NBA mock draft of lottery picks
Duke forward Zion Williamson dunks against Texas Tech during the first half of a game Dec. 20, 2018. Credit: AP/Adam Hunger
Now that we know the order for the June 20 NBA Draft, the clarity that usually comes remains clouded by the potential league-shifting trade of Anthony Davis. But here's a first look at who could land where in the draft.
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Duke
The Pelicans entered the draft as the most talked about trade partner heading into the summer with Anthony Davis the potential prize for anyone who got the top pick and were willing to package Williamson. But they jumped to the top spot and can bring in the explosive 6-7 forward as the marketing bonanza the struggling franchise needs. Davis still likely wants out though.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: R.J. Barrett, Duke
It has seemed set in stone in recent weeks that Ja Morant will follow Williamson as the next best thing, but some NBA team officials believe when teams work out the potential picks, Barrett, who entered his freshman season as the presumed top pick in the draft, will ascend again.
3. New York Knicks: Ja Morant, Murray State
Murray State's Ja Morant (12) during the first half of a second round men's college basketball game in the NCAA tournament, Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) Credit: AP/Jessica Hill
The Knicks would be thrilled to get either Barrett or Morant, in need of help at nearly every position. While Barrett may better fill a need at shooting guard, Morant is an electric talent. The slightly built point guard possesses great athleticism, scoring ability and passing instincts. This also is the first spot where Davis trade rumors will begin. If Barrett is still here in this spot he certainly would be an appealing piece to reunite with Williamson.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: Darius Garland, Vanderbilt
Jumping up from No. 11, the Lakers certainly will renew their efforts to land Davis in a deal, but Garland is an intriguing prospect who has steadily risen in scouts' eyes this year. Similar in size to Morant, the freshman point guard is a different player - maybe a better shooter and defender while less explosive.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers, De'Andre Hunter, Virginia
SYRACUSE, NY - MARCH 04: De'Andre Hunter #12 of the Virginia Cavaliers celebrates a three point basket during the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome on March 4, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. Virginia defeats Syracuse 79-53. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images/Brett Carlsen
A well-rounded forward from the national champions, the 6-foot-8 sophomore Hunter already is an elite defensive talent and showed off his offensive skills in the NCAA final when he scored 27 points. An efficient scorer, he has to expand his arsenal.
6. Phoenix Suns: Coby White, UNC
North Carolina's Coby White dribbles against UCLA during the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational at the Orleans Arena on Nov. 23, 2018 in Las Vegas. Credit: Getty Images/Sam Wasson
It’s hard to imagine the Suns, who have been dreadful, drafting for need, but they really need a point guard. White will be the best available at this spot.
7. Chicago Bulls: Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 06: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates late in the second half against the Michigan State Spartans during the 2019 NCAA Final Four semifinal at U.S. Bank Stadium on April 6, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images/Streeter Lecka
If he was at Duke, we might be looking at Culver as a top-three pick. This versatile 6-foot-6 guard has elite athletic ability and steadily rose through his two seasons as he led Texas Tech to the NCAA championship game.
8. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish, Duke
SYRACUSE, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Cam Reddish #2 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts to a made three-point basket against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at the Carrier Dome on February 23, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images/Rich Barnes
Reddish had a confounding freshman season at Duke where he rarely displayed the skills scouts believe will project into an NBA star. But, he has prototypical wing size and still is regarded as an elite shooter - despite shooting just 35.6 percent while playing alongside a cast of star talent. Still, if it comes together, he fits nicely alongside Trae Young.
9. Washington Wizards: Sekou Doumbouya, France
Still a lot to be figured out in Washington with new a front office to come, but the best international prospect is tough to pass up. Playing in the top league in France at just 18 years old, the 6-foot-9 forward is athletic and smooth.
10. Atlanta Hawks (from Mavericks): Jaxson Hayes, Texas
Are we already comparing players to Mitchell Robinson? If so, Hayes fits the mold -- solid shot blocker who is foul prone but figures to grow into his slightly built frame.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves: Romeo Langford, Indiana
Nagged by a hand injury through his freshman season, Langford underwent surgery recently. Good size for combo guard with great scoring ability.
12. Charlotte Hornets: Nassir Little, UNC
Highly touted coming out of high school, Little came off the bench for UNC and played sparingly. But physical and tough at 6-foot-6, he still intrigues scouts with his potential.
13. Miami Heat: Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga
He could be a steal this low - and some believe he could even go lower. Hachimura is a raw physical talent who went head to head with Williamson early in the season and led Gonzaga to a win.
14. Boston Celtics (from Kings via 76ers): Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga
Efficient and versatile forward (second only to Williamson in player efficiency rating this season), the 6-foot-8 Clarke fits the Celtics' talent.
Remaining NBA Draft order
15. Detroit Pistons
16. Orlando Magic
17. Brooklyn Nets
18. Indiana Pacers
19. San Antonio Spurs
20. Boston Celtics
21. Oklahoma City Thunder
22. Boston Celtics
23. Utah Jazz
24. Philadelphia 76ers
25. Portland Trail Blazers
26. Cleveland Cavaliers
27. Brooklyn Nets
28. Golden State Warriors
29. San Antonio Spurs
30. Milwaukee Bucks
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
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