The 2019 NBA Draft is under two weeks away — here’s our first 60-pick mock.
In just 11 days, Zion Williamson will walk across the stage and begin the induction of a new NBA rookie class. The Philadelphia 76ers are slated to pick 24th, 33rd, 34th, 42nd and 54th overall.
The 2019 NBA Draft stands in stark contrast to the 2018 rookie crop. Its talent is much thinner, with Zion emerging as the only generational talent. Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trae Young have all earned such praise since last summer.
Per usual, this mock draft takes into account both personal beliefs and intel from other sources, such as The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie and ESPN’s Jonathon Givony. I don’t have sources, just an understanding of the players and who a team might pick.
In the end, each pick represents a prediction — who I think the team will pick in a given scenario. For the first time this summer, I have mocked all 60 picks. No potential trades are taken into account, just those that have already been agreed to (such as the Hawks-Nets swap at No. 17).
For prospect rankings, you can read my most recent big board here.
The Pelicans hit the jackpot on lottery night and now have a surprisingly positive outlook. David Griffin has made several improvements to the franchise, ranging from the front office to the training staff. He’s doing everything to put New Orleans in a position to succeed.
Anthony Davis’ departure seems inevitable, but the Pelicans now possess the most exciting cornerstone since Davis entered the league in 2012. Williamson has the potential for immediate star impact, offering New Orleans a dynamic two-way stud alongside Jrue Holiday.
Williamson needs to expand his three-point shot, but has once-in-a-generation athleticism, shot-creation prowess and a high basketball I.Q. to lean on. His explosiveness manifests in spectacular fashion on both ends, while his skill is often underrated.
The Grizzlies are set on going Best Player Available, which appears to mean Ja Morant at this point. While Memphis has tried to blow smoke and bring R.J. Barrett in for workouts, Morant joining the Griz feels close to inevitable.
His thin frame is a concern, but Morant is an elite-level athlete with passing chops reminiscent of Trae Young in last year’s rookie class. He can get to the rim, shred defenses in the pick-and-roll and set up teammates on the regular.
Memphis will have the option of playing Morant with or behind Mike Conley, who can act as a mentor for the Murray State sophomore. It also opens the door for Memphis to trade Conley, who will still have suitors after a productive 2018-19 campaign.
The Knicks and their fans spent months fantasizing about the potential of Zion in The Garden. Now his teammate is the expected pick at No. 3, with R.J. Barrett emerging as one of the most productive freshmen in NCAA history at Duke.
There are valid concerns about Barrett — ranging from his inconsistency to his approach — but there’s an undeniable pedigree. He’s the son of professionals, Steve Nash’s godson, and has produced at the highest level throughout his amateur career. He was the consensus No. 1 pick before the season began and Zion took over.
Barrett fits New York quite well. He’s a talented wing who can create shots, both for himself and others. He’s a shifty ball handler and fluid pull-up shooter, constantly pressuring the opposing defense. He also projects as an aggressive, versatile defender at the next level, assuming he’s engaged.
Darius Garland has been regularly connected to the Lakers in recent weeks. He missed all but four games in college after suffering a meniscus tear, but his skill set as a lead guard in something NBA teams covet. He’s a good fit with the Lakers’ current core.
Operating under the assumption L.A. keeps the young core in tact, Garland could function as a strong complement to Lonzo Ball in the backcourt. While Ball cuts to the rim and runs off-ball, Garland can spot up, move off screens and run the pick-and-roll. They cover each others’ weaknesses.
Garland also adds another shooter alongside LeBron James, something the front office failed to do last summer. He’s a dynamic three-point shooter, boasting NBA range and excellent shot versatility. The lack of sample size is a concern, but Garland makes sense for L.A.
The Cavaliers need help at every position, as neither Kevin Love nor Tristan Thompson are part of the long-term plans. Collin Sexton exceeded expectations as a rookie, but adding another shot-creator to complement him makes sense. Culver fits the bill.
After a strong freshman season, Culver’s sophomore campaign established him as a top-five prospect. He’s a versatile defender with room to grow, while his shot-making and playmaking upside are valuable attributes on the wing.
In John Beilein’s fast-paced offense, joining Sexton and Culver on the perimeter could work wonders. Sexton has developed into a rock-solid three-point shooter, while Culver continues to show growth in that respect. It makes sense on paper, and it’s Best Player Available.
Despite rumblings around Cam Reddish and other prospects, it’s difficult to envision De’Andre Hunter falling below Phoenix. He might be the best defender in the draft, standing 6-foot-7 and boasting the tools to guard across the positional spectrum.
The Suns already have a frontcourt anchor in Deandre Ayton and will lean on Devin Booker for perimeter scoring. Point guard has been a position of need for quite some time, but the Suns have De’Anthony Melton in the pipeline and could prefer to pursue veteran options in free agency.
Hunter is an excellent complement to Ayton at the four, giving the Suns a strong spot-up shooter who can thrive in an off-ball role. Add in a tough-minded approach, his 7-foot-2 wingspan and his ability to switch on defense, and it’s a natural pairing.
The Bulls are set at every position except point guard. Coby White is the best lead guard on the board, presenting Chicago with a dynamic 6-foot-5 shot creator to pair alongside Zach LaVine and Otto Porter Jr.
White is explosive in transition, often pushing the pace and gunning up court. The Bulls have the personnel to run and out-hustle opponents, though Jim Boylen might not lean into those strengths. He’s also an excellent spot-up shooter who can function off-ball next to Chicago’s other creators.
Despite lacking elite physical tools, White does have positional size to defend ones and twos successfully. He’s aggressive on-ball and should develop into a staunch one-on-one defender in the NBA. He checks a lot of boxes for the Bulls.
There seems to be a real chance Cam Reddish goes higher on draft night, which is a testament to strong workouts and his pedigree. Despite a dreadful season at Duke, there’s still quite a bit of intrigue surrounding the 6-foot-8 wing. The Hawks are a commonly connected team.
Reddish projects as a fluid shooter and high-I.Q. playmaker who can function in a secondary ball handling role. While the Blue Devils never offered Reddish enough touches to establish rhythm, the Hawks can strike the proper balance between developmental opportunities and a defined, controlled role next to Trae Young.
Atlanta is on the rise and stands as one of the best developmental teams in the NBA, largely due to Lloyd Pierce’s influence as head coach. Reddish gives the Hawks another floor-spacing wing, as well as someone who can handle in transition, defend multiple positions and take pressure off Young in the halfcourt.
A strong pre-draft process as revived Nassir Little’s stock to a considerable degree. After struggling mightily as a freshman at UNC, Little has convinced talent evaluators of his two-way ceiling and physical tools. Now a top-10 spot feels possible.
The Wizards are a mess and hard to read. Bradley Beal’s future hangs in the balance and John Wall’s supermax is just kicking in, so the future in D.C. is all but certain. A home-run swing on Little could tempt the front office, and for good reason.
After adding strength and slowing down in college, Little has dropped weight over the summer. If that helps boost his mobility, it could push him closer to the defensive ceiling he showed in high school — when he was considered a contender for No. 1 overall. His physical tools are for real and the offense, while raw, is littered with flashes.
The Hawks have a solid young core in Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter. One central component that’s currently missing, however, is a low-post staple — someone who can protect the rim behind Collins in the starting five. Jaxson Hayes in the best option to fill that void.
An unheralded recruit coming into the season, Hayes was quick to cement himself in the first-round discussion. He’s far from perfect, but makes up for several flaws with his athleticism and physical tools. He’s a fluid, explosive 7-footer, boasting a wingspan in the 7-foot-4 range.
Hayes can offer Atlanta another prime lob threat who runs the court and thrives in the pick-and-roll. The spacing next to Collins isn’t ideal, but the latter seems to be improving his three-point stroke. Hayes also has mobility to defend switches on the perimeter, as well as some long, long-term shooting upside.
The Timberwolves take an upside swing on Sekou Doumbouya, the athletic French forward who’s rising up draft boards after a strong finish to the season overseas. He has also shot well in workouts and seems to be enticing teams will his touch, physical tools and — you guessed it — upside.
With Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the interior, Doumbouya makes a great deal of sense for Minnesota. He’s a potential four-position defender, standing 6-foot-9 with a strong frame and long arms. He’s explosive as well, leaping into passing lanes and protecting the weak side on occasion.
There’s still a great deal of development left before Doumbouya is a consistently effective offensive player. But his shooting touch and freight-train potential in transition are appealing attributes. If he can iron out his shooting consistency and add a viable handle, his comboforward potential is ideal for the Wolves.
I’m not this high on Rui Hachimura, but most experts and intel seem to point toward the Japanese-born forward as a potential lottery pick. The Hornets have been connected on more than one occasion, with Charlotte in need of frontcourt depth.
To some extent, Hachimura represents an upside swing similar to Doumbouya. He’s a very different player, but his intrigue is derived from physical tools and two-way potential. Hachimura is a strong, bullish athlete at 6-foot-9 who has a few useful skills to build on.
After two seasons in a complementary role, Rui’s junior season was emphatic. He stepped into the Zags’ go-to scoring role, showcasing touch from mid-range and the ability to punish mismatches inside. He will need to improve his defensive awareness and three-point consistency, but his athletic flashes are admittedly brilliant.
P.J. Washington is the perfect Miami prospect — a hard-nosed, skilled athlete at the four spot. He was Kentucky’s best player as a sophomore and upped his draft stock significantly, adding a viable three-point shot and more variety to his offensive repertoire.
The Heat are known for helping players reach their athletic peaks. Washington is already a solid athlete, standing 6-foot-8 with a mature frame and a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Miami can tap into his potential as a multi-position defender who can slide his feet on the perimeter.
On the offensive end, Washington fits as a spot-up shooting and face-up threat next to Bam Adebayo or Hassan Whiteside. He’ll need to prove his three-point shot is legit, but the mechanics check out. He’s already a skilled passer who can thrive in the pick-and-roll, whether it’s facilitating or finishing with touch inside.
The Celtics leap on one of college basketball’s most efficient offensive players in Brandon Clarke, who terrorized college defenses alongside Rui Hachimura and Killian Tillie in the Gonzaga frontcourt. While there are very real concerns about Clarke’s ceiling, his production and base skill set are undeniable.
As a bevy of important free agents hit the market, the Celtics can stockpile frontcourt depth to pair alongside Al Horford, who seems likely to return. Clarke needs to continue expanding his shooting range, but his prowess as a slasher and lob threat are enough to contribute in a defined role on offense.
On the other end, Clarke’s mobility at 6-foot-8, along with oodles of functional athleticism, make him an enticing prospect. He can defend the perimeter or protect the weak side, using his leaping ability and timing to reject shots. His thin frame and negative wingspan are drawbacks, but he’s athletic and smart enough to overcome it.
The Pistons need shooters around Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin in the frontcourt. As Reggie Jackson declines and Wayne Ellington hits free agency, investing in the backcourt seems logical. Tyler Herro has been a constant riser and could top Detroit’s board at 15.
Standing 6-foot-6, Herro has solid positional size despite his miniature wingspan. He’s one of the draft’s most prolific shooters, showing promise both off the dribble and in spot-up situations. His compact, fluid mechanics allow Herro to pull the trigger in tight spaces.
His potential to drill pull-up jumpers and operate as a secondary ball handler is perhaps Herro’s most intriguing attribute. But he also shows tremendous promise off-ball, with the movement and catch-and-shoot potential to become a well-rounded deep threat.
A top-rated recruit in high school, Romeo Langford underwent a tumultuous freshman season at Indiana. He showed flashes of his innate talent, but struggled with a thumb injury that, to some degree, impacted his shooting. Teams will now sift through the rest.
Orlando needs a point guard, but there aren’t too many lead guards available in this range. Langford is the best prospect left on most boards and fits the Magic’s draft tendencies — a long, fluid athlete who competes on defense and shows untapped upside on offense.
Langford still has natural scoring touch and instincts, something he can tap into at the next level. His three-point mechanics need a slight overhaul, but his shifty handles, elite at-rim finishing and two-way potential are all attributes that should draw in Orlando.
The Hawks might not keep all three first-round picks, whether that means trading up or exploring other potential trade avenues. But Atlanta has room to roster all three if need be, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker makes a great deal of sense.
Atlanta has already added size and versatility in Cam Reddish, as well as a rim protector in Jaxson Hayes. Alexander-Walker provides another complement to Trae Young in the backcourt — an elite spot-up shooter who has also shown tremendous upside as a passer.
At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Alexander-Walker has great tools for a comboguard. He’s not an elite athlete, but should defend both guard spots and has a well-rounded offensive toolkit. His basketball I.Q., passing chops and shooting are all bankable NBA skills.
The Pacers might need to replace Bojan Bogdanovic, who’s hitting free agency. There’s also a need for Victor Oladipo complements in a more general sense, as the star guard is set to return next season. Cam Johnson has been a steady riser for much of the pre-draft process.
As perhaps the top senior in the 2019 class, Johnson used a strong NCAA Tournament to establish himself as a first-round prospect. He’s an elite spot-up shooter at 6-foot-8, boasting NBA size and one clear-cut NBA skill. That alone will intrigue some teams.
Johnson already plays smart within the offense, cutting to the rim, relocating to open space and curling around screens consistently. He stays in motion and hits jumpers, all while defending the wing capably. He fits the 3-and-D mold teams crave.
The Spurs add a foreign big man in an unsurprising move. Goga Bitadze has been rising of late, but concerns about his lateral quickness and defensive ceiling could drop him to San Antonio’s range on draft night. He’s an ideal fit on Gregg Popovich’s team.
Bitadze fits next to LaMarcus Aldridge on paper — a smart interior defender who moves well, can hit spot-up jumpers and plays with skill on offense. Bitadze was one of the most productive teenagers in the EuroLeague this past season, a difficult feat.
There are concerns about Bitadze’s ability to defend in space, but we’ve seen postseason teams find success without elite switch defenders at the five. Bitadze defends the rim, makes crisp rotations and knows where to position himself. He’ll find an NBA role.
For various reasons, it appears as though Kevin Porter Jr.’s stock is dropping. While he’s a top-10 prospect on my board, teams might have concerns about his personality and injury history — a mixture that doesn’t bode well for most enigmatic prospects.
The Celtics are a smart team and take a flyer on his shot-creation potential, filling a void potentially left by Kyrie Irving in free agency. While Porter isn’t a point guard, his shifty ball-handling and dynamic pull-up game are weapons a team like Boston can deploy.
Porter will need to prove his maturity, but the Celtics have risked picks on prospects perceived as immature in the past. Robert Williams is a recent example. There’s no indication that Porter is a troublesome individual and his ceiling is among the highest in the draft. He’s a steal at 20.
A major riser in recent weeks, Mfiondu Kabengele will earn looks as high as the mid-teens. OKC pulls the trigger on a promising reserve behind Steven Adams — one who can shoot and defend in space, a combination Adams doesn’t provide.
At 6-foot-10, Kabengele pairs an NBA-ready frame and a 7-foot-3 wingspan. He’s a mobile, bouncy interior defender — with notable pedigree as the nephew of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. He’s checks all the boxes of a modern defensive five.
While the sample size was limited, Kabengele’s 36.9 three-point percentage is a promising mark. He should continue to expand his range and provide OKC with a viable pick-and-pop threat, in addition to his upside as a rim-running, lob-catching center.
The Celtics add another wing in Dylan Windler, a senior who flew under the radar at mid-major Belmont. Standing 6-foot-8, Windler is one of the best shooters in the draft. That skill alone gives him a path to productive NBA minutes.
With loads of shot creators in Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Al Horford, Kevin Porter Jr. and others — it’s tough to peg Boston’s 2019-20 roster right now — loading up on shooters makes sense. Windler can function as a dynamic off-ball threat, running around screens, collecting dribble hand-offs and making smart passes within the offense.
He’s not an elite athlete and needs to add strength, but Windler has the tools to become a highly effective role player in the NBA. The Celtics are no guarantee to use all three first-round picks, but Windler worked out for Boston and is a viable option at 22.
The Jazz need a solution in the frontcourt. While effective, it’s difficult to imagine Utah reaching its ceiling with a Rudy Gobert-Derrick Favors pairing. Especially in the postseason. Grant Williams is the two-time reigning SEC Player of the Year and could earn immediate playing time.
Williams needs to continue expanding his shooting range, but he’s already a fluid mid-range shooter who projects as a three-point threat long term. Tennessee ran its offense through Williams in the post — something that will not continue in the NBA — but his talent as a passer, roll man and interior finisher are all valuable traits.
Given the fit, Utah will need Williams to become a reliable shooter. His ability to defend in space is also key, as Gobert’s limited versatility, when paired with Favors, is a virtual death sentence in the postseason. Williams is a smart, physical player who should figure it out. He’s a good choice despite Utah’s need for a point guard.
There’s speculation that Matisse Thybulle received a promise before withdrawing from the NBA Combine. Multiple outlets have since connected him to Philadelphia, making him the prohibitive favorite as June 20 creeps closer.
While some are lower on Thybulle’s offensive outlook, the fit makes a great deal of sense. The Sixers have several shot creators and Thybulle projects as an average spot-up shooter who can attack closeouts and finish on cuts to the rim. He’ll succeed in a well-defined role.
The real intrigue is rooted in Thybulle’s defense. He averaged 3.5 steals and 2.2 blocks as a senior, anchoring the Washington zone with elite instincts and impressive athleticism at 6-foot-5. He’s strong, has a 7-foot wingspan, and should wreak havoc in the Sixers’ versatile defensive rotation.
The Blazers need some insurance behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in the backcourt, as Seth Curry is about to hit free agency. Ty Jerome projects as one of the top shooters in the 2019 class, offering Portland an immediate contributor in the second unit.
At 6-foot-5, Jerome projects as a comboguard of sorts with good positional size. He’s a subpar athlete and will lose some matchups as a result, but his high basketball I.Q. and obvious NBA skills can make up that ground.
In addition to his elite shooting numbers, Jerome is a smart passer who manipulates defenders with clever dribble moves and all-encompassing court vision. He can operate as a secondary playmaker next to Lillard and/or McCollum, where his limited burst is less of an issue.
With severe injury concerns, as well as a questionable work ethic, Bol Bol seems destined to tumble on draft night. Even in a thin class with limited star potential, Bol’s deeply-rooted flaws could outweigh the upside that comes with a 7-foot-3 center who can stroke threes.
Cleveland can take the upside swing and add Bol to a rebuilding roster, where he has time to heal and work on his frame. At the combine, Bol weighed in well below his listed weight at Oregon, spurring questions about his fitness. There’s too much downside for some teams.
Even with the clear bust potential, Bol has unique physical tools and an even more unique skill set. He can hit pull-up threes, has deep range, can attack in transition and should finish lobs at a high clip. There’s still more than enough to warrant a first-round pick.
The Nets address the power forward position will their only first-round pick, selecting one of the most divisive prospects in the draft. KZ Okpala showed tremendous growth as a sophomore, but questions about his overall readiness have left some on the fence.
A very raw player, Okpala has NBA tools. He’s 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and room to add muscle in the coming months. His athleticism shines on defense and he’s a much-improved offensive player, adding a viable spot-up jumper and flashes as a passer.
Where Okpala falls short is polish. He’s struggles to score off the dribble, lacking both a handle and touch. He’s also a negative defender, which shouldn’t be the case given his physical profile. He needs to add strength and become more aware. Brooklyn is a good spot for him to develop.
The Warriors’ center depth has been exposed in the postseason. Kevon Looney, Andrew Bogut and DeMarcus Cousins are all prospective free agents, while neither Damian Jones nor Jordan Bell are suitable starters. Nic Claxton would add an interesting dynamic to the frontcourt.
Few bigs over more potential versatility than Claxton, who spent considerable time at UGA as a secondary ball handler. He got opportunities to push the pace in transition and playmake for others, a skill that could be cultivated nicely in Golden State’s up-tempo system.
Claxton needs to add strength in order to handle physicality in the paint, but his perimeter defense at 7-feet is special. He can get in a stance and contain guards off the dribble, possessing immense upside as a switch defender at the next level. He’s very much a modern five.
A strong pre-draft process has placed Luka Samanic firmly in the first-round discussion. In this event, the Spurs add two international prospects to the frontcourt, pairing Bitadze with a skilled perimeter threat in Samanic.
While not a great three-point shooter, Samanic has showed range in the past. He also has an intriguing blend of offensive skills to coincide will long-term improvements to his shot, including some advanced passing chops at the four spot. He should become a decent complementary scorer long term.
At 6-foot-11, Samanic checks in with a negative wingspan. That, in combination with poor strength, leads to some concerns on defense. He has the mobility to defend in space and switch on the perimeter, but stronger forwards will power through his chest inside. There are limitations.
A late riser, Terence Davis has impressed and workouts and is on track for first-round consideration. The Bucks will need to add players who can complement Giannis Antetokounmpo, and every cost-controlled asset matters moving forward.
Davis stands 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan and plus athleticism, allowing Mike Budenholzer to use him at a couple positions. He’s not an elite three-point shooter — something Milwaukee values — but he improved drastically as a senior and hits mid-range shots at a promising clip. There’s room to expand his range.
Beyond his shooting, Davis will contribute as a cutter and shot creator, giving the Bucks another player who can get dribble penetration and facilitate to open shooters. Davis is also a strong on-ball defender who should guard ones and twos effectively.
Daniel Gafford provides a potential solution to Brooklyn’s depth problem at center, adding another athletic lob-catcher and rim protector behind Jarrett Allen. He’s a top-30 talent.
The Suns address their point guard need with one of college basketball’s most productive players. Carsen Edwards can function on or off-ball and projects as a dynamic, versatile NBA shooter. He’s also a 6-foot tank who can defend his position.
Luguentz Dort is another tank, who at 6-foot-5 can defend multiple positions and make impact plays on defense. He needs to become a more consistent shooter, but shows upside as a slasher and secondary playmaker.
The Sixers add a talented reserve center who can bend defenses with his three-point shot. There are questions about Naz Reid’s perimeter defense and motor, but floor-spacing centers who can handle, pass and pull-up have natural intrigue.
The Hawks add to their arsenal with a smart, versatile defender and capable three-point shooter. Chuma Okeke an ideal role player in the second round, though he needs time to heal his torn ACL.
This is a major fall for Keldon Johnson, but he lacks elite athleticism and a clearly-defined NBA skill. His hustle, tools and offensive potential are a worthwhile investment for Charlotte, who will need to fill gaps on the perimeter.
Darius Bazley skipped college, trained for the NBA and interned at New Balance. Now he’s a high-upside prospect in the second round — one Dallas takes a flyer on.
A five-star recruit who missed the first month of the season recovering from a torn meniscus, Louis King showed his talent on the wing. He’s a smooth ball handler, a capable shooter and has multi-position defensive potential if he locks in.
A burly spot-up shooter, Admiral Schofield adds more muscle and some floor spacing alongside Zion Williamson.
The Kings have a solid frontcourt pairing in Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles long term, but there could be sweeping changes this summer. Bruno Fernando provides some insurance at the five spot.
Despite intriguing physical tools, Talen Horton-Tucker might fall on draft night. The Hawks win big, adding the 6-foot-4 wing who can defend four positions on paper and create shots off the dribble.
The Sixers add a versatile frontcourt piece and hometown favorite in Eric Paschall — an strong athlete and apt three-point shooter.
A bulky wing who, at 6-foot-5, should defend multiple positions in the NBA, DaQuan Jeffries adds another tough-minded piece to Minnesota’s second unit.
The Hawks will need to stash or trade a few second-round picks. In Deividas Sirvydis, Atlanta gets a smooth shooter with enticing offensive potential.
If it weren’t for two ACL tears in the same season, Jontay Porter would get lottery consideration. Detroit pulls off the heist and gets a useful reserve behind Andre Drummond.
Standing 6-foot-3 with a 43-inch vertical, Jalen Lacque is making the prep-to-pros transition after graduating high school last year. Orlando takes the plunge on an uber-athletic, but raw lead guard.
The Kings add point guard depth behind De’Aaron Fox, drafting an accomplished bucket-getter in Shamorie Ponds.
Zach Norvell Jr. offers L.A. a strong complementary shooter on offense — one who can fill it up in a hurry, hitting contested shots at a high clip.
A versatile forward who should defend switches at a high level, Isaiah Roby makes for a nice role player in Gregg Popovich’s system.
One of the draft’s most intriguing defensive prospects, Zylan Cheatham has earned comparisons to a lesser version of Draymond Green.
The Celtics stash a pick in Paul Eboua, a 6-foot-7 athlete with long-term appeal. He’s from Cameroon, the same country as Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam.
A versatile wing who thrived in the Ivy League, Miye Oni presents another potential boost to Charlotte’s perimeter ranks.
Despite standing just 5-foot-10, Tremont Waters has a path to NBA success due to his dynamic pull-up shooting and high-I.Q. passing. The Jazz need a point guard and take a flyer in the second round.
A fluid lefty shooter and smart overall player, Yovel Zoosman represents a draft-and-stash candidate for the Sixers, who can’t afford to roster every second-round pick in a win-now season.
Another diminutive lead guard, Jared Harper led the charge during Auburn’s surprise Final Four run. His pull-up shooting and playmaking chops earned second-round looks.
A versatile forward who began the season much higher on draft boards, Jalen McDaniels is an upside play for Los Angeles in the mid-50s.
A talented shooter who broke out as a freshman, Ignas Brazdeikis gives New Orleans another perimeter threat to pair with Zion in the 2019 class.
Alen Smailigic was the youngest player in the G-League last season, earning positive reviews as part of the Santa Cruz Warriors. Reports are that Golden State wants to continue that partnership by retaining his rights.
Similar to McDaniels, Jaylen Hoard began the season in most pundits’ top-30. He’s still a versatile athlete at the four spot who could catch Masai Ujiri’s eye.
A combine standout, Terance Mann has showcased his toughness and basketball I.Q. to prospective employers during the pre-draft process. It earns him a spot in the second round.
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