NBA Draft 2019: Final predictions and analysis for all 60 selections
30. Milwaukee Bucks – Carsen Edwards (Benjamin)
Was really torn between Edwards and Virginia’s Ty Jerome as the Bucks really need to add some depth in the backcourt, particularly someone who can score off the bench. Milwaukee’s reserve guards ranked 18th in the NBA scoring at 11.1 points per game — overall, the Bucks’ backcourt finished in the bottom half of the league in both scoring and 3-pointers made. In addition, Eric Bledsoe has a history of major injuries and Malcolm Brogdon is a restricted free agent, although he is likely to return, while George Hill (non-guaranteed contract) may not be brought back.
There is no one better at putting the ball in the basket in this draft than the dynamic Edwards, who averaged 24.1 points a game last year and over 34 points in the NCAA tournament while leading the Boilermakers to the Elite Eight. The 6’1 athletic point guard can create his own shot, get to the bucket, and is extremely quick. He is also is strong, long and possesses tremendous range on his jumper. If I was to differentiate Edwards and Jerome by player comparison, I would say that Edwards is more like Lou Williams and Jerome is similar to Malcolm Brogdon — which is not a bad thing.
29. San Antonio – Talen Horton-Tucker (Harkins)
The Spurs have a tremendous reputation in the draft but I wanted to venture away from the common mock draft stereotype of the franchise selecting an international prospect. At 6-foot-4 with a ridiculous 7-foot-1 wingspan, Talen Horton-Tucker is a tantalizing member of this class. As just a freshman during this past campaign, the 18-year-old immediately made an impact at the Big 12 level, averaging in double-figures as a scorer. He is a solid creator for a shooting guard and attacks the basket tremendous well as a result of his strength and size. He is not the quickest defender in the class but often makes up for this with his length.
28. Golden State Warriors – Admiral Schofield (Corn)
The Admiral just screams Golden State. At 6’5 240 pounds he allows Golden State to utilize him in small ball lineups, and he is also a good shooter as he shot .418% on 177 – point attempts last year. He offers size, versatility, and shooting. Something the Warriors love.
27. Brooklyn Nets – PJ Washington (Weber)
C’mon guys. Really? You’re gonna let PJ fall to 27th? Crazy, crazy. Paul Jamaine Washington, one of my Kentucky boys, morphed into a dominant forward at the college level once SEC play started, and was absolutely the best player in the conference after the turn of the year (sit down, Grant Williams). He’s a 6-8 swiss army knife forward possessing underrated athleticism and basketball IQ. My biggest endorsement of PJ is that I 100% trust him every second he’s on the court. On a team lacking go-to scoring, Washington was truly Kentucky’s only hope in that department. And he knew when he needed to take over–when everything stood stagnant and a PJ post-up was the only way to salvage a possession or a game.
He didn’t need to score 25 points every game. He could maximize an off-shooting night by dominating the glass or opening up the offense as a passer both in the post and on the short roll. He’s an incredibly smart basketball player and someone who is perpetually comfortable on the basketball court: never lost and always in control of his game. At the next level and in a more limited role, Washington can still maximize his contributions as a spot-up three-point shooter (42% as a sophomore), passer (1.8 assists) and a low-risk fundamental forward who hustles and competes defensively while absorbing rebounds. Whatever Washington’s peak is in the NBA I’m certain he’ll reach it.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers – Cameron Johnson (Stevens)
The Cavs were really average when shooting a three ranking 13th in the NBA. Much of their percentage was brought up by George Hill shooting 46% by himself. Johnson should be able to really help that and create more space for a driving Collin Sexton. Johnson shot an astounding 45.7% this season for the tar heels from three and scored just a hair under 17 points per game.
Johnson is someone that will have the ability to play either a forward or guard position due to his ability to handle the ball and guard out on the perimeter with success. At this point in the draft you are looking for specific traits in players, for the Cavs they need shooters and Johnson is just what they need. He is older than most players in the draft as a 5th year senior, but that just means he is more polished and you know what you are going to get out of him.