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This summer will be one of the biggest offseasons for the NBA in years.
Superstars Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and several others are expected to hit the free-agent market, many of them will likely find new homes.
But before free agency begins, the 30 teams across the league will turn their attention toward the incoming rookie class.
The 2019 NBA draft may be headlined by former Duke star Zion Williamson, but there are numerous young players in this draft class who could step right in and contribute almost immediately.
Over the last few weeks, I have provided breakdowns of the top guards, forwards and big men in this year’s draft.
With the draft just a few days away, I took a swing at predicting how Thursday night’s festivities may go down. Of course, I expect a fair share of trades to occur on draft night, but those are incredibly hard to predict.
For the sake of this mock draft, I did not project any trades. However, I would bet my bottom dollar that the Lakers do not end up using the No. 4 pick themselves, as it will likely be used in a trade for Anthony Davis. Additionally, with three selections in the first 17 picks, I fully expect the Atlanta Hawks to package two of those picks together in a deal to move up (possibly to Cleveland's spot at No. 5).
Without further ado, here is my 2019 NBA mock draft:
1. New Orleans Pelicans -- Zion Williamson, F, Duke
USA TODAY Images 2. Memphis Grizzlies -- Ja Morant, PG, Murray State
In any other draft, Morant would easily be the top pick. Unfortunately for him, that spot firmly belongs to Williamson, so Morant will have to settle for No. 2. Morant is an amazing athlete with some crazy playmaking abilities, evidenced by his 24.5-point and 10.0-assist averages at Murray State. With Memphis looking to unload Mike Conley, the 6-foot-3 Morant would slide right into the Grizzlies’ starting lineup.
3. New York Knicks -- RJ Barrett, G/F, Duke
Knicks fans are still bitter about losing out on the Zion sweepstakes, but landing his Duke teammate would certainly be a nice consolation prize. To put it simply, Barrett can flat out score. The 6-foot-7 forward led the Blue Devils in scoring, and helped keep the team in elite form while Williamson missed some time with a knee sprain. The Knicks are in desperate need of a huge offensive boost, and Barrett fits the bill perfectly.
4. Los Angeles Lakers -- De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia
We have reached the point of the draft when things are likely to get interesting. Chances are the Lakers don’t make this pick, but if they do, I’m giving them the best player available in Hunter. He had an impressive sophomore campaign at Virginia, averaging over 15 points and 5 rebounds while leading Virginia to a national championship. The 6-foot-7 forward shot 43.8% from the 3-point line, showing that he has the makings of a solid 3-and-D wing. Darius Garland could also be the pick here.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers -- Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech
As I mentioned in the intro, Cleveland could look to trade down to stockpile more picks, so keep an eye on Atlanta here. Whether it’s the Cavs or the Hawks using the pick, I expect Culver to hear his name here. Culver is a versatile wing whose size and athleticism should allow him to play a few different positions in the NBA. He will have to work on his outside shot after seeing his 3-point shooting percentage drop from 38.2% in his freshman season to 30.4% last season, but this shouldn’t be an issue for the talented guard.
6. Phoenix Suns -- Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt
The Suns’ desire to add a point guard may be the worst-kept secret of the NBA offseason. While they have been linked to several veteran point guards through trades, Phoenix would be absolutely thrilled if Garland were there for the picking at No. 6. The 6-foot-2 point guard didn’t play much at Vandebrilt, appearing in only five games before suffering a season-ending injury, but it hasn’t hurt his draft stock one bit. Garland is a score-first point guard who has proven to be a smart floor leader, and he should be a great backcourt partner to Devin Booker. If Garland is gone, Hunter is likely the pick here for Phoenix.
7. Chicago Bulls -- Coby White, PG/SG, North Carolina
The Bulls need a point guard almost as badly as the Suns do, which makes White the easy pick here. He is probably the fastest player in this draft and showed tremendous confidence with the ball in his hands during his one season at UNC. Standing in at 6-foot-5, White has great size for a point guard and uses his size and speed to help him create his own shots. Pairing White with Zach LaVine would give the Bulls a formidable backcourt combination.
8. Atlanta Hawks -- Cam Reddish, SF, Duke
Reddish was at one point the most highly talked-about prospect in the 2018 recruiting class. While he didn’t quite live up to the hype, there is still plenty to like about the 6-foot-8 forward. The freshman averaged 13.5 points per game while serving as the third (arguably the fourth, after Tre Jones) scoring option on Duke. Reddish has the shooting potential to develop into a future star scorer but will have to improve significantly in order to reach that level. The Hawks are in young-talent-acquisition mode, and with three first-round picks, Reddish is more than worth the risk.
9. Washington Wizards -- Sekou Doumbouya, F, France
Doumbouya is one of my favorite prospects in this class. The 6-foot-9 forward out of France is the top international prospect in the draft, and he doesn’t turn 19 until late December. He is a physical specimen with a strong, thick frame to go with his long arms and is a great athlete for someone his size. Doumbouya should be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA, a factor that the Wizards will covet. He’s a boom-or-bust prospect, but considering the current state of their team, what do the Wizards have to lose by rolling the dice on the young forward?
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks) -- Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
Stephen Spillman/USA TODAY Images 11. Minnesota Timberwolves -- P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky
Washington showed vast improvements from his freshman to sophomore seasons. While his scoring, rebounding and blocking all took big steps this past season, it was his outside shooting that made the most significant jump. The 6-foot-8 forward improved his shooting percentage from the 3-point line from 23.8% to an incredible 42.3%. He has a strong, physical frame that helps him on the boards, and should continue to improve in the NBA. Washington will add to Minnesota’s ability to stretch the floor.
12. Charlotte Hornets -- Brandon Clarke, F/C, Gonzaga
Clarke might just be the most talented defender in this draft. Measuring in at 6 feet 8 inches and 207 pounds, Clarke is a super-versatile defender with the ability to guard multiple positions. The junior was the country’s top shot blocker this past season, averaging over three per game, and he amazingly registered as many blocks as missed shots. Clarke will have to work on his jumper, but due to his defense and rebounding, he should contribute right away for the Hornets.
13. Miami Heat -- Romeo Langford, SG, Indiana
Langford is a natural scorer who uses his agility and quick first step to get to the rim with relative ease. The guard played hurt for most of his one year at Indiana, which likely played a large role in his awful shooting percentage from outside (27.2% from long range). Even so, there is no denying his ability to create his own shot. He needs to refine his decision-making if he wants to succeed in the NBA, but his ability to score in isolation is something Miami needs with the retirement of Dwayne Wade.
14. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento Kings) -- Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC
With the first of their three first-round picks, Celtics president and GM Danny Ainge decides to roll the dice on one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. Porter is a physically gifted athlete with a ton of upside who was unable to put the pieces together in his one season at USC. The 6-foot-5 guard is great with the ball in his hands, with the ability to create his own shot while also creating open looks for his teammates. Facing the possible departures of Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier, Boston could use a promising, play-making guard to develop next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
15. Detroit Pistons -- Nassir Little, F, North Carolina
Similar to Reddish, Little did not live up to the buzz that surrounded him coming out of high school as one of the top recruits in the country. The freshman averaged just 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds during his one season with the Tar Heels. Little has shown some potential to develop into a solid 3-and-D wing, although his outside shooting took a step back this past season (26.9% from behind the arc). Detroit may be willing to gamble on Little’s potential in the middle of the first round.
16. Orlando Magic -- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech
There is a lot to like about Alexander-Walker, starting with his ability to score. He shot 38.3% from the 3-point line during his two years at Virginia Tech and proved to be a strong a spot-up shooter. The 6-foot-5 sophomore has shown the versatility to play either guard position on offense, while effectively defending both guard spots as well. He is an above-average ball handler with excellent passing skills, something Orlando could seriously use.
17. Atlanta Hawks (via Brooklyn Nets) -- Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky
After picking up a forward and big man with their first two picks, the Hawks snag a talented guard with their third first-round pick in Herro. In 37 games for Kentucky last season, Herro put up impressive shooting numbers -- 46.2% from the field, 35.5% from 3-point range and an amazing 93.5% from the free-throw line. The 6-foot-6 guard has a high motor with a lot of defensive upside and could become a good two-way player in the near future.
18. Indiana Pacers -- Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga
Hachimura has grown immensely from his freshman season to now. In his junior season at Gonzaga, the 6-foot-8 native of Japan shot 59.1% from the field and an impressive 41.7% from long range. He has a physical frame that NBA teams drool over, with a 7-foot-2 wingspan to go with his solid athleticism. His game still needs a lot of work to translate to the NBA, but if you’re the Pacers, you can’t get much more potential than this at No. 18.
19. San Antonio Spurs -- Bol Bol, C, Oregon
Troy Wayrynen/USA TODAY Images 20. Boston Celtics (via Los Angeles Clippers) -- Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia
Next up on the international front is Bitadze. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound center is the draft class’ best screener, and excels at scoring in the inside off pick-and-rolls. Bitadze is more versatile than most big men, as he can handle the ball well while also showing an ability to shoot from all over the court. He needs to keep his emotions in check, as he often lost his temper on the court for KK Mega Bemax in the country of Georgia. Whether or not Al Horford stays in Boston for the long haul, picking up an athletic big man who can alter shots like Bitadze (2.3 blocks per game last season) would be a wise move for Danny Ainge.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder -- Cameron Johnson, SF, North Carolina
Johnson could be off the board by the time OKC is on the clock, as his size and superb shooting abilities should lead to a long NBA career. Johnson measures in at 6-foot-8, an impressive height for someone who shot 45.7% from the 3-point line last season. While he isn’t the greatest shooter off the dribble, he is very strong in spot-up situations. His rebounding isn’t the strongest for a 6-foot-8 forward, but the Thunder will happily take his ability to space the floor alongside Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
22. Boston Celtics -- Dylan Windler, G/F, Belmont
Windler has a silky smooth shot that looks effortless as the ball is sailing out of his hands. His shot improved each year he spent at Belmont, and during his senior campaign, Windler finished with a 54.0 shooting percentage from the field and 42.9 shooting percentage from deep. In addition to his shooting, the 6-foot-7 guard/forward is a solid defender who seems to always give 110%. Windler has the potential to become a strong 3-and-D wing in the NBA and could be the finishing touch to a strong first round for Ainge and the Celtics.
23. Utah Jazz -- Matisse Thybulle, G/F, Washington
Thybulle may not offer a ton on offense, but boy is he an amazing defender. The 6-foot-5 swingman out of Washington averaged just 9.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per game last season, but truly left his make on the defensive end of the court, where he finished the year averaging 3.5 steals and 2.2 blocks. Those are some jaw-dropping numbers. Thybulle will have to be more aggressive on offense, but the Jazz would gladly welcome his defensive presence.
24. Philadelphia 76ers -- Ty Jerome, G, Virginia
The 76ers are about to enter a pivotal offseason, as several key contributors to their 2018-19 squad are set to become free agents. One of those players is JJ Redick, whose 3-point shooting helped lead Philadelphia to 51 wins this past season. If GM Elton Brand believes Redick is on the way out, then Jerome would be a great replacement on the outside. The 6-foot-5 guard shot 39.9% from 3-point range while helping lead Virginia to a national championship. He may not be the greatest athlete, but the 76ers won’t need him to be.
25. Portland Trail Blazers -- Keldon Johnson, G/F, Kentucky
Johnson was Kentucky’s best player in the first half of the season before his performance trailed off a bit in the second half. Johnson is a 6-foot-6 Johnson who has an incredibly high motor on defense and an improving shot from long range. The 19-year-old shot 38.1% from the 3-point line last season while averaging 13.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for the Wildcats. With a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Johnson should be able to guard multiple positions and has shown a willingness to mix it up in the paint with opposing big men. He should fit in nicely in Portland.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Houston Rockets) -- Nicolas Claxton, PF/C, Georgia
For someone who stands just a hair short of 7 feet tall, Claxton has a lot more versatility than most players his size. He can handle the ball surprisingly well and is capable of grabbing a defensive rebound and taking it the distance himself. Claxton has shown flashes of developing into a 3-and-D big, but his outside shooting still needs a ton of work -- he shot 28.1% from behind the 3-point arc, down from 36.4% in his freshman campaign. He’s a project as an NBA prospect, but Cleveland can certainly afford to develop the big man over the next few years.
27. Brooklyn Nets (via Denver Nuggets) -- Luka Samanic, PF, Croatia
Stacy Revere/Getty Images 28. Golden State Warriors -- Luguentz Dort, G, Arizona State
Following Klay Thompson's torn ACL on Thursday, it is clear that the Warriors will need to bring in a bit of scoring help this offseason. While not the greatest shooter, Dort showed the ability to create his own shot with ease this past season at Arizona State. He is an elite cutter with an explosive first step, and if he can improve his shooting, he has the potential to become a talented two-way player. His defensive versatility should help make up for the loss of Thompson next season, as his strong, 6-foot-4 frame allows him to guard both speedy guards and physical bigs.
29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors) - Grant Williams, PF, Tennessee
Despite being named SEC Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons, Williams isn’t likely to hear his name called until the end of the first round. The 6-foot-7 forward is a skilled interior scorer with the ability to finish with either hand. However, he doesn’t offer much versatility, and his average first step should make it hard for him to create his own shot in the NBA. But the 20-year-old is an extremely hard-worker who plays very tough defense and has a high basketball IQ, which is more than enough for the Spurs to work with.
30. Milwaukee Bucks -- Mfiondu Kabengele, PF/C, Florida State
The nephew of Dikembe Mutombu, Kabengele averaged a solid 1.5 blocks per game at Florida State this past season. The 21-year-old wasn’t that strong on the boards, averaging just 5.9 rebounds per game, but he did show some flash on the offensive boards with an average of 2.1 offensive rebounds. The 6-foot-10 big man has shown promise from the outside, as he shot the 3-pointer at a 36.9% rate this past season. He’s one of the oldest players in the draft, as he turns 22 in August, but considering the versatility that Milwaukee may lose in free agency this summer, the Bucks would be thrilled to add Kabengele with the last pick in the first round.
Bonus Pick: 31. Brooklyn Nets -- Darius Bazley, F