In the last hours leading up to the 2019 NBA Draft, the order continues to change due to late trades. And the order may not be set in stone just yet.
The Hawks made a big late move by jumping up to No. 4 and trading picks Nos. 8, 17 and 35 to the Pelicans in return.
Now that the draft has once again shifted, let's take a look at how we project the cards unfolding.
Jump to a specific round
NBA Mock Draft
Round 1
Round 1- Pick 1
The Pelicans need a player to build around long-term with Anthony Davis on his way out. Williamson provides that as the clear-cut best player -- and prospect -- in this draft. At No. 1, New Orleans won't even bother getting cute by dangling this pick or listening to offers. Williamson is New Orleans-bound.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 2
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 3
Drafting prolific college scorers doesn't guarantee said prolific college scorer will be a prolific NBA scorer. That is not the case with Barrett, who in NBA spacing should be an instant impact scorer right away. After scoring 860 points at Duke -- an ACC freshman record -- he's ready to become a young player the Knicks can build around regardless of whether or not they win big or strike out in free agency.
| |||||||
From
New Orleans Pelicans
Round 1 - Pick 4
In acquiring this pick on draft night, the Hawks should be targeting De'Andre Hunter, a good 3-point shooter and versatile defender who can be productive right away with the Hawks.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 5
Even after taking a point guard high in last year’s draft, Garland presents too much upside to pass on for the woeful Cavs.
| |||||||
From
Phoenix Suns
Round 1 - Pick 6
Minnesota needs to upgrade its wing spot, and no better way to do that than Culver who brings length, shooting and defense.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 7
Like Phoenix, Chicago has been spinning its wheels trying to address its point guard conundrum. Enter White, UNC's one-and-done energetic star. He's a burst of energy who runs the floor at a frenetic pace, can score well off the catch, and is developing quickly as a passer. Anyone who can break a Michael Jordan record (he broke MJ's freshman scoring record at UNC) is a player worth considering with a high pick. And hey, Jordan worked out fine for the Bulls, wouldn't you say?
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 8
New Orleans should be looking to add shooters to surround Zion Williamson immediately. While Reddish struggled to do exactly that at Duke, his shot mechanics suggest it'll come, making this a potential steal.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 9
 
Sekou Doumbouya
PF
France
• 6'9"
/ 209 lbs
Washington's books are a mess largely because John Wall, the team's highest-paid player, will miss all of next season. That will stunt the Wizards in their roster construction, but it's incentive for them to think highest ceiling regardless of timeline. Doumbouya fits that timeline as an athletic, high upside play who, with development and season, could be a star. I'm betting on him if I'm Washington.
| |||||||
From
Dallas Mavericks
Round 1 - Pick 10
If the Hawks go wing at No. 8 with Reddish, they should think bigger -- literally. With uncertainty at center, Hayes provides a quality developmental option to put alongside burgeoning star John Collins. Hayes is ultra raw as an offensive weapon, but he can do two things at a high level: protect the rim and finish lobs. Trae Young would be an ideal lob-throwing fit for him.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 11
After selecting Deandre Ayton at No. 1 last year, Clarke at No. 11 here could be a luxury add. His rim-protection and lob-finishing skills would complement well what Ayton already brings to the table.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 12
There's some uncertainty at shooting guard for the Hornets not only in who will start next season, but also in who they intend to build with. Porter Jr. can help the team reset with Jeremy Lamb entering free agency and Malik Monk still struggling to perform up to his draft level. He's a top 5 talent worth heavily investing in.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 13
The Heat are stuck in purgatory: good but not great, and with no real flexibility salary-wise. So Miami should swing for the fences here and hope to get an All-Star talent on a rookie deal. Little has a lot of untapped potential and was in an odd fit at UNC, but in the right system and right culture he has 3-and-D potential with defensive versatility Pat Riley craves.
| |||||||
From
Sacramento Kings
Round 1 - Pick 14
 
Goga Bitadze
C
Georgia (Country)
• 6'11"
/ 245 lbs
There is plenty of uncertainty around Boston and what its roster will look like next season, and most of its big men hitting the open market adds to that. Bitadze is a high upside play with plenty of room to grow, and what he provides as a versatile offensive weapon and rim protector could be a valuable skill to build around.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 15
After playing most of last season with a torn ligament in his shooting hand, concerns about Langford's inefficient scoring have been silenced significantly. If he can shake off the injury and score at a more effective clip, the Pistons could scoop up a lottery talent just outside it.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 16
Point guard is arguably the big priority, but unless the Magic intend to trade up or down, they should stick with best player available. Herro is a combo guard who can bolster their backcourt and provide a safety valve if Terrence Ross gets too expensive in free agency.
| |||||||
From
Atlanta Hawks
Round 1 - Pick 17
Julius Randle is headed for free agency, which gives New Orleans the chance to add a young replacement on a cheap deal via the draft. Washington can space the floor and knock down open shots to give the Pelicans another offensive weapon around Zion.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 18
The Pacers should consider drafting a Tyreke Evans replacement after he was DQ'd from the NBA this offseason for two years. Alexander-Walker provides a positive replacement who could play well off Victor Oladipo and has shown capable of growing into a reliable ball-handler.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 19
The Spurs lack depth at power forward and with LaMarcus Aldridge quickly approaching his mid-30s (he'll turn 34 in July), they should turn to the future. Hachimura has guard skills but can play either forward spot, and his competitiveness could give him an edge to play early.
| |||||||
From
Los Angeles Clippers
Round 1 - Pick 20
With an always-hot motor, adequate 3-point shooting and glue guy potential, Keldon Johnson could be an invaluable addition capable of playing well alongside Jayson Tatum and Boston's young core.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 21
There is no better pure shooter in this draft than Johnson, and that's exactly what OKC needs. With Russell Westbrook and Paul George returning as primary offensive catalysts, Johnson would thrive as a spot-up shooter.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 22
Marcus Morris is headed towards free agency and the Celtics need a player -- whether it's Morris, a free agent or a draft acquisition -- to be a floor-spacing power forward. Kabengele can do that after two strong seasons shooting from 3-point range at Florida State, and he provides upside as a rim protector, too.
| |||||||
From
Utah Jazz
Round 1 - Pick 23
The Grizzlies are set to address the point guard position with Ja Morant after trading cornerstone player Mike Conley, and wing is the next need. While Thybulle's shooting stroke needs some work, he's a plug-and-play defensive player with 3-and-D potential.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 24
Philadelphia needs to add shooters to its roster who can allow them to space the floor and give Ben Simmons driving lanes. Jerome rated in the 99th percentile last season as a spot-up shooter, and he's a high IQ ball-handler who could wear a number of hats for them.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 25
Opinions vary on Williams, and while this may be seen as a reach for Portland, it would be a perfect fit. Williams can run the short roll in the Blazers' offense and give Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum another weapon to roll teams with. His physical presence and improving perimeter skills could help him grow into an even better form of the two-time SEC Player of the Year he was in college.
| |||||||
From
Houston Rockets
Round 1 - Pick 26
Should Cleveland go with a wing in the lottery, John Beilein could look bigger -- literally -- to a player like Claxton after he had a strong pre-draft process. Georgia ran its offense through him last season and he showed himself capable of being a good playmaker with time.
| |||||||
From
Denver Nuggets
Round 1 - Pick 27
At this point in the draft, Bol Bol presents too much upside to pass on. Even with the injury risk, the motor concerns, the durability questions, the combination of his 3-point shooting and shot-blocking is undeniably worthy of a first-round flyer.
| |||||||
Round 1 - Pick 28
Golden State is likely going to be well into the luxury tax next season, so grabbing an instant impact player on a cheap deal is imperative. Paschall, 22, can provide an immediate boost as a versatile defender and 3-point shooter.
| |||||||
From
Toronto Raptors
Round 1 - Pick 29
The Spurs need also to address their depth at center, where Jakob Poeltl and Drew Eubanks were both stretched past what they should have been last season. Fernando can be an instant impact player at the position who can bring intensity, rebounding and a physical post presence that would play well off LaMarcus Aldridge.
| |||||||
From
Milwaukee Bucks
Round 1 - Pick 30
Even if Detroit can snag a backcourt player at 15, it should strongly consider another here. Dort brings excellent value as a do-it-all player with major defensive value.
|
NBA Mock Draft
Round 2
From
New York Knicks
Round 2 - Pick 1 (No. 31 overall)
 
Luka Samanic
PF
Croatia
• 6'11"
/ 227 lbs
Talk about value: I have Samanic comfortably inside my top 30. So the Nets could essentially be getting two first rounders here in Thybulle and Samanic. Samanic is a blossoming big with an intriguing skill set capable of knocking down 3-pointers, and he handles the ball well for his size.
| |||||||
From
Phoenix Suns
Round 2 - Pick 2 (No. 32 overall)
It's all about shooting with Edwards, who can do it at a high rate off screens, off hand-offs and off the dribble.
| |||||||
From
Cleveland Cavaliers
Round 2 - Pick 3 (No. 33 overall)
Adding Jerome in the first round would be about shooting and secondary ball-handling. Adding Windler here: Strictly buckets. His fluid lefty shooting stroke should be money in the NBA, allowing him to play a big part as a quality role player.
| |||||||
From
Chicago Bulls
Round 2 - Pick 4 (No. 34 overall)
The frame, the defensive upside, the athleticism all say Okpala could be a first-rounder. If he falls to the second round, the Sixers should think value here -- especially with consecutive picks in the early 30s.
| |||||||
From
Atlanta Hawks
Round 2 - Pick 5 (No. 35 overall)
With a freakishly long wingspan (7-1.25) with impressive handles for a guard/wing/forward, Horton-Tucker is a high upside developmental player the Pelicans could end up viewing as a steal down the line.
| |||||||
From
Washington Wizards
Round 2 - Pick 6 (No. 36 overall)
 
Darius Bazley
SF
Princeton HS (OH)
• 5
• 6'8"
/ 208 lbs
Despite not playing basketball last season and skipping college entirely, Bazley showed up to the NBA combine and looked like he belonged with impressive fluidity and ball skills. He's undeniably a developmental player, but his athletic abilities pop and he presents real upside for the Hornets here.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 7 (No. 37 overall)
Dallas has just one pick this draft, and getting Admiral Schofield at No. 37 would be making it count. He's a big-bodied wing who can shoot it well from 3-point range (career 38.7%) and defend up and down the lineup, making him a perfect fit for the Mavs.
| |||||||
From
Memphis Grizzlies
Round 2 - Pick 8 (No. 38 overall)
Davis was not seen as a first-round or second-round talent, but strong showings at Portsmouth, the G League Elite Camp and the combine have him primed to go inside the top 40. Maybe higher.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 9 (No. 39 overall)
Before tearing his ACL in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, Okeke was trending as a first-round pick and one of the most electric talents in college basketball. His rookie year may be spent mostly on the bench, but the Pelicans have enough assets to draft and develop him; if he plays post-injury like he did pre-injury, this is first-round value.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 10 (No. 40 overall)
 
Jalen Lecque
PG
Brewster Acad. (NH)
• 6'4"
/ 185 lbs
The Kings have the luxury of a franchise point guard and the added luxury of drafting and developing a talented backup in Lecque, a bouncy and athletic prospect who is jumping from the prep level to the pros.
| |||||||
From
Atlanta Hawks
Round 2 - Pick 11 (No. 41 overall)
 
Alen Smailagic
C
Serbia
• 6'10"
/ 215 lbs
After opening eyes playing last season for the Warriors' G League affiliate, Smailagic is a player Golden State likely isn't done with yet. At 19, he remains an intriguing developmental prospect.
| |||||||
From
Sacramento Kings
Round 2 - Pick 12 (No. 42 overall)
The combination of Roby's size, skills and ball-handling qualify him as an alluring second-round shot. If he can add some muscle to his frame and put it all together he'll stick in the league.
| |||||||
From
Miami Heat
Round 2 - Pick 13 (No. 43 overall)
Minnesota can add a big scoring threat in Ponds, who was top-3 in the Big East in scoring each of the last two seasons. His ability to run an offense and operate as a primary initiator is a bonus.
| |||||||
From
Atlanta Hawks
Round 2 - Pick 14 (No. 44 overall)
 
Jontay Porter
C
Missouri
• Fr
• 6'11"
/ 240 lbs
After two ACL tears in less than a year, Porter's stock is only low because of durability and health concerns. If he pans out, he can give the Heat a modernized replacement for Hassan Whiteside at center.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 15 (No. 45 overall)
 
Deividas Sirvydis
SF
Lithuania
• Soph
• 6'8"
/ 190 lbs
6-8 scoring wings with Sirvydis's talent don't grow on trees (but they do apparently hail from Lithuania). The Pistons can be patient with him and groom him to success -- either stateside or overseas as a draft-and-develop option.
| |||||||
From
Brooklyn Nets
Round 2 - Pick 16 (No. 46 overall)
Nabbing King in the back end of the second would continue Orlando's mission of adding shooting to the roster. He has some really promising scoring instincts with ball-handling upside to boot.
| |||||||
From
Orlando Magic
Round 2 - Pick 17 (No. 47 overall)
SG
Gonzaga
Depth at shooting guard in Sacramento behind Buddy Hield leaves something to be desired. Norvell's a quality depth piece who we know can knock down open 3-pointers after leading the WCC last season in 3-point field goals made.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 18 (No. 48 overall)
In this range, the Clippers should be looking towards a glue guy/role player. Jeffries fits that description with a beefy 6-5, 215 pound frame and a reliable 3-point shot that should translate.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 19 (No. 49 overall)
 
Jaylen Nowell
SG
Washington
• 5
• 6'4"
/ 201 lbs
The Spurs' success over the years has come largely as a byproduct of success in the draft. Getting Nowell would continue that. He was the best player in the Pac-12 last season and was one of the big risers in the pre-draft process after a really strong combine showing.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 20 (No. 50 overall)
The Pacers' first-round pick likely won't fall in the range of a true point guard unless they trade up or down, so this is great value. Waters is a bit undersized but one of the best pure points in this class. He can play.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 21 (No. 51 overall)
Oni has excellent size, skills and scoring instincts, and he had a great career at Yale that was severely underappreciated. Feels like a Danny Ainge special in the making.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 22 (No. 52 overall)
Joshua Obiesie
PG
Germany
• 6'6"
/ 190 lbs
The theme of the Hornets' draft should be long-term thinking, especially with the potential of Kemba Walker leaving in free agency. Obiesie is a player who could potentially have been a first-round talent in 2020 at point guard, but opted to stay in the draft and should be selected somewhere in this range.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 23 (No. 53 overall)
 
Jordan Bone
PG
Tennessee
• Fr
• 6'2"
/ 185 lbs
The Jazz are looking to bolster their depth at point guard -- likely via a more experienced player -- but Bone is a low-risk flyer who can push the pace and shoot it.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 24 (No. 54 overall)
Philadelphia's frontcourt depth was a problem in the postseason. And while Naz Reid isn't a defensive anchor who could sub in for Joel Embiid, his gifts as a floor-spacer and ability to shoot an above-the-break 3-pointer provides real value.
| |||||||
From
Houston Rockets
Round 2 - Pick 25 (No. 55 overall)
Freakish leaper, good dribbler for his size, plenty of skills for his size. Hoard has a lot of assets to work with and would be an excellent developmental piece for the Knicks.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 26 (No. 56 overall)
It's rare to see a senior's stock rise substantially, but Cheatham's is blossoming notably because of his freakish leaping ability and versatility as a defender.
| |||||||
From
New Orleans Pelicans
Round 2 - Pick 27 (No. 57 overall)
Atlanta's frontcourt situation is a mystery, so adding Gafford -- who, yes, would be a second big man in this draft -- would give the Hawks another productive big on a cheap deal.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 28 (No. 58 overall)
Poole made a sophomore leap but still has plenty to show. He's an active offensive player who could give the Pels an off-ball weapon as a scorer, cutter and elite spot-up threat.
| |||||||
Round 2 - Pick 29 (No. 59 overall)
 
Yovel Zoosman
SG
Israel
• 6'7"
/ 198 lbs
Masai Ujiri has shown no fear of gambling on players who require development. Zoosman is a project, but at 21, he's already a defensive menace flashing signs of developing into an NBA-caliber wing.
| |||||||
From
Milwaukee Bucks
Round 2 - Pick 30 (No. 60 overall)
A four-year player at Florida State, Mann brings athleticism and experience to a young and exciting Kings team. If he can shoot 39% from 3-point range as he did his senior season, he could find a role in Sacramento as a bench scorer.
|
