NBA Draft 2019: Clear top three in pre-NCAA Tournament mock
By Brian Rauf
5) Atlanta Hawks – Jarrett Culver, SF, Texas Tech
Atlanta would love to get into the top four to get a shot at Reddish or Barrett, but they’ll happily settle for Culver in this scenario. He’s the rare star on both ends of the floor and will provide a very solid complementary starter in Atlanta’s rebuild.
4) Chicago Bulls – Cam Reddish, SG, Duke
Reddish’s shooting stroke is still inconsistent but, now that he’s out of his long slump, he’s showing all the offensive skill you’d want in a 6-8, 220-pound wing. Some teams think he’ll flourish as the best player on the court, while others think he’s best as a complementary piece. Either way, his size, athleticism, and skill scream quality NBA player.
3) Cleveland Cavaliers – Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
I know the Cavs took Collin Sexton in the top 10 last year but I can’t imagine them passing on a player with Morant’s upside and star power. We’ve all seen how athletic Morant is thanks to his social media highlights, but he’s also an elite playmaker and quality defender. Players who can do everything Morant can are very rare – Cleveland will find a way to work with both of them in the rotation.
2) New York Knicks – R.J. Barrett, SF, Duke
The Knicks are desperately hoping for that No. 1 pick for Zion, but Barrett is a fantastic consolation prize. Over the last five games, Barrett has one triple-double, three double-doubles, and is averaging 25.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Those are the kind of numbers he’s been putting up all year. If it wasn’t for Zion, Barrett would be the slam dunk No. 1 pick.
Next. National Player of the Year Power Rankings. dark
1) Phoenix Suns – Zion Williamson, PF, Duke
It doesn’t matter the team – whoever ends up with the No. 1 pick is going to draft Williamson (for obvious reasons). If he lands in Phoenix, he’d be the perfect four-man next to Deandre Ayton and give them a much-needed second star next to Devin Booker.