NBA Mock Draft 2019: Must-See Picks And Expert Predictions
FeaturedAs the sun sets on yet another exciting NBA season, final NBA mock drafts are being released. Teams are actively deciding what kind of franchise cornerpiece, or accomplice to a franchise’s starting five off the bench, that will be added to the complex puzzle of a championship squad.
The NBA Finals came to an epic conclusion,as the Toronto Raptors (who, ironically while writing this article about lottery picks and their impact on a rebuilding franchise, did not have a single lottery pick on the roster) finished off the Golden State Warriors’ bid at the first three-peat since Kobe and Shaq’s dominant early 2000’s run.
Though we can come to the conclusion that the Warriors dynasty took a collective hit for the foreseeable future, the now-former champs still know a little thing or two on how to construct a homegrown talent as a product of the draft, with the exclusion of free agent acquisition Kevin Durant, of course.
Franchise poster boy — and surely the greatest shooter to ever lace them up, Stephen Curry was a first-round selection in 2009 out of Davidson. His coadjutor of splash and the other half of the tantalizing shooting duo widely dubbed the “Splash Brothers”, Klay Thompson was selected two years later as a result of another middle-of-the-pack first-round selection by way of Washington State.
The proverbial heart and soul of the Warriors on both ends of the floor, Draymond Green flew under the radar as a projected second rounder but captivated the eyes of Warriors brass with his poise and leadership. Though displayed in brutish and egregious fashion at times, those very characteristics that the 2011 Big Ten Player of the Year at Michigan State showed to Mark Jackson (and later to Steve Kerr) that picking the overlooked Green was the right decision.
Lottery teams that are in the same boat that Golden State was all those years ago are now looking for that same streak of luck. It is more than a determined outcome for the first selectors of the 2019 draft, the New Orleans Pelicans lean toward picking arguably the most prolific prospect in the last 15 years in Zion Williamson, as well as the fourth pick in this year’s draft, thanks to the ginormous trade of their disgruntled all-star Anthony Davis and significant return on investment involving Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and the fourth overall pick.
And yet, if the NBA offseason has not taught fans and prognosticators anything, it is to not be surprised by surprises. Free agency looms over the draft like a hawk’s voluminous wings does over its prey, so do expect some marquee trades of some high-profile players for current and future draft picks. And of course, nothing is finalized as of yet even with the supposed certainty and finality of the first three picks belonging to New Orleans, Memphis, and New York.
Read below to get an idea of who your favorite team will be picking on draft day, which takes place on Thursday.
1. New Orleans Pelicans – Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
This is a no-brainer, should the Pels decide not to trade down in order for their coveted and seemingly disgruntled superstar Anthony Davis — who has already expressed he wants out of the Big Easy — to find a new home, with proper return on investment. If they don’t trade down, expect the Benson family and New Orleans general manager David Griffin to place the franchise crown on the head of the new guy, a 6’7, 285-pound behemoth who is, far and away, the best prospect in the draft.
He’s drawn comparisons to LeBron for his playmaking ability and decisive touch at the rim, as well as to the round mound of rebound Charles Barkley for his domination on the offensive and defensive glass. Combine freakish athleticism, downright silly hops, defensive prowess and “Showtime”- esque propensity in the open court, and you have yourself a superstar to build around for years.
Add in his new buddies via the Pelicans’ trade acquisitions and you have a system coached by Alvin Gentry that could be a straight-up spectacle and mandatory tune-in whenever they are on primetime television.
2. Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
Ja’s Instagram handle “igotgame12_” is not just a simple catchphrase to attract followers to his page. The self-proclaimed “point god” said what he meant, and meant what he said. In his sophomore and junior season as a Murray State Racer, Morant put up some gaudy numbers that should not be taken lightly even if he played in the meekly-talented Ohio Valley Conference.
For a franchise that may have to bid farewell to their tenured guard in Mike Conley in free agency, the foreseeable future will more than likely be placed in the hands of an all-around floor general that’s looked at times to be a better passer than a scorer. Flashy no-look zips, off-hand passes on the money to spot-up shooters, Morant is easily the best passer in the draft and leading the nation in assist rate (51.9%) is no small feat to ignore.
3. New York Knicks – RJ Barrett, SG, Duke
The past couple of weeks have not been kind to Knicks fans, to put it nicely. Not winning the draft lottery, KD’s ruptured Achilles, Kyrie’s other (speculated) preferred destination of play in New York…the list goes on to their dismay.
Although RJ Barrett may not have been the Duke prospect Knicks fans drooled over throughout the course of 2019, but do not get it twisted. This 6’7 freshman’s craftiness on the offensive end cannot be ignored when analyzing the best fit for the third selection in this year’s draft.
I mean, Barrett did finish the regular season leading the ACC in scoring, tying that of his Duke cohort Zion Williamson. He is a proven, instinctive three-level scorer that has looked at times to be the No.1 in command when Coach K’s Blue Devils needed a spark on offense.
Some of Barrett’s criticisms for his inefficiency and lack of sheer ability to be an off-ball shot creator are fair. Yet, there is quite a sense of validity picking Barrett at #3, for he can have the ceiling of being the best player in the draft. It is worth adding, that those throughout the course of league history that have been taken with the third selection in the draft have done pretty well for themselves. His Airness and the “G.O.A.T” to most, Michael Jeffery Jordan (1984), Carmelo Anthony (2003) James Harden (2009) and Jayson Tatum (2017) are some notable names to mention at that third spot.
4. New Orleans Pelicans (Via LAL) – Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPRiZojviK/
Goodbye, Anthony Davis, and hello to a promising future for the Pelicans choc-full of young talent. All it cost the Pelicans to land practically the entire Lakers’ roster except Kyle Kuzma, was the 6-time All-Star who expressed his disdain for the franchise in lieu to his requested way out of New Orleans back in January. On Saturday evening, the Lakers and Pelicans agreed to a deal to send PG Lonzo Ball, SG Josh Hart, SF Brandon Ingram, and the 4th pick to the Pelicans.
Granted, there is no outright guarantee the Pels even pick here — this pick, and presumably another young asset, could be packaged for a veteran to push the narrative of the Pelicans becoming an immediate contending franchise in the West. A trade, much like a very possible deal with the Washington Wizards to get a Bradley Beal and give up this pick, could turn into reality. But, if the Pelicans do play it safe and draft someone, getting a kick out-and-knockdown shooter for Zion or Lonzo Ball sounds like the ideal plan to propel the new-look Pels to superstardom.
Garland is a magician with the rock who keeps a low handle and is artistically effective in creating space between him and his defender. College ball fans and experts were given a small sample size of Garland’s game in the five contests he played this year before having season-ending knee surgery on his meniscus. Before getting hurt, he averaged 16.2 points while shooting 53.7% from the field and 47.8% from 3-point range.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers – Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech
If you are the Cleveland Cavaliers, you have to take a chance on a high-ceiling prospect like Jarrett Culver. The Big 12 Player of the Year not only led his team in total PPG and finished third among all Big 12 scorers in the conference, but launched himself into the elite stratosphere of the Naismith Player of the Year conversation. The Cavaliers can benefit from picking up a 20-year-old that can consistently defend at a high level as a 3 and D wing. His combination of being a natural shooter and a shockingly shifty ball handler standing at 6’6 makes him a considerable pickup to be a role player in their rotation.
6. Phoenix Suns – DeAndre Hunter, SF, Virginia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwGQuEJBfDx/
Upon the massive extension given to Devin Booker last offseason, the hard part of keeping their coveted star and versatile bucket getter was through. Now, it is time to take building around their 26.6 PPG scorer a little more seriously.
The Suns want to write a new page in their franchise’s history books, and they could start their new chapter by getting some trustworthy help in that Phoenix frontcourt. Combine Hunter’s lengthy frame with his formal training from Tony Bennett at the University of Virginia, and the national champion wing who stands at a lofty 6’7 can produce for the Suns at the drop of a dime. Not only will he compliment DeAndre Ayton by completing an all-DeAndre frontcourt, but he is also a three-dimensional scorer that can guard just about every position.
He shot over 43% from downtown this season at Virginia while leading his Hoos to their first national championship over Texas Tech. Hunter is a polished two-way player that can provide immediate spacing for Devin Booker to run Pick and Roll, while also not overcrowding the low post where Ayton roams, considering that he can catch fire from deep as a stretch big.
7. Chicago Bulls – Cam Reddish, SF/SG, Duke
Mark it down: Cam Reddish could be the utmost steal of the draft. The case for the 6’8 freshman fits the bill of the underwhelming 5-star recruit that could not shine on his own when given the opportunity. Yet, that very argument reaches a head when considering the lack of consistent touches given to Reddish. On offense, having a majority of the halfcourt actions running through RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson can do that, unfortunately.
But, that speaks little precedent for what Reddish can mean to a franchise’s future. His soft release, lanky frame, and defensive IQ can spell anywhere from project to potential Rookie of the Year that the Bulls can develop. Paired with the likes of Zach Lavine (who had his best season as a pro last year), Lauri Markkanen, and Kris Dunn, and there could be something special for Chicago to develop in the coming years.
8. Atlanta Hawks – Nassir Little, SF, UNC
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwaqnq7JSAH/
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByD8Pw9H4Oq/
Barring any trades of this 8th pick for the Atlanta Hawks, Nassir Little can provide another dynamic to the Atlanta frontcourt as a rotational role player. Much like Cam Reddish’s dilemma at Duke, the freshman widely underperformed during his time in Chapel Hill, largely due to being the understudy of the Roy Williams’ upperclassmen.
The upside is there for Little to be a good pro, though. Even though he scored a little under 10 points a game, Little provides three-point shooting, wing defense, and decent rim protection as a stretch big, which will all be emphasized as keys of improvement once his game has a chance to flourish at the next level.
9. Washington Wizards – Bol Bol, C, Oregon
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvpnQA6gca2/
Bol’s stock dropped like a bag of rocks when comparing how he is analyzed now to how highly scouts and experts spoke of the freshman before the season began. At the time, the son of Manute Bol started off his collegiate career with a bang, averaging over 21 points, 9 rebounds and nearly 3 blocks a game. It took until his ninth week of competition to cut his time as an Oregon Duck short due to a nagging stress fracture in his left foot.
Foot injuries for 7-footers are nothing to play at, but the trend of Wizards leans heavily toward the stretch big route. And they are well in the position to do so right now. His durability will be put into question, but his ceiling (to potentially mirror his father) is undeniable. Without John Wall for the foreseeable future, pairing Bradley Beal with the 7-foot Bol could be quite the watch.
10. Atlanta Hawks (From Dallas) – Coby White, PG, UNC
I mean, why not? Coby White is a score-first point guard, and while the Hawks are well off with Trae Young as their offensive and defensive quarterback, the pairing of both a solid pick and roll scorer in Young with the elusive and speedy White in transition can cause trouble for opposing defenses. Spacing is the name of the game, and White provides just that. At UNC, the freshman guard averaged 16 points per game while shooting 35% from deep.
That same speediness was a reason for his sudden rise to stardom and productivity as a Tar Heel. 30.7% of his points came in transition. Roy Williams entrusted his freshman to be the leader of the offense through his ability to push the pace and play with a sense of poise and maturity. His decision making in the halfcourt requires slight improvement but having two ball-dominant guards, instead of just one, that can create space for one another makes too much sense for the Hawks at #10.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves – Rui Hachimura, SF/PF, Gonzaga
The Timberwolves could benefit from getting a potentially elite talent in Hachimura. Karl Anthony-Towns needs all the help he can get in Minnesota’s frontcourt and the 6’8, 230-pound Power Forward out of Gonzaga showed that he was an offensive mismatch in the West Coach Conference. He averaged 19.7 points per game and nearly seven rebounds a game.
Hachimura keenly fits under the new definition of the new-age big man that has extended his game beyond just on the block. He finished his career at Gonzaga shooting around 41% from 3pt range and throughout the season, and displayed his abilities as a low post scorer exploiting mismatches with both bigger and smaller defenders, resulting in his nomination for the Naismith Player of the Year award.
12. Charlotte Hornets – Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana
It is becoming increasingly apparent that Kemba Walker’s name will be thrown around in free agency talks. The longtime Hornets franchise cornerpiece could very well be on his way out, but then again, that is all speculation. Either way, Kemba needs someone to open the floor for him a little bit, and that is where the young Langford enters the scene.
Sure, his one year at Indiana is suspect if you are determining whether or not he can immediately compliment Walker’s diverse ability to score the rock with his own shooting skill. He did injure his hand, and while that can be an appropriate reason for Langford to fall out of the top 10 in this year’s draft, he is no slouch. He averaged a little over 16 points and 5 rebounds a game and with an additional guard in Jeremy Lamb’s name looming in free agency, the 6’6 guard and former 5-star recruit could see immediate minutes as a starter if Lamb heads out of Charlotte.
13. Miami Heat – PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky
Miami certainly has a chance to rebuild their franchise with veteran pieces, but building around their youth looks like Pat Riley’s preferred plan of action. Drafting Kentucky’s PJ Washington adds a stretch big dimension to the Heat’s offense who is as efficient as a finisher at the rim as he is a 3pt shooter — a part of his game he drastically improved on in his sophomore season. He went from a 23.8% 3-point shooter as a freshman to drilling 42% of the 78 3-pointers he put up as a sophomore while taking Kentucky to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. He led Kentucky in scoring and rebounding this past season as well.
The Heat have a chance to build with youth in former 1st-rounders Justice Winslow and Bam Adebayo. Washington will fit like a glove next to Adebayo in the frontcourt as the combination of Adebayo and Washington could provide rim protection, defensive versatility, rebounding and floor-spacing.
14. Boston Celtics (Via SAC) – Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxOMmI8A5TN/
It seems that the Kyrie Irving – Celtics era has come to an anticlimactic end. So, if Danny Ainge and the Celtics are looking to build around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown through the free agency period this offseason and in the draft, picking up Tyler Herro from Kentucky sounds like a good choice. Herro provides an immense level of skill as a 3-and-D wing but is more than just a shooter. In the SEC last year, he prided himself on being an elite defender.
At Kentucky, the 6’6 guard averaged around 14 points, a little under 5 rebounds and about 2 assists in 32 minutes per game while shooting 46.2% from the field, 35.5% from deep and 93.5% from the free-throw line. He is a guard with size that can put the ball on the floor and consistently knock down shots.
Pair that with a competitive fire and surely Boston sports fans, as we know, will not shy away from adoring the this gritty, energy-inducing competitor.
15. Detroit Pistons – Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC
https://www.instagram.com/p/Btzum8Hncq0/
Just on speaking on talent and potential alone, Porter has substantial upside as a project on the next level. The reason he is so low on the draft board is simply just because of some glaring red flags that he did not absolve himself from. At USC, he spent a majority of his career on the injured list and the suspended list, but body frame-wise, he is a solid 6’6 wing who is proven to be a consistent shooter. He can be a solid role player off the bench to knock down shots for the Pistons. Though he averaged 9 points a game in a little over 22 minutes a game, his ceiling can allow him to turn into a possible top-10 best pick in this year’s draft.
16. Orlando Magic – Nickeil Alexander-Walker, PG/SG, Virginia Tech
The VT guard made a considerable jump from his freshman to sophomore year, averaging 16 points per game,4 assists and a little over 4 boards a game. He played an integral role in getting his Hokies to their second-ever Sweet 16 in school history and at 6’5, he has shown he is comfortable in spacing the floor with the ball in his hands, and without the ball as well. More importantly, he is a defensive-minded guard that can lock up three positions while providing guard depth for a Magic team that needs it.
17. Atlanta Hawks (Via BKN) – Sekou Doumbouya, SF/PF, France
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byohqa1FpSw/
Mark Doumbouya as the first non-college player selected in this year’s draft. At 6’9, and at 18 years young as the youngest player in the draft, he shows tremendous upside as a big that can run the floor, play above the rim, and provide spacing on a soft, high arching jumper. It is not consistent enough to make the assumption that he is a knockdown shooter, but that is something that can be developed. Add in prior experience playing professionally in France this past season and he may look like a steal in this draft. The Hawks need depth when it comes to backing up the improving and developing John Collins, and Doumbouya provides that and more.
18. Indiana Pacers – Brandon Clarke, SF, Gonzaga
Gonzaga head coach Mark Few’s system at Gonzaga heavily favored consistent, efficient and effective basketball that often led to a lot of winning, and a majority of that consistent play rubbed off on the Zags’ productive frontcourt. Rui Hachimura may have gotten the press and national notoriety, but Brandon Clarke’s natural scoring ability, though described as one-dimensional from some, was significant enough to get Gonzaga to a perfect 16-0 record in the West Coast Conference and a No. 1 seed in the national tournament.
What stands out about Clarke’s game is not the numbers — 16 ppg, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks in 28 minutes a game — but his two-way prowess. He finished the season only rating lower than Zion Williamson in national total Player Efficiency Ranking (PER). He is a high-energy player that has drawn comparisons to Marcus Morris of the Celtics by the way he can impact both ends of the floor while being a danger from the mid-range and from deep.
19. San Antonio Spurs – Keldon Johnson, SG, Kentucky
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvXuDg0n-Q5/
There is a strong chance that there are three players from Kentucky that could be selected in the first round this year, and it would seldom come as a surprise to anyone if Johnson is the first Calipari disciple taken in the top 20. Johnson, an athletic 6’6 wing that shot the deep ball pretty well last year and was a big reason why the Wildcats made it to the stacked Elite Eight. A solid knockdown shooter can help both DeJounte Murray and Derrick White space the floor and get good looks, making Johnson a piece Pop will enjoy having around.
20. Boston Celtics (Via LAC) – Ty Jerome, SG, Virginia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwGW2hPAr7_/
It is more than appropriate that the Celtics get around the idea of drafting another knockdown shooter to take the pressure off of Tatum and Brown, that is if the Celtics do not package this pick and their other two first-round picks for veteran depth. If they decide in drafting at this spot, Ty Jerome will be an absolute steal for the Celtics. A combo guard that can spot up off the catch, attack and create off the dribble, all while showing toughness and defensive tenacity on the other end of the floor, Ty Jerome will have a long career playing professional basketball if his time at Virginia was any indication.
The 6-5 combo guard averaged 13.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in 33.9 minutes per game, and he can be Malcolm Brogdon-like if he is drafted by the Celtics at pick 20.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Cameron Johnson, SG, UNC
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-_xV5lago/
If Russell Westbrook is to become the best playmaker he can be, and if the Thunder want to evolve as a prominent threat in the West, they need dribble penetration wing scorers. Cameron Johnson fits the bill for the Thunder at #21. The case could be made that Johnson is the best shooter in the draft and Johnson, a 6’9 forward that is equally dangerous as a slasher, made 45% of the 6 3-pointers he attempted a game in his final season at UNC. He’ll compliment Westbrook and Paul George immediately as the Thunder would be able to plug-and-play him right away.
22. Boston Celtics – Darius Bazley, SF, Syracuse (Decommitted)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx8-gtrnfdj/
Bazley, a Syracuse commit that took a year off from basketball but could still be elected as a draft candidate in this year’s class is a bit of a risk for the Celtics to take if Boston does decide to keep their picks and plan for their future. But at 6’10 and only 19 years old, the Celtics may luck out on a forward with good length and athleticism, the potential to switch defensively and the ability to grab and go in transition at a high level. It is more than likely that this prospect will be playing in the G-League per his request, instead of playing college ball. Another interesting fact here is that Bazley signed on to LeBron’s agency of Klutch Sports, and hired Rich Paul as his agent.
There have been rumors emerging from his pre-draft workouts that suggest that Bazley added muscle, impressing after his year away from competitive basketball at Princeton High School in Sharonville, Ohio.
23. Utah Jazz – Admiral Schofield, PF, Tennessee
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxx1WNMgH4y/
The first Tennessee player taken off the draft board will Admiral Schofield, and his selection could very well happen well before the 23rd pick. A 6’6 slashing power forward with a sculpted body and reputation for being a tireless worker that is loved by his coaches and community, Schofield averaged 16 points and 6 rebounds this season for a Tennessee team that spent four weeks as the best team in the nation.
What’s even more alarming, was that Schofield made more than 40% of his 393 3-point attempts in the past three years leading up to his Senior season suggests he could be a real threat and beneficiary to Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio (if he stays in Utah, of course) from the perimeter when he is in the league.
24. Philadelphia 76ers – Matisse Thybulle, SG, Washington
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvH-93ul5TA/
In what could be argued as the most significant defensive draft pick up in this year’s draft, the Sixers would be wise in picking the now all-time Pac 12 leader in steals after he eclipsed the great Gary Payton’s once-untouchable steals record in a collegiate career. He was also the national leader in the pickpocketing category as well, and with a little adjustment, he would blend in well with this deep roster full of guards.
Thybulle is not the best scorer in the world but his defensive impact would be keenly felt by a team that suffered at the guard position on the defensive end, usually because of a significant lack of size in a JJ Redick or TJ McConnell. He is a decent shooter from deep, shooting 30% from downtown in his senior season but mainly, his impact will be as a solid role player off the bench since there are so many guards on the roster.
25. Portland Trail Blazers – Grant Williams, SF, Tennessee
Williams, the back-to-back SEC player of the year and second runner-up to the Naismith National Player of The Year Award, averaged 18 points a game and 7.5 rebounds in 31 minutes a game, all with frontcourt cohort Admiral Schofield’s assistance. He was so consistently productive and dominant (especially in the NCAA Tournament) that NBA scouts that questioned whether what he does will translate to the next level are starting to wonder why it will not. The 6-7 forward is not the most gifted athlete, and nor is he a serious threat from the perimeter. But here’s the thing: Williams really knows how to play. He is also a well-developed passer, which can compliment Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum right away if he comes off the bench.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (Via HOU) – Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
The 6’11 forward showed some good upside early in the season and established himself as a first-round talent with some innumerable intangibles. Hayes shot 72.8% from the field because all of his looks mostly came at the rim as he dunked everything close to it. He had a block percentage of 10.6%, which was rated 19th nationally. The Cavs’ final selection of this first round will provide even more big man depth for the rebuilding team.
27. Brooklyn Nets (Via DEN) – Eric Paschall, SG, Villanova
With the impending news of Kyrie Irving’s preferred free agent destination, Brooklyn may want to build around their new superstar if they end up landing him. Therefore, Brooklyn will be looking to win immediately. Drating this two-time national champ with the Villanova Wildcats may prove to be beneficial to all. Paschall has been on winning teams, and his skill set of spacing the floor with the three, good footwork on the low block and ability to operate and impact defenses as a roll man in PnR situations. His game translates nicely to the modern small-ball four and he should space the floor well for Brooklyn.
28. Golden State Warriors – Carsen Edwards, PG, Purdue
Another Naismith candidate here, the Warriors may make it a mandatory point to find Klay Thompson’s one-year replacement. What better way to replace him after his torn ACL in Game 6 of the Finals with the highest scoring player in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. A 6-foot guard with the tenacity to score however he wanted is almost Klay Thompson-esque, averaging 24 points a game in an averaged 35 minutes on the floor. He has some Damian Lillard in his game by the way he slashes to the cup. He has some John Wall in his game the way he involves others.
There is a fearlessness in his game that could make him a dangerous scorer at the next level, and if he falls in the Warriors’ lap at pick 28, they better count their lucky stars.
29. San Antonio Spurs (Via TOR) – Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByIvlvziBk3/
I know, announcing that the Spurs would be right in scouting and drafting another European big man for Coach Pop to utilize sounds rather of a lazy prophecy to speak of at this point. This pick, however, comes by way of that bombshell Toronto trade of their All-Star guard DeMar DeRozan and their first-round selection for this year in order to land Kawhi. Which, as we know, literally secured a championship.
San Antonio’s selection of the 29th overall pick will be worth it if it is spent on a dynamic 6’11 big that can play away from the basket. His floor spacing abilities and his high motor can vary in terms of use from a building block piece, or a plug-and-play roll man.
30. Milwaukee Bucks – Dylan Windler, SG/SF, Belmont
With the last pick of the first round, the Bucks should take a shot at selecting this 6’8 wing scorer. Dylan Windler entered Belmont as a prospect that flew under the radar but left as a productive and treacherous sniper from deep. As a senior, he averaged 21 points with 10 rebounds in 33 minutes per game this season, and also was documented for having the nation’s 10th-best Player Efficiency Rating. He assisted greatly in leading the Belmont Bruins to their first win in NCAA Tournament history.
On top of that, Windler shot above 42% from 3-point range in each of the past two seasons. With news of Brook Lopez’s potential departure to seek greener pastures elsewhere, He could provide pliable bench depth in terms of defensive variety and reliable shooting in the NBA as a space-the-floor forward. Mike Budenholzer is the biggest advocate for floor spacing amongst positionless stretch bigs, so Windler could be a plug-and-play guy for an already stacked roster trying to find a breakthrough, so they can be in contention to take the East next year.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64009004/MM_Unit_08343R.0.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1)
