NBA Draft 2019: Projecting both rounds in post-NCAA Tournament mock
By Brian Rauf
26) Portland Trail Blazers – Daniel Gafford, PF, Arkansas
Portland’s frontcourt depth has been tested with Jusuf Nurkic’s injury. While they have some solid players, they lack explosiveness and rim protection. Gafford would provide that immediately.
27) Brooklyn Nets (via Denver Nuggets) – Admiral Schofield, SF/PF, Tennessee
DeMarre Carroll won’t play forever and Schofield reminds of him in many ways, especially when it comes to his ability to defend. However, Schofield has about 30 pounds on Carroll, which will make him more effective defending the interior.
28) Golden State Warriors – Luguentz Dort, SG, Arizona State
Dort doesn’t fit the three-point shooting style of Golden State, but he’d immediately be one of their better perimeter defenders and would battle with Jacob Evans for playing time behind Klay Thompson.
29) San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors) – Goga Bitadze, C, Buducnost
A foreign big man for the Spurs? What a surprise! Bitadze already has NBA size at 6-11 and 250 pounds and, while not a great athlete, has soft touch around the rim and has range that, though inconsistent, extends out to the three-point line.
30) Milwaukee Bucks – Carsen Edwards, PG, Purdue
Milwaukee took a three-point shooting NCAA Tournament star in the second half of the first round last year in Donte DiVincenzo, so why not do it again? Backup point guard George Hill likely won’t be with the team past the end of this contract and Edwards would add even more offensive firepower to their bench unit.