Busting Brackets
Fansided

NBA Draft 2019: Final predictions and analysis for all 60 selections

By Tristan Freeman

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 13
Next
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: Bol Bol #1 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2018 in New York City.The Oregon Ducks defeated the Syracuse Orange 80-65. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: Bol Bol #1 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates his three point shot in the second half against the Syracuse Orange during the 2K Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2018 in New York City.The Oregon Ducks defeated the Syracuse Orange 80-65. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

25. Portland Trail Blazers – Matisse Thybulle (Jarrett)

With a backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Blazers have no shortage of offensive firepower. What they need is someone who can take care of things on the other end of the court, and they would get that in Matisse Thybulle, who was the best perimeter defender in college basketball for multiple years. Thybulle averaged 3.5 steals and 2.3 blocks per game this past season, posting steal and block rates of 6.7% and 8.4% respectively – numbers are that are terrific before taking into account that he’s just 6’5. There are concerns that his numbers were inflated by Washington’s zone, and they probably were to some extent, but let’s be honest: even in a zone defense, you don’t get those kind of numbers without having terrific defensive instincts.

Thybulle isn’t quite as good on-ball as he is off-ball, but he’s still capable and will likely develop in that area as he plays more man defense. There’s also potential for him to add an outside shot; he made 35.8% of 534 three-point attempts in college, and he shot 85.1% from the free throw line this season. He’ll likely never have more than just a spot-up jumper in his arsenal, but even if that becomes consistent, he’ll be a premier 3&D guy at the next level. That’s something that Blazers could use as much as any other team.

24. Philadelphia 76ers – Nassir Little (Rauf)

Once projected as a top-5 pick early in the college season, Little’s ups and downs hurt his overall stock. But at 24, the 6’7 forward would be a great value pick for a 76ers franchise that needs to replenish their talent pool after trades for Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler. He also serves as insurance in case either leave in free agency. Little is a good enough shooter on the perimeter to provide spacing on the court, while his physicality and athleticism give him a high ceiling overall.

23. Utah Jazz – Naz Reid (Anderson)

Surprisingly enough, Naz Reid fell to the 23rd pick to the Utah Jazz. With no more Derrick Favors, the Jazz are ripe for something new to go along with Donovan Mitchell in the backcourt. Reid fits the bill with his ability to play inside and out on both ends and his upside is through the roof. He averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this past season and is just scratching the surface. He showed flashes of being able to play in big moments, making him a rookie that could make a big impact come playoff time.

22. Boston Celtics – Bol Bol (Voynow)

The Boston Celtics are losing Kyrie Irving and they lost out on the Anthony Davis sweepstakes. Now it’s looking like Al Horford might reconstruct his contract in order to stay in Boston long-term, but despite that the Celtics biggest need (Aside from replacing Kyrie) is a strong interior presence—mainly on the defensive end, especially since Horford’s lone weakness is protecting the rim. Bol Bol is an excellent rim protector, as well as finisher around the rim on the offensive end. Bol is a risky pick, because he could end up being one of the biggest steals from this draft or a complete bust. Taking him at pick #22 would mean an investment on a big man with lower body injury issues, which typically become recurring after several years. However, I believe the Celtics could greatly benefit from a big man with Bol’s skillset, and sometimes you have to take a risk to get a large reward.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Stevens)

Alexander-Walker is a player that can do it all for any team that he goes to, and if he falls to OKC they better thank their lucky stars. Walker can beat you anyway that he wants on the offensive side of the ball. His three-point shot is still developing but he should be able to hit it fairly consistently at the next level. The Thunder were one of the worst teams in the NBA at shooting from range and most of their production from out there came from Paul George. Walker would add someone else off the bench that could come in when needed and get you a bucket.

Although he should become a more solid shooter he was very streaky this season and was meh when contact was made inside. That is nothing playing in the NBA and getting the best coaching should not be able to address though. To go along with that you will learn to love contact when having to against Russell Westbrook every single day in practice. Walker does also offer the ability to handle the ball when needed as this season he was forced to take over at point after Justin Robinson got hurt in the late part of the season.

Home/NBA Draft News