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NBA Draft 2019: Barrett, Williamson battle for top pick in mock draft

By Brian Rauf

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 27: Teammates RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils talk during their game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 27: Teammates RJ Barrett #5 and Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils talk during their game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers handles the ball in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers handles the ball in the first half against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

No. 11-15

11) Utah Jazz – Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
The Jazz don’t have a ton of glaring holes so I’d expect them to go best-player-available in this scenario with Hachimura, who certainly has the potential to go much higher. The Japanese big man is still just scratching the surface of his potential which, given his athleticism and shooting touch, could make him a force in the NBA.

12) New Orleans Pelicans – Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
Look, the Pelicans need to get help for Anthony Davis and Elfrid Payton is not the answer to their starting point guard problems. Garland, despite missing the rest of the college season with a knee injury, might be. He’s big, athletic, has good vision, and can shoot, something that puts him slightly ahead of the other point guards in the class.

13) Minnesota Timberwolves – Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
Morant has not proven he can shoot consistently, but the man does everything else at an insanely high level. The Murray State point guard is averaging a ridiculous 27.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 8.2 rebounds per game. He’s extremely quick and has jaw-dropping athleticism at 6-3 that has many believing his all-around game will translate at the next level. Morant would have the potential to take over for Jeff Teague at some point in the near future.

14) Boston Celtics (via Sacramento Kings) – Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC
Porter, a five-star freshman, has quickly risen up draft boards this season and it seems more likely than not that he’ll be a lottery pick. He has NBA-level size and athleticism yet is still a little raw skill-wise. Boston will gladly gamble on his upside.

15) Charlotte Hornets – Jalen McDaniels, PF, San Diego State
Speaking of gambling on upside, McDaniels is a 6-10 forward who has guard-like skills. He moves like one, too. Charlotte is trying to rebuild while remaining competitive, has young players who want to play faster, and needs an infusing of athleticism in their frontcourt. McDaniels checks all three boxes.

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