NBA Draft 2019: Plenty of lottery shakeups in latest mock draft
By Brian Rauf
15) Charlotte Hornets – Sekou Doumbouya, PF, France
Once a projected top-five pick at the start of the season, Doumbouya has a lot of potential as a versatile 6-9 forward with a lot of professional and international experience already under his belt. For a Hornets team that is trying to rebuild while remaining competitive, this high-upside gamble seems like one they have to take.
14) Los Angeles Lakers – Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
Who knows what they Lakers may need if they part with their young players for Anthony Davis, but even if they land the Pelicans star, they could use some frontcourt depth. Hachimura would fill that need.
13) Boston Celtics (via Sacramento Kings) – Kevin Porter, SG, USC
If Boston keeps this pick, they’ll use it to replenish some of the backcourt depth they may lose this offseason. Porter has the raw skill and physical ability to be a star but has some attitude and off-court concerns, not to mention his inconsistency on the court. Still, Boston gambled on a similar player in Robert Williams last year and might do the same for a player as talented as Porter.
12) Minnesota Timberwolves – De’Andre Hunter, SF/PF, Virginia
Hunter might be the best two-way player in the country (Culver has something to say about that) and has a bit of Kawhi Leonard in his game. He won’t turn into that kind of player but Minnesota will value his low maintenance, high-production style on both ends. Plus, they need help defensively.
11) New Orleans Pelicans – Keldon Johnson, SG/SF, Kentucky
The next chapter of New Orleans basketball will start sooner rather than later due to Anthony Davis’ trade demand. They’ll likely be picking higher than this but they’d love if Keldon Johnson fell to them at this spot. He’s a no-nonsense player who produces at a high level offensively – and they desperately need more scoring pop.