2019 NBA Mock Drafts

Barrett is going to be a stat monster on a Duke team chock-full of NBA talent. Standing at a built-out 6-foot-7 with a smooth lefty stroke, he's got all the physical assets teams crave in an NBA wing, with athleticism to boot. His game overall is well-developed for his age, and yet he's still just scratching the surface of the superstar he could eventually become. His 33-point outing against NBA-level athletes defending him for Kentucky is a foreshadowing of the season he's going to have. Cleveland would be wise to do everything it can to make sure its positioned to snatch him up.

There are lingering questions about Zion Williamson's overall skillset and whether or not he's got an offensive arsenal worthy of such a high selection, but even if he's inconsistent this season -- and way-too-early indications are that he won't be -- I simply don't see how the Bulls let him slide by. He's a 6-7, 285-pound monster-of-a-man who could contribute immediately with his versatility on defense and rim-rocking ways. If he's able to show he can consistently knock down jumpers all the way out to the 3-point line during his presumably short stay at Duke, teams are going to be itching to move up the board to grab him.

Reddish may be among the most talented prospects in this class, and at 6-8 with his scoring acumen, it wouldn't shock me to see him land inside the top 3. But Reddish is an enigma; questions about his inconsistency both with effort and with his production will need to be answered definitively before he works his way into that top tier. Nonetheless, his scoring abilities in spot-up situations and off the bounce are impressive, as he showed Tuesday by casually dropping 22 in Duke's blowout of Kentucky. In Phoenix, he could be a star alongside Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and Deandre Ayton if he puts it all together.

The Magic have a bevvy of young, long and versatile forwards, so the Indiana star, who will be best known as an elite offensive prospect, would be an ideal addition to boost a team that ranks in the bottom five in the NBA in 3-point shooting this season. Langford has limitless range as an outside scorer, can slice-and-dice his way to the bucket and finish consistently at the rim using his athleticism and speed, and has good awareness and vision as a ball-handler. He's shown flashes of being a capable two-way player, too, and has good mobility and lateral quickness to develop into an above average NBA defender.

Traded from: SAC

Even if Gordon Hayward returns to his former self in Boston, the Celtics shouldn't pass on the best available player on the board at No. 5 when their time comes. Thus, Nassir Little makes sense. He would be an excellent wing piece to put around an already promising core that mans one of the East's most lethal roster. Little was the best player at the McDonald's All-American game by a noticeable margin, yes, slightly ahead of Barrett and Williamson, and is developing rapidly into a more all-around player as both as an offensive playmaker and initiator. He will need to tighten his handle and his outside stroke to realize his full potential, but his tools are useful enough now to be considered here.

Grimes is a quintessential NBA ready-guard who can do a little of everything at a high level: Scoring, assisting and handling. He's an explosive finisher around the rim who finishes with force and has wiggle to get around players, but also has some finesse that's legitimately jarring. His handle and vision suggests he could be a quality playmaker no matter where Kansas -- and eventually, one NBA team -- decides to place him in the system. The Hawks make sense as a landing spot here, and he has the tools to be a nice piece alongside Trae Young.

Traded from: DAL

Bol Bol, the son of former NBA player Manute Bol, may have the most volatile stock among all the one-and-done prospects entering the season. But even if the questions about his jumbo body and college production loom after his presumably brief time in Eugene, Oregon it's hard to imagine he slips out of the top 10. A 3-point shooting, rim-rocking big of his stature comes around only once in a blue moon. Atlanta should feel like it's getting away with theft if he falls to them at No. 7.

Let's face it: the Wizards need upgrades at more than one position. But as the roster is currently constructed, adding a talented forward in Sekou Doymboya, a forward from France, may be the smartest bet. Doymboya can complement the Wizards' cupboard with a 6-9 presence who, in international play, has impressed both as a shooter and playmaker. He's a willing slasher and attacker without the rock and knows how to be productive without the ball. On a team that has two capable on-ball playmakers in Bradley Beal and John Wall, both of whom are going to possess the ball often, Doymboya may be a seamless schematic fit.

Keldon Johnson is in line to be just the latest wing to go one-and-done from Kentucky, joining the likes of Kevin Knox, Hamidou Diallo and others before him. Like the others, Johnson passes the eye test with an impressive 6-6 frame that's already built out and ready to produce. He'll produce eye-popping highlight reel dunks and flash plenty of athleticism while in Lexington, but he's a streaky shooter on the whole and likely needs to improve his skills on the ball to warrant a top-10 selection. Nonetheless, his competitive streak and fiery on-court attitude is an X-factor that gives him an edge. He fits as a potential glue guy in L.A. with 3-and-D potential if his stroke levels off.

Traded from: MEM

After a season-ending injury cut short what may have been a breakout in the NCAA Tournament, Virginia forward De'Andre Hunter should finally be a household name for the Cavaliers and their hopes of getting back to No. 1-seed status in the NCAA Tournament this season. Hunter is a 6-8 forward who can knock down 3-pointers, body opponents up as a defender down low, and flush dunks with ease. His big selling point as a prospect is his two-way versatility, and he's among the most adaptable in this class.

Keenan Evans was the star for Texas Tech last season and Zhaire Smith was the freshman who wound up building up his stock into lottery status. Jarrett Culver, meanwhile, flew under the radar as a flashy shooting guard who has translatable NBA skills with his defensive prowess and smooth outside stroke. The 6-foot-5 sophomore may soak up a feature role with the Red Raiders this season and work his way into the same territory his former fellow freshman in Zhaire Smith did last season.

With an aging frontcourt led at power forward by Taj Gibson and Anthony Tolliver, Minnesota may look to pit another talented big man alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Arkansas big Daniel Gafford would give the Wolves a stellar, athletic and explosive option to upgrade the spot with youth. Gafford can play either big man spot and thrives as both a shot-blocker and lob-finisher, which may allow for Towns to play more freely on offense. This pick may be a luxury selection, however, if Jimmy Butler ends up leaving the team or gets traded before free agency.

Darius Garland may be the one-and-done prospect you're not yet aware of, but he'll absolutely get some pub this season for a Vanderbilt team that's juiced with young talent. Garland is a 6-2 point guard who has a quick twitch and near-flawless ball-handling ability. His court vision and see-it-before-it-develops spidey senses are next-level. In Brooklyn, he could perhaps be an intriguing developmental prospect to invest in.

The Rockets could use an injection of talent at power forward, and San Diego State star Jalen McDaniels could give it to them. A 6-10 sophomore who averaged 10.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, he flashed as an NBA prospect often with his freakish athleticism. When he's on the court, he plays as if he's packing minipogo sticks inside his sneakers. If he can develop a more steady game on offense, teams may find it hard to let him slip past the lottery.

As a freshman at Murray State last season, Ja Morant averaged 12.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists. He does a little of everything from the point guard position, and plays inches taller than his measured 6-3 frame thanks to his outstanding athleticism. He's a solid finisher at the rim, but his offense outside the paint is where he can most improve as a prospect. He shot only 30.7 percent from 3-point range.

Gonzaga may only have one season left with its under-the-radar NBA talent in Rui Hachimura. Hachimura is a 6-8 forward who is still more on the raw side offensively, with no outside game on the horizon, but his defensive versatility and athletic gifts are enviable. He should go from a bench player to a starter for Gonzaga this season which should allow him to develop his sometimes hit-or-miss decision-making on the whole. He averaged double he amont of turnovers last season as he did assists per game

Kris Wilkes put himself on the NBA radar by averaging 13.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 35.2 percent from the 3-point line as a freshman last season. He's got ideal size to play the forward spot, and his true shooting percentage and effective field goal percentage both ranked inside the top-20 in Pac-12 play last season according to KenPom. He's going to have a huge uptick in production as a sophomore this season where his talent to get shots off in a hurry off the bounce and off the pass will draw him plenty of eyes. The Pelicans could use more shooters to surround Anthony Davis, and Wilkes fits the bill.

Paschall didn't crack 30 minutes per game last season for title-winning Villanova, but that should change this season with Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Omari Spellman off to the NBA. Last season he put up 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds, and came on late as an NCAA All-Tournament performer. The combination of his scoring ability, 6-8 frame, and efficient 3-point shot (he hit 35.6 percent of outside shots last season) will get him buzz as a potential lottery pick. The Heat could use him and his versatility in a number of ways, which will be his most appealing asset coming out.

Conference USA isn't going to be able to handle Charles Bassey's bullying style that accompanies his 6-11, 245-pound frame. He's going to dominate the league with his rebounding and punishing play around the rim. While he doesn't fit the profile of a modern day NBA big man, his talent is undeniable. What he lacks in overall mobility he may be able to make up for in his passing/playmaking. The Spurs could take those underappreciated skills and put them to good use in their system.

The Hornets may be in a tough spot here with a need to grab a point guard but no option but to reach from this position. If they simply go best prospect available and bet on upside, Wake Forest forward Jaylen Hoard will certainly catch their eye. He's a 6-8 versatile freshman with a near 7-foot-long wingspan. With Wake's top three scorers from last season gone, Hoard will have opportunities to flash his NBA potential from day one in Danny Manning's system.

JaVale McGee isn't L.A.'s long-term answer at center for the LeBron-led Lakers. Investing in a big in this next draft seems reasonable to expect. Maryland product Jalen Smith may be a candidate to watch in this range. He's 6-foot-10 and plays with gobs of energy that could replace the energizer bunny that is McGee. While he doesn't have the same versatility as other bigs in this class, he's going to be excellent at what he does: Rebounding, scoring around the rim and protecting the paint.

The 76ers drafted -- then traded -- sharpshooting wing man Mikal Bridges on draft night, snatching up an extra draft pick and Zhaire Smith in the process. But The Process needs an immediate jolt of shooting alongside Ben Simmons, one that Bridges may have been able to provide. USC product Kevin Porter, in theory, could give them that. At 6-6 with sound shot mechanics, his left-handed delivery and quick release is promising. This season will be telling about whether or not his shot holds up against higher level competition.

Oklahoma City needs shooters like a fish needs water, and drafting Virginia Tech product Nickeil Alexander-Walker could be a simple solution. He put up 10.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game as a freshman last season, and knocked down 39.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. (Per Bleacher Report, 65.1 percent of his offense came from spot-ups and transition opportunities, which suggests he'd be an ideal fit alongside slashing All-Star Russell Westbrook.)

Traded from: DEN

Early returns on Kentucky product PJ Washington returning for a sophomore season have been promising. He averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 boards per game on the team's preseason trip to the Bahamas, and appears to have slendered down from a year ago. His new look may give UK the option to unleash him at multiple positions, which is both good for UK and better for Washington, who can sell his inside-out versatility to NBA scouts.

Depth behind All-Star Damian Lillard remains a question mark for the Trail Blazers. Neither Seth Curry nor Wade Baldwin IV appear to be long-term backup solutions capable of running a strong second unit. Enter Kentucky product Ashton Hagans, a young point guard prospect who reclassified from 2019 to 2018 to become draft eligible in June. Hagans is a flat-out competitor on both ends of the court, reminiscent of former Alabama star Collin Sexton, though his shot may be more advanced at this stage. He may not be an immediate starting-level ball-handler, but Portland has the luxury of thinking long-term with this pick. If he can run competently the offense for one of the top teams in college basketball and prove he's capable of knocking down shots consistently, he's worth a late first-round gamble to potentially run Portland's second unit.

Missouri sophomore Jontay Porter was on track to likely hear his name called inside the top 20, and he may still work his way into that position, but a preseason ACL and MCL tear put a damper on what may have been a breakout second season with the Tigers. He may still be a top-30 pick, though, with his unique shot-blocking and shooting that should translate to the modern NBA.

Eric Bledsoe is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and backup Malcolm Brogdon is on pace to hit the restricted market. With looming question marks at the position, Milwaukee would be wise to invest in a youngster like Iowa State's Lindell Wigginton, an athletic ball-handler who averaged 16.7 points as a freshman last season. Wigginton's decision-making will need to improve overall before he's handed the keys to an NBA offense in Milwaukee run through Giannis Antetokounmpo -- he averaged more turnovers per game (3.0) than assists (2.8) last season -- but his upside as both a scorer and playmaker is enticing for a team like the Bucks who can gamble on potential at No. 27.

White's an X-factor for an underrated North Carolina team, and he's being slept on largely because his freshman teammate, Nassir Little, is a near lock to go inside the top 5. But White's an electric talent and may work his way into the first round with a strong season. His skillset is largely based off an elite offensive arsenal and smooth stroke, but by showing he can run a college offense with more on-ball duties at UNC on his plate, his versatility to play at either guard position will be a trait the Celtics will have a hard time passing on.

Traded from: TOR

A 6-7 wing who was buried on a talent-rich Alabama roster last season, Herbert Jones has the skillset to be among the SEC's breakout stars this season. He wasn't a stat-padder as a freshman, but he did have a coming out of sorts on the national stage when he helped limit former OU guard Trae Young to just 14 points using his lockdown defense. Jones could really improve his stock by displaying consistency on offense -- he shot only 40.8 percent from the floor and 26.9 percent from 3-point range -- but his defensive versatility and 7-foot wingspan makes him a potential plug-and-play NBA perimeter player when he comes out. With the Spurs, who are known for developing lackluster shooters into consistent offensive threats, Jones could be a perfect match.

Despite an uptick in production last season, St. John's star Shamorie Ponds saw his efficiency take a hit as his 3-point shot and field goal accuracy both fell. He's due for a course correction as a junior, though. With Auburn star transfer Mustapha Heron joining the Johnnies, Ponds will benefit from less attention and, in turn, more open looks. He can use this season to parlay his way into first-round consideration. He's not suited to be the No. 1 playmaker on an NBA team, but fortunately, he won't need to be if Golden State snatches him up at 30.

To be clear, there are other reasonable options for the top spot -- and I think any of the four players I have going one through four are worthy candidates to be selected first in June. But Williamson is obviously the most interesting and unique prospect of the bunch. Presumably, he'll hit a rough patch at some point when ACC coaches throw things at him that he's never seen -- and it'll be fascinating to see how he responds to adversity. But, to date, he's been a superman among boys, and his games are likely to look that way more often than not.

Barrett is a wing with size who gets to the rim so often, against basically anybody, that it's hard to imagine him being anything other than a top-shelf scorer in the NBA. There are questions about his upside, sure. But his floor is super-high. He scored a total of 86 points in his first three games as a Blue Devil -- including 33 in that season-opening blowout of Kentucky. No Duke freshman in history had ever scored that many points in his first three games.

Little was the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic -- which is among the reasons he might be too low at No. 3. The 6-6 wing is oozing with potential and can be overwhelming on both sides of the court. He projects as an elite combo-forward in the modern-NBA.

Can you imagine being the fourth pick in the NBA Draft -- and just the third-best player on your college team? That might actually be Reddish's reality, crazy as it sounds. The 6-9 wing made 11 of his 25 3-point attempts in Duke's first three games. He has the tools to be great on both ends, if he commits to it.

Langford is one of the most decorated players in the history of high school basketball in Indiana. The 6-6 wing scored more than 3,000 points as a prep star, then enrolled at IU. He finished with 22 points in an early win over Marquette and is averaging 17.7 points through three games with the Hoosiers.

The best guard prospect in the SEC usually plays at Kentucky. But not this season. And that's because Garland enrolled at Vanderbilt, his hometown school, and provided Bryce Drew with the type of lead guard who can carry a team to the NCAA Tournament. The 6-3 freshman is terrific with the ball and a deadly shooter beyond the 3-point line. A long NBA career seems likely.

Johnson wasn't the highest-rated prospect in Kentucky's most recent recruiting class, but he's quickly established himself as the best NBA prospect. The 6-6 wing is the only Wildcat who played well in that season-opening loss to Duke -- and he's averaging 16.7 points and 6.0 rebounds through three games. John Calipari has had at least one player selected in the lottery of 11 consecutive drafts. Johnson will extend that streak to 12 come June.

Traded from: SAC

Dedric Lawson is expected to be Kansas' best player this season, but Grimes is clearly the top NBA prospect on Bill Self's roster. The 6-5 combo guard finished with 21 points, thanks to six 3-pointers, in that season-opening win over Michigan State. He's great in pick-and-roll situations, which should allow him to flourish at the next level.

Traded from: MEM

Porter was labeled as a bottom-tier five-star prospect coming out of high school, but he certainly seems better than that now. The 6-6 guard is a great athlete and creative scorer who has already shown glimpses of stardom early in this season -- especially on the offensive end of the court. He might develop into USC's best player by the time the calendar flips to 2019.

Bol is arguably the most intriguing prospect in this class because his skillset is so unique for somebody his size. He's a 7-2 center with crazy-long legs who moves well and is comfortable shooting 3-pointers. It's fair to wonder whether he'll struggle switching ball screens in the NBA, which is a huge issue given the way the game is now played. But there's so much interesting stuff here that Bol should still go in the lottery.

Doumbouya is likely to be the first international prospect selected in the 2019 NBA Draft. The 6-9 forward was born in Guinea but raised in France -- where he's currently playing professionally at the age of 17. He's already developed nicely, and looks like a future physical forward, even though he didn't start playing basketball until he was 13.

Hunter broke his wrist late last season, which helped set the stage for Virginia becoming the first No. 1 seed in history to lose to a No. 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament. But the 6-7 forward returned to school for his sophomore year and has already reestablished himself as one of college basketball's most versatile defenders. The fact that he shot 38.2 percent from 3-point range last season is another positive with NBA scouts.

Hachimura is a Japanese-import whose breakthrough season at Gonzaga is well underway. The 6-9 forward finished with 33 points on 18 shots in a season-opening win over Idaho State and is among the reasons the Zags have a real chance to make the Final Four. At only 20 years old, Hachimura already possesses an NBA-ready body. A reliable jumper is the only thing keeping him out of the top 10 of the draft.

Traded from: DEN

Washington spent the first few games of this season showing he's drastically improved as a perimeter shooter -- evidence being how he made 5-of-7 3-point attempts in Kentucky's first three contests (after only taking 21 3-pointers all of last season). That alone should help the 6-8 forward with NBA front-offices. He's the Wildcat most likely to join Johnson in the lottery and give UK multiple lottery picks for the third consecutive year.

Gafford lives above the rim and could've probably been a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. But the 6-11 center instead opted to return to Arkansas -- where he got 20 points and 12 rebounds in the season-opener against Texas. He projects as a high-level rim-protector in the NBA who will make a living dunking everything.

Culver should be the second straight sub-100 high school prospect to be selected in the first round of the draft after spending time at Texas Tech, which is a testament to Chris Beard's ability to evaluate and develop. The 6-5 guard is an accomplished shot-maker and good-enough athlete. How he handles being the go-to guy this season will play a role in determining where he's picked in June.

Pro guards can come from anywhere -- like Weber State or Davidson. And Morant should be the next unheralded high school prospect to bounce from a so-called mid-major to the first round of the NBA Draft. The 6-3 sophomore scored 26 points and dished 11 assists in Murray State's season-opener. He'll be a major problem for everybody in the OVC in January, February and March.

Bassey is the highest-rated prospect to play in C-USA since Tyreke Evans in the 2008-09 season -- and his freshman year is off to a nice start. The 6-11 center scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the season-opener against Pac-12 competition. The only possible issue is that Bassey is more of a traditional big as opposed to a step-away-from-the-basket center so many NBA franchises now prefer. But, regardless, he's too naturally gifted to drop too far.

Traded from: LAC

Assuming Porter enters the 2019 NBA Draft, he'll do so while coming off of an injury that costs him spots the same way an injury cost his brother, Michael Porter, spots in the 2018 NBA Draft. That's the result of a torn ACL suffered in the preseason. Just terrible luck. But the 6-11 forward is still worth a flyer somewhere outside of the lottery.

McDaniels was a sub-100 prospect coming out of high school who red-shirted his first season at San Diego State. But something clicked for him last season -- and the 6-10 forward was one of only four freshmen in the nation to average 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and shoot at least 58 percent from the field. The early returns from this season suggest he might have an improved jumper. He really gets up and down the floor well for a player his size.

Reid is lower than this in most mock drafts. But the 6-9 forward is averaging 19.0 points and 6.0 rebounds through three games at LSU -- and he looks very much like a good pick-and-pop option in the NBA. He's shooting 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. He made four long jumpers against UNC Greensboro.

Smith was a consensus five-star prospect coming out of high school who has made an immediate impact at Maryland. He finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the season-opener and is a big reason why Mark Turgeon should coach in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Obviously, Smith needs to get stronger to avoid getting pushed around in the NBA because, right now, the 6-10 forward is only 215 pounds. But that can and will come in time.

Bazley is the Syracuse signee who decided to skip college and is now interning with New Balance at the rate of $1 million -- so his story has received lots of attention. This path ensures the 6-9 forward is at no risk of being exposed in the ACC but also takes him away from organized basketball for a year. In other words, there are pros and cons. But Bazley is still likely to be a first-round pick thanks to his undeniable potential.

King has yet to make his college debut because of a torn meniscus. But he's expected to be healthy enough to play in late November/early December -- at which point King should help solidify Oregon as the Pac-12 favorite. The 6-9 small forward has great size for his position. He can attack the rim from the wing or comfortably launch jumpers.

Jones was a sub-125 prospect coming out of high school who only scored 4.2 points per game as a freshman at Alabama. But he seems capable of developing into a nice two-way player who can, at 6-7, use his athleticism to cause problems -- especially on the defensive end of the court. That said, Jones' jumper definitely needs to improve to make him worthy of a first-round pick. He only shot 26.9 percent from 3-point range last season.

Wilkes finished with 27 points in UCLA's season-opener and is already proving to be a more capable scorer, and player in general, than he was a year ago. The 6-8 wing still needs to improve his perimeter jumper. But there's really no obvious reason he can't be a nice combo forward in the modern-NBA.

Villanova lost the top four scorers from last season's title-winning team, which has thrust Paschall into a starring role. So far, it's been mostly good; he scored 26 points in the season-opener. The 6-8 senior will likely be best as a small-ball 4 in the NBA. He'll be the fifth member of the 2018 national champions to play in that league.

Fernando is an impressive physical specimen who stands 6-10, weighs 240 pounds and has a 7-4 wingspan. Combine all that with a motor that runs well, and he has a chance to be a nice face-up big in the NBA who can use a good first step to get by opposing defenders and finish at the rim.

Traded from: TOR

Battle returned to Syracuse for his junior season after contemplating remaining in the 2018 NBA Draft -- and the Orange should be Final Four contenders because of it. The 6-6 guard still isn't a competent 3-point threat, which isn't ideal. But he does enough other things well to make going in the 20s of this draft very possible.

Matthews entered the 2018 NBA Draft before withdrawing and returning to Michigan -- where he led the Wolverines to an early-season win at Villanova. The 6-6 guard still isn't a great (or even good) shooter. But he's flourished, as both a player and prospect, since leaving Kentucky similar to the way Kyle Wiltjer once did