NBA Mock Draft 2019: Zion Williamson to headline draft class, Ja Morant set to transform the Grizzlies, Bol Bol could be Celtics' wildcard

Zion Williamson headlines an exciting 2019 draft class
Zion Williamson headlines an exciting 2019 draft class

The much anticipated 2019 draft is now less than one week away, and while teams continue to conduct interviews and process data, most front offices have a strong idea of who they want to bring in. So, without further hesitation, here are our projections for the Top 30 Picks of the 2019 NBA Draft.


Pick #1 Zion Williamson - New Orleans Pelicans

The Duke product is perhaps the most exciting teenager to emerge since LeBron James burst onto the scene back in the early 2000s. The hype is so high that Zion will have a signature shoe in his debut season, and there is no questioning that the Pelicans will select the forward with the No.1 pick.

Pick #2 Ja Morant - Memphis Grizzlies

Mike Conley has been Memphis' point guard for more than a decade, although it appears that he will finally move on this summer. In Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will be adding a dynamic young guard that has earned comparisons to Russell Westbrook. The 19-year-old's upside is tremendous, and even his recent knee surgery won't sway the Grizzlies.

Pick #3 R.J. Barrett - New York Knicks

There are some question marks over R.J. Barrett's shooting stroke and his ability to adapt to the NBA. However, his 6'10 wingspan and playmaking ability will prove enough for the Knicks to take him with the third overall.

Pick #4 Darius Garland - Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Garland's freshman season was cut short by injury, although he remains highly rated thanks to his shooting range and excellent ball handling. The Lakers are sure to take him with the No.4 pick, although he may be traded as part of the deal for Anthony Davis.

Pick #5 Jarrett Culver - Cleveland Cavaliers

Culver made a slow start to college life, but exploded during his sophomore year, averaging 18.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The 20-year-old has the potential to blossom into one of the NBA's elite two-way players, and he appears to be a perfect match for the Cavs.

Pick #6 De'Andre Hunter - Phoenix Suns

De'Andre Hunter is a 6'7 wing who can guard multiple positions. He also shot 44% from three-point range this season and is among the best two-way players in the draft. Phoenix would have preferred a point guard, yet Hunter's talent is too much to ignore.

Pick #7 Coby White - Chicago Bulls

Coby White
Coby White

The Bulls are in desperate need of a new point guard, and Coby White could be a potential future star. The 19-year-old excelled at UNC, and he is among the most natural scorers in the draft. White's playmaking skills are currently a weakness, although playing in a Chicago team with few expectations will allow him time to develop.

Pick #8 Cam Reddish - Atlanta Hawks

Cam Reddish's stock has fallen due to an inconsistent season with Duke, although he remains among the most naturally talented individuals in the draft. The 19-year-old is the epitome of positionless basketball, and the Hawks could build something special with Trae Young, John Collins, and Reddish.

Pick #9 Sekou Doumbouya - Washington Wizards

Due to John Wall's enormous contract, the Wizards have no immediate plans to compete, and the team will grab the most talented player remaining on the board. This title falls to Sekou Doumbouya, who enjoyed an excellent season in France's top professional league. While he is unlikely to make an immediate impact in the NBA, many believe he could eventually develop into an All-Star talent.

Pick #10 Jaxson Hayes - Atlanta Hawks

Hayes is a rare athletic big who can make an impact at both ends of the court. He is perhaps the best shot blocker in the draft, and his ability to score consistently at the basket shouldn't be understated. As with Reddish, Hayes is a great fit for a young Atlanta roster.

Pick #11 PJ Washington - Minnesota Timberwolves

Washington is a 42% shooter from three-point range, while his 7-3 wingspan allows him to be disruptive on the defensive end. The Timberwolves need to add talented young shooters around KAT, and Washington would be a great start.

Pick #12 Nassir Little - Charlotte Hornets

Little is coming off an underwhelming season with North Carolina in which he averaged just 18 minutes per game. The 19-year-old's shooting is worrisome, but his all-around game is expected to translate well to the NBA. This time last year he was projected as a top-5 pick, and while he has fallen down the board, Charlotte will be getting a player with tremendous upside.

Pick #13 Romeo Langford - Miami Heat

Romeo Langford
Romeo Langford

Langford struggled with persistent injuries during his freshman season at IU, and doubts remain over his shooting ability. However, his all-around game is strong, and Miami is hoping to add a young guard that can help plug the gap following Dwyane Wade's retirement.

Pick #14 Brandon Clarke - Boston Celtics

Clarke will turn 23 in September, and he is among the prospects that NBA scouts believe can make an instant impact for the 19-20 season. He is particularly strong around the rim, although there are some fears that he may already be close to his ceiling. Nevertheless, the Celtics already have plenty of exciting young talent, and Clarke could play an important reserve role next season.

Pick #15 Keldon Johnson - Detroit Pistons

In a stacked Kentucky team, Johnson didn't always stand out, although he was continually a steady performer. The 19-year-old is committed defensively and poses a shooting threat from anywhere on the court. Ultimately, while not the most exciting prospect, Johnson would be a valuable addition to the Pistons bench.

Pick #16 Tyler Herro - Orlando Magic

A combo guard standing at 6-6, Herro has earned a positive reputation for his shooting ability. However, the 19-year-old will slip to the middle of the first round due to doubts over his capacity to develop into a playmaker. The Magic traded for Markelle Fultz back in February, although they believe that both Fultz and Herro can flourish in the same team.

Pick #17 Rue Hachimura - Atlanta Hawks

Hachimura is exactly what NBA teams look for in modern forwards. He possesses great length with a 7'2 wingspan and he shot a career-best 41.7 percent from 3 during his junior year. The 21-year-old continues to improve the defensive side of his game, and Atlanta is the perfect place for Hachimura to continue developing.

Pick #18 Goga Bitadze - Indiana Pacers

Goga Bitadze
Goga Bitadze

Standing at 6-11, Bitadze has rocketed up draft boards over the past year. The Georgian is surprisingly accurate from three-point range, although he will slip to the late-teens due to his inability to defend on the perimeter. With Domantas Sabonis likely to leave the Pacers this summer, Bitadze would be a great replacement.

Pick #19 Mfiondu Kabengele - San Antonio Spurs

Kabengale is a 6-10 power forward who made 37% of his 3-pointers this season. The FSU product will turn 22 later this month, although most scouts believe that he still has room to improve further. The Spurs need depth, and the Canadian should be able to provide it.

Pick #20 Matisse Thybulle - Boston Celtics

Thybulle connected with just 30.5% of his three attempts as a senior, and there are concerns over his offensive skills. However, his ability to make blocks and steals puts him among the best defensive players in the draft. As with Brandon Clarke, Thybulle feels like a much more finished product than the majority of the draft class, and he should be able to make an instant impact to a championship chasing team.

Pick #21 Cameron Johnson - Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder are crying out for someone that can hit the three, and Cameron Johnson appears to be a perfect fit. The UNC product shot 45.7 percent from 3-point range last season, and he is also a surprisingly good defender. With Alex Abrines gone, Johnson should be able to flourish in a catch and shoot role.

Pick #22 Bol Bol - Boston Celtics

Doubts remain over Bol Bol's long-term health, although he could turn out to be one of the steals of the draft. The 7'2 center shot 52 percent from 3-point range while averaging 2.7 blocks per game, and his all-around game has shown signs of improvement. The Celtics have three first round picks, so they can afford to take a risk by selecting what some have referred to as the 'Unicorn' of the draft.

Pick #23 Ty Jerome - Utah Jazz

The Jazz need to improve their guard depth, and Ty Jerome is the logical solution. The 21-year-old is a career 39.5% 3-point shooter and is comfortable without the ball in his hands. He is also decent on the defensive end and would slot in nicely alongside Donovan Mitchell.

Pick #24 Nickeil Alexander-Walker - Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers Markelle Fultz experiment didn't work out, and the team is now short on guards. Alexander-Walker can play at both spots in the backcourt, and he especially strong as a spot-up 3-point shooter. Overall, he is a player that should find good minutes in Brett Brown's rotation.

Pick #25 KZ Okpala - Portland Trail Blazers

KZ Okpala (0)
KZ Okpala (0)

Okpala possesses a near 7'2 wingspan and has significant upside, but the 20-year-old's game still needs plenty of polish, and his decision-making is especially worrying. Nevertheless, the Trail Blazers lack depth and Okpala should get decent playing opportunities to develop his game in Portland.

Pick #26 Nicolas Claxton - Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs have started to build a promising young core, but are lacking a big for the future. Standing just under 7-feet, Claxton has excelled on the defensive end, although he still needs to develop his shooting from beyond the arc. An unfinished product, he still fits in with Cleveland's ongoing rebuild.

Pick #27 Bruno Fernando - Brooklyn Nets

Just like the Cavs, the Nets are in need of a new big, and Bruno Fernando is expected to be the best center left on the board. The Maryland product stands at 6'10 with a 7'4 wingspan, and while he lacks consistency, the Nets will be hoping to invest in his considerable upside.

Pick #28 Kevin Porter Jr. - Golden State Warriors

Kevin Porter Jr. is a tremendous talent, although he is likely to slip down the board due to doubts over his temperament. Steve Kerr has experience dealing with the likes of Draymond Green and DeMarcus Cousins, and Golden State could be the perfect place for Porter Jr. to mature. His three-point range would also make him an exciting addition to a woeful Warriors bench.

Pick #29 Luguentz Dort - San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs have plenty of guard depth, although Luguentz Dort is a Gregg Popovich type of player. He gives his all at both ends of the court, and his defensive work in college was especially impressive. Ultimately, a solid prospect for a late first-round pick.

Pick #30 Luka Samanic - Milwaukee Bucks

Samanic has improved rapidly over the past 12 months, although he doesn't have one particular skill that stands out. But his all-around game is solid, and the Bucks will be hoping that he can eventually transform into an excellent two-way player. Minutes may be hard to come by in his rookie season, although the Bucks will be looking at the long-term.

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