After a wild lottery night and an interesting week at the NBA Draft Combine, we break down where things stand in our latest 2019 NBA Mock Draft.
Bruno Fernando
C, Maryland
Fernando was smart to participate in some drills at the combine, as he was able to flash a legit 3-point shot from NBA range and his size certainly stuck out standing next to smaller college prospects.
Luka Samanic
F, Olimpija
Samanic resoundingly proved himself right participating in the scrimmage on Day 1 in Chicago, as there was a buzz in the building that his size and skill played well in his first chance against legitimate NBA athletes in the United States.
Eric Paschall
F, Villanova
Paschall is being connected with the Suns at No. 33 considering they traded for Mikal Bridges last year, reportedly nearly drafted Donte DiVincenzo, and hired Villanova graduate assistant Matt Massimino. But it feels like too perfect a fit for Paschall to slide in and play right away with the Warriors.
Cameron Johnson
F, North Carolina
Though Brooklyn already has Dzanan Musa and Rodions Kurucs, no competitor can ever have too many versatile floor-spacers, if only to create an asset turnstile that can be cashed in.
Bol Bol
C, Oregon
The Cavaliers should be praying Bol falls this far, though few mock drafts have him falling outside the lottery, let alone to near the end of the first round.
Check out our full scouting report on Bol Bol.
Keldon Johnson
G/F, Kentucky
Portland takes a chance on a guy who was expected to land in the top 10 at the start of his freshman season.
Check out our full scouting report on Keldon Johnson.
Matisse Thybulle
G/F, Washington
With Utah snatching Ty Jerome out from the Sixers’ clutches at 23, Philadelphia settles for another older prospect, though not quite at a position of need like Jerome would satisfy.
Ty Jerome
G, Virginia
As Utah looks past the Ricky Rubio era, Jerome is a solid fit alongside Donovan Mitchell long-term who could defend either guard spot and operate as a secondary play-maker, much like Malcolm Brogdon does for the Bucks.
Goga Bitadze
C, Mega Bemax
Bitadze is tough to peg in this class. He could go in the lottery if teams like what they see in the pre-draft process, or the relative lack of information for international players could bite Bitadze and see him slide near the end of the first round. Considering the Celtics’ need for frontcourt depth, this feels like his floor.
Check out our full scouting report on Goga Bitadze.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
G/F, Kentucky
The Thunder are on their own treadmill of mediocrity, picking in the early 20s every year and capped out, but not getting past the second round in the playoffs. It’s tough to find great players that way — Alexander-Walker’s NBA-ready game is the best option for Oklahoma City here.
Grant Williams
F, Tennessee
Williams helped himself tremendously getting in front of cameras and out-smarting younger, more raw prospects in scrimmages this week in Chicago.
Nic Claxton
F/C, Georgia
Claxton told media this week he worked out with the Spurs, and though he could be in consideration at No. 28, don’t be surprised if his stock rises and suddenly he is a target for San Antonio in the teens.
Talen Horton-Tucker
F, Iowa State
Indiana ought to get younger and more versatile with this draft. Horton-Tucker can check both boxes as a combo wing and one of the youngest players in the class.
Kevin Porter Jr.
G, USC
Porter needs a culture, system and development-oriented program to get back on track after a rough season at USC. The Nets offer a great situation for him.
Check out our full scouting report on Kevin Porter Jr.
Tyler Herro
G, Kentucky
After years of drafting frontcourt players, the Magic should look for guards who can shoot and make plays off their long, athletic big men. Herro is that guy.
Rui Hachimura
F, Gonzaga
After years running his offense through DeMar DeRozan, Pistons coach Dwane Casey could see Hachimura as a younger focal point for his new team. He and Blake Griffin would form a tremendous tandem with size and shot creation ability.