athleticism to finish inside. His touch could improve in spots, but he has a mid-range game and an improved three-point stroke to balance out his straight-line mentality.
Whether it’s as a new cornerstone or a trade chip, Barrett makes the most sense in New York.
The Lakers were blessed with another appealing asset entering the summer of Anthony Davis. L.A. still figures to lead the pack on the trade front and could include the fourth pick in an offer to New Orleans. If not, it gives L.A. another talented young player to grow alongside LeBron James.
Jarrett Culver should be among those considered. There’s a slight drop-off in quality after Barrett, but Culver checks several boxes on the wing. He’s a long, multi-position defender with the skills to develop into an excellent complementary piece on offense.
While his release isn’t perfect, Culver has sped up his shot considerably, becoming more dynamic off the dribble and rounding out his profile as a reliable spot-up shooter. The Lakers could use another wing who spaces the floor, attacks closeouts and moves the ball at a high level. He makes the most sense next to LeBron, Lonzo Ball and the L.A. core.
The Cavs remain invested in Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson for the time being, but neither will carry much weight in the long-term plans. De’Andre Hunter could fill that void, giving Cleveland a versatile power forward who fits alongside its young core pieces.
The Virginia sophomore showed important growth in year two, improving his statistical production across the board after stepping into a starting role. He added a key dynamic to the Cavs’ tournament win, offering face-up scoring that was lacking in UMBC-shortened years past.
On the other end, Hunter’s long arms, strong frame and overarching versatility give him one of the highest defensive ceilings in the draft. The Cavs lack quality two-way players, so Hunter fills a sizable void in that respect. In a draft that’s low on high-end talent, Hunter’s floor will put him in the top-five conversation.
Despite suffering a meniscus tear and missing all but three games as a freshman, Darius Garland is firmly in top-five contention. He also left the combine in Chicago, leaving some to speculate that he already has a promise. The Suns would make a great deal of sense.
Phoenix has been short on point guards for a while, struggling to find consistent playmaking outside Devin Booker this past season. There are promising flashes with De’Anthony Melton and Elie Okobo, but that won’t take away the allure of Garland’s skill set.
Garland should fit nicely in combination with Booker, offering a quick-twitch playmaker who’s as successful without the ball as he is with it. Garland boasts deep range, a dynamic pull-up game and the ability to curl around screens and spot-up proficiently. He’d be a nice complement to Booker and DeAndre Ayton in Monty Williams‘ offense.
The Bulls have every position except point guard filled. There’s a point guard option available — Coby White — but there’s a chance Chicago’s front office views that as a stretch. In that case, it’s best prospect available, with Cam Reddish being the favorite.
Standing 6-foot-8, Reddish still makes a great deal of sense for the Bulls. He’s another high-end shooter to pair alongside Zach LaVine and Otto Porter Jr. on the wing, while his playmaking chops should translate better with NBA spacing and a more suitable role.
There are very real concerns with Reddish after an underwhelming season at Duke. He struggled to finish in traffic, with horribly inefficient and didn’t defend up to par. Even so, his upside and general archetype — combined with his less-than-ideal collegiate role — should lead a lottery team to take the plunge.
After measuring well at the combine and finishing the season strong, Jaxson Hayes has a strong case to be the first big man drafted. The Hawks could be short a center with DeWayne Dedmon hitting free agency and Hayes is a system fit.
The Hawks are a transition team that enjoys pushing the tempo and spacing the floor. While Hayes doesn’t shoot, he’s an excellent screen-and-roll big, constantly rim-running and offering another lob threat alongside John Collins. Add in his rim protection, and he fits Atlanta’s needs quite well.
Despite a limited role at Texas, Hayes also showed flashes as a passer, which is a valuable skill at the five. He’s mobile enough to defend in space, checks the right boxes on offense, and solves a depth concern. Hayes feels like a natural choice for the Hawks.
The Wizards still have John Wall and Bradley Beal on the roster, yet a rebuild feels inevitable. At some point the stumbling will stop and franchise will strip down, which makes Sekou Doumbouya a smart pick. He’s the top international prospect in the draft and one of the youngest players available.
Listed at 6-foot-9, Doumbouya presents one of the highest defensive ceilings in the 2019 class. He’s both athletic and versatile, switching between several positions and offering potential as a weak-side rim protector with his quickness and leaping ability. His athletic tools alone will garner lottery interest.
On the offensive end, Doumbouya has been inconsistent all season. He struggled early before missing time with injury — his youth playing an obvious role in those struggles. He was 17 and adjusting to a top-tier European league. His lumps were natural. Doumbouya finished the campaign strong, though, which buoys his stock heading into the draft.
The lottery dropped Dallas’ spot in the standings, giving Atlanta a second top-10 pick to worth with. Romeo Langford should be on their radar, offering Lloyd Pierce another skilled perimeter piece to place alongside Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and Taurean Prince.
Langford struggled with his efficiency as a freshman, but his shooting stroke has been historically effective as an amateur. His soft touch at the rim, as well as a fruitful in-between game, should also help his case. Some have pinned Langford’s shooting struggles on his thumb injury, something teams will need to investigate further.
Despite the concerns about the reliability of his shot, Langford’s natural scoring touch, finishing at the rim and upside as a playmaker are enough to keep him entrenched in the lottery discussion. The Hawks are among the best player development spots in the league and could help iron out whatever flaws held the Indiana product back.
If the Timberwolves aren’t sold on a frontcourt counterpart for Karl-Anthony Towns, new GM Gersson Rosas could look to address the backcourt. While Tyus Jones remains a serviceable backup, neither Jeff Teague nor Derrick Rose present much long-term promise.
Coby White was a big riser all season at UNC, earning considerably more freedom in Roy Williams‘ offense than fellow freshman Nassir Little. Standing 6-foot-5, White possesses excellent size for the comboguard role, offering shot-making and playmaking, along with some defensive chops.
While not an elite passer, White tends to make the right reads and move the ball. He’s also a dynamic pull-up shooter, boasting NBA three-point range and smooth, compact mechanics. Add in his spot-up shooting prowess, and White presents a seamless fit next to the Wolves’ core pieces.
The Hornets are in desperation mode as Kemba Walker‘s free agency — and remaining prime — linger overhead. Something needs to change, which makes swinging for the proverbial fences an ideal strategy. Few prospects embody that strategy more than Bol Bol.
After a blistering start to the season, Bol with sidelined with a foot injury. Listed over 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Bol’s size, thin frame and foot concerns all culminate in very real reservations among draftniks. Even so, his unique upside should tempt Charlotte’s stagnating franchise.
Bol is a legitimate three-point threat, boasting deep range and the ability to attack closeouts and hit pull-up jumpers. He’s also a smooth finisher inside, using his length and soft touch to score over defenders. His thin frame creates several complications, but there’s enough room for physical growth to keep Bol in the lottery discussion. He’s a one-of-a-kind prospect.
Few prospects are more polarizing that Nassir Little. Some buy into his athletic tools and motor, while others point to serious lapses in skill. He struggled to find and maintain a role at UNC, quickly losing his status as one of Zion’s chief competitors atop the draft board.
Little will still garner lottery interest from some teams, though, and the Heat are an obvious fit. Miami thrives on versatile, multi-faceted players who can defend across the spectrum and play hard. Little falls squarely in that archetype. He will defend three (or four) positions, losing weight in the pre-draft process to improve his lateral quickness. His intangibles have long been praised.
On the offensive end, Little is a dynamic cutter, explosive finisher and a treat in transition. He needs to clean up his handles and become a more consistent shooter, but some are pointing to Little’s high school shooting numbers for optimism. He might take longer to develop than initially thought, but the foundation is in place.
Brandon Clarke‘s combine measurements unveiled a wingspan shorter than his listed height, which won’t bode well for some evaluators. Even with clear physical and age limitations when it comes to upside, Clarke’s skill set should land him in lottery contention.
The Celtics are a well-run front office looking to compete, with or without Kyrie Irving. With Al Horford, Marcus Morris and Aron Baynes all hitting free agency, Boston could use someone with Clarke’s skill set. His size makes him a power forward, but he’s an improving shooter who’s already among the most efficient rim-runners and lob threats in college basketball.
On the defensive end, Clarke can switch on the perimeter and possesses impeccable timing as a shot blocker. He would terrorize next to Al Horford, who’s presumably returning to TD Garden next season. His defensive attributes and skill set fit hand-in-hand with Horford, who can space the floor and facilitate from the high post.
Despite a slow start to the season, Tyler Herro established himself as arguably Kentucky’s best prospect. There are concerns regarding his physical tools — a negative wingspan is never ideal — but he provides a skill set NBA teams will value, with the Pistons needing someone in his mold.
Detroit made the long-term play when trading Reggie Bullock this past season. Wayne Ellington was an apt replacement, but the Pistons would be wise to add another guard who can shoot and playmake in the second unit, especially with Luke Kennard on track for a promotion.
Herro has compact shooting mechanics, thrives off movement and can create for others when needed. He’s more skilled than your typical sharpshooter and could add a nice dynamic alongside Blake Griffin and the Pistons core.
Another prospect that’s difficult to get a read on, Kevin Porter Jr. missed a large chunk of the season due to suspension. In the time he did play, his minutes were inconsistent and his performances much the same. There will still be interest as high as the lottery regardless.
The Magic need perimeter depth, with limited shot creation outside Evan Fournier, D.J. Augustin and Terrence Ross. Markelle Fultz will presumably return at some point, but he’s as enigmatic as any NBA player at this point. Porter is an A-rate isolation scorer, using twitchy handles and smooth footwork to generate space and find his own shots.
Decision-making, passing and defense are all areas Porter will need to improve, but the physical tools are there. His ability to create off the bounce should also yield optimism about his ability to create for others in due time.
After a promising freshman campaign, P.J. Washington returned to Kentucky as a sophomore. It paid off, as he’s now staring at a potential top-20 selection. The Nets lack frontcourt depth and could be in search of another versatile four, which Washington provides.
Listed at 6-foot-8, Washington has the strength to contain bigs in the post and the lateral agility to defend in space. He’s a viable multi-position defender whose versatility places him among the best defensive prospects in the 2019 class.
Washington also grew on offense, increasing his production and adding skills around the edges. He’s a fluid face-up scorer, a more capable three-point shooter than last season, and a skilled finisher inside. He fits the Nets’ versatile rotations as someone who could work in small-ball lineups and perform as a traditional four.
Very much a unique physical specimen, Talen Horton-Tucker‘s position in the NBA is a relative unknown. He’s not someone who can be pigeonholed, though his skill set tends to settle somewhere between shooting guard and power forward. He’s 6-foot-4 in shoes, but weights 235 pounds with a wingspan exceeding 7-foot-1. There aren’t many like him.
He’s a strong, bullish athlete who brings guard skills on offense. He can handle, attack the rim and create for others at a decent clip. He’s fairly crafty with his handle and presents some comboguard traits that NBA teams will value. Improving his shooting will be an important next step.
On the defensive end, Horton-Tucker’s upside as someone who can defend three or four spots will sell him in the first round. The Pacers have a fairly fleshed out rotation, but Horton-Tucker infuses some additional versatility while also adding strength and toughness. He is hard to peg, however, due to the sheer uniqueness of his package.
A riser as of late, Goga Bitadze fits the Spurs’ prospect profile well. He’s a skilled European big who could step into immediate minutes, offering Gregg Popovich some relief in a somewhat thin frontcourt. He checks several boxes for the modern NBA five.
As just a teenager, Bitadze has been competitive at Europe’s highest level. He’s productive on both ends, showcasing a feathery touch around the rim and leading the EuroLeague with 2.3 blocks per game. He isn’t a great defender in space, but is still mobile for his size and has impressive instincts on defense. His rim protection is very much an NBA trait.
Bitadze has also expanded his game on offense, adding the occasional three-pointer — something he will continue to cultivate. The Spurs still run a rather traditional offense, focused on ball movement and running certain actions through the post or high post. Bitadze could fit nicely.
The Celtics will have three first-round picks, barring a trade. Cameron Johnson would mark another upperclassman who fits Boston’s win-now timeline, offering size and shooting on the perimeter. The Celtics aren’t starving for wing depth, but it’s an important position nonetheless.
Johnson stands 6-foot-8 and is one of the best shooters in the draft. That’s a valuable attribute on any team. The Celtics have several live-dribble creators who can break down the defense and get penetration. Johnson is someone who can play off those creators and keep the floor spaced.
While there are concerns about Johnson’s defense, he’s still a capable wing defender who can switch up or down a position when needed. His frame should fill out in time, potentially allowing him to survive as a small-ball four. In the end, its his elite-level shooting that cements his first-round status.
After beginning the season as a potential top-10 pick, talent evaluators have cooled off on Keldon Johnson‘s NBA prospects. He’s an average athlete and, despite improvement as a shooter, still lacks a degree of consistency on three-point attempts.
Despite those concerns, the Kentucky freshman still represents a valuable archetype. His shooting is good enough and he’s a hard-working wing defender, boasting the tools needed to make due at the next level. OKC needs more two-way wings who can fit next to Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
OKC isn’t brimming with depth, and what little depth they have consists of very severe limitations. Johnson, while imperfect, presents a well-rounded wing who can plug those holes. He can spot-up, drive, cut and pass at reasonably high levels. There’s a good bit to work with.
The Celtics triple-down on older prospects while filling a need. Terry Rozier is gone this summer and Kyrie Irving is no guarantee to re-sign, meaning Boston should look to reinforce the point guard spot. Carsen Edwards launched himself into the conversation with a historic NCAA Tournament performance.
While there are natural limitations tied to a 6-foot guard, Edwards is a gifted bucket-getter who can score proficiently at all three levels. He’s a dynamic pull-up shooter, a crafty finisher and someone who projects well in a backup point guard role.
Boston has proven capable of balancing dynamic scorers when right. Chemistry will be an issue to solve next season, but adding three experienced prospects with clear NBA traits is a start when it comes to filling voids and preparing for a potentially violent free agency period.
The Jazz offense once again stalled in the postseason, allowing the Rockets to dominate what was billed as one of the first round’s most enticing matchups. One thing the Jazz lack is another creator next to Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt — one who can not only playmake for others, but also pose a scoring threat.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker‘s sophomore campaign was a strong rebound after his rocky freshman season, establishing the 6-foot-6 guard as a first-round prospect. He’s a smart, creative playmaker in the pick-and-roll, but also shoots at a high clip from deep. On paper, he fits seamlessly next to Mitchell.
Utah still has plenty invested in the backcourt, with Rubio and Dante Exum both tying up noteworthy cap space next season. Even so, it’s worth investing in a long-term solution to one of the team’s most pressing issues. The frontcourt and wing positions are sound for the moment.
The Sixers still need shooting. James Ennis and Mike Scott were successful bench cogs this past season, but Philadelphia could only got seven deep with mild-to-bad results in the postseason. Adding another high-end shooter to the perimeter should help Brett Brown quite a bit.
After showing hesitancy to play rookies in the Sixers’ first 50-win season, Brown delved into Landry Shamet early and often last season. Losing Shamet at the deadline, despite netting Tobias Harris in return, did leave a dent in the second unit. One Ty Jerome could fill quite nicely.
Jerome played a big role in Virginia’s title run, operating as the de facto point guard alongside another high-level shooter in Kyle Guy. He also excels off-ball, though, which makes the fit perfect in Philadelphia. He can curl around screens and dribble hand-offs, fitting with the Sixers’ myriad of star creators. If Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris bolt this summer, Jerome’s role could become more robust.
The Blazers’ frontcourt has been a point of contention during the postseason. Adding another versatile forward to the mix makes sense and Grant Williams presents the best option late in the first round.
A back-to-back SEC Player of the Year winner, Williams was one of the most productive bigs in college basketball last season. He’s on the shorter end for a traditional power forward — he’s listed at 6-foot-6 — but makes up for it with strength, mobility and basketball I.Q.
On defense, Williams has proven himself capable of defending multiple positions. He’s not a top-tier athlete, but can guard in space and has the strength to defend bigger players on the block. His offensive repertoire, while lacking a consistent three-point stroke, features great passing chops, soft touch and a budding mid-range game that could extend over time.
The Cavaliers, having already addressed frontcourt needs at No. 5, can take an upside swing on one of the draft’s most intriguing forwards. KZ Okpala, despite some deeply-rooted flaws, made significant progress as a sophomore. He struggled down the stretch of the season but still earned first-round looks.
Despite his shooting percentages tanking toward the end of the season, Okpala showed major growth overall as a three-point shooter this season. His volume and efficiency increased, all while showing potential off the dribble. He’s 6-foot-9, boasting a 7-foot-2 wingspan, and has legitimate creation skills. That’s something NBA teams will want to cultivate.
While not a great defender, Okpala has the tools to develop into a valuable multi-position defender at the next level. He needs to add strength and work on fundamentals, but the Cavs would make this pick with a long-term rebuild in mind. There’s time.
Louis King spent most of his freshman campaign recovering from a knee injury. He showed enough in his return, coupled with a strong finish, to place him in the first-round discussion. The Nets could take the plunge with their second pick.
In the games King played, he was an efficient three-level scorer, showcasing the talent that earned him a five-star rating in high school. He’s not an explosive athlete, but uses long, fluid strides to attack the paint and find buckets. His shooting stroke translating was a nice touch.
Defense was an issue for King, but the tools for improvement are there. In a front-heavy draft, there’s bound to be flyers taken late in the first round. King was a high-level recruit who didn’t get a full season due to reasons outside his control. The Nets, being fans of athletic perimeter scorers, could dive in head-first.
Limited minutes didn’t prevent Mfiondu Kabengele from increasing his production in every major category as a sophomore. He fits the modern center mold well, something the Warriors could be interested in. Kevon Looney, Andrew Bogut and DeMarcus Cousins are all at risk of walking this summer.
At 6-foot-10, Kabengele has an NBA-ready frame, boasting broad shoulders and impressive bounce. He’s quite skilled as well, making the right reads as a passer, finishing with touch inside and hitting threes efficiently, albeit on low volume. He checks every major box.
He’s also a mobile defender who established himself as one of the ACC’s most prolific shot blockers. Becoming more disciplined and adding to his core skill set will be important, but Kabengele is to the point of getting first-round looks.
Matisse Thybulle has been among the best defenders in college basketball for a couple seasons now. The senior notched historic steal and block numbers for the Huskies, using his frame and instincts to intercept passing lanes, protect the weak side and anchor Washington’s zone.
With a solid frame, elite-level instincts and the makings of an excellent defender at the next level, Thybulle would be a natural target late in the first round. San Antonio already has the backcourt set, so Thybulle — along with Bitadze — can help fill gaps in other areas. The Spurs don’t have a ton of versatile defensive wings on the roster.
Shooting will be the most important swing skill for Thybulle. His senior season was the worst three-point percentage of his four-year stint at UW, so there’s cause for concern on that front. He will need to iron out mechanics and become a serviceable spot-up threat.
Luka Samanic seems to be helping himself at the combine and could be the first international prospect after Doumbouya and Bitadze are off the board. Milwaukee could either stash Samanic or bring him along slowly in a deep rotation.
On paper, Samanic fits the Bucks quite well. He’s a smooth shooter, fluid athlete and versatile defender — all valuable traits Milwaukee values. He can provide the spot-up and pick-and-pop option Mike Budenholzer craves, while also attacking closeouts, hitting mid-range pull-ups and moving the ball.
His frame seems to be filling out and he’s mobile enough to defend in space. How he stands up to NBA power forwards on a physical level remains to be seen, but all indications seem to be pointing in the right direction. He could sneak into the first round when it’s all said and done.