With the NBA season in the rearview mirror, it is time to look forward to next year. Specifically, the new players that will be entering the league. With the NBA draft set to take place tomorrow at 7:00, we will be doing a mock draft for the lottery of the NBA Draft.
#1, New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, PF(Duke)
The clear-cut best player in this draft, Zion has a ceiling higher than anybody we have seen in a very long time. The Duke standout will have no problem adjusting to the NBA, and could be a league MVP one day.
#2, Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG(Murray State)
Ja was a superstar in college, and averaged a double double while playing for the Racers. His athleticism paired with his playmaking and scoring abilities is similar to that of Russell Westbrook's and John Wall's. The Grizzlies will almost definitely take Ja here, and will likely trade current starter Mike Conley to a team like the Utah Jazz.
#3, New York Knicks: RJ Barrett, SG(Duke)
After averaging nearly 23 points per game in his lone year at Duke, Barrett established himself as an excellent scorer who can hit form anywhere on the court. He has tons of potential, but needs to sharpen skills such as his shot selection and defense if he wants to tap into it fully.
#4, New Orleans Pelicans: Jarrett Culver, SG(Texas Tech)
Culver is a gifted scorer and shooter who can also clamp up on defense. For New Orleans, he might have to start his first season as a 6th man, although a Jrue Holiday trade is not impossible. Culver has a chance to become a star in the NBA.
#5, Cleveland Cavaliers: DeAndre Hunter, SF(Virginia)
Hunter is a perfect fit for any team. He is an excellent defender that can also knock down a three point shot very well, and will blend perfectly with Collin Sexton and the Cavs. He will slide right in to the starting small forward role for Cleveland. Hunter has players like Luol Deng and Danny Green written all over himself.
#6, Phoenix Suns: Darius Garland, PG(Vanderbilt)
Ever since Eric Bledsoe left the team, there has been a gaping point guard hole for the miserable Suns. Garland is a bit of a risk, as his season was cut short with a torn meniscus, but he showed flashes of Damian Lillard with his dynamic scoring abilities. Also, his shoot first mentality could lead to him and Devin Booker becoming Splash Brothers 2.0.
#7, Chicago Bulls: Coby White, PG(North Carolina)
Coby White is a good shooter and a speed demon. He fills in a big need for Chicago as Kris Dunn is one of the worst starting point guards in the league. White's passing and defense should also translate well into the NBA.
#8, Atlanta Hawks(via DAL): Cam Reddish, SG(Duke)
The Hawks are trying very hard to move up in this draft. Although it is possible that they trade with New Orleans and jump up to number four, we think that they will stay put and take Cam Reddish. Reddish has tons of scoring upside, and is also a good shooter, but needs to step up other areas of his game to become a real star.
#9, Washington Wizards: Jaxson Hayes, C(Texas)
The first center taken, Hayes' skills as a shot blocker and rim protecter are insanely good. His experience as a standout wide receiver also helps his athleticism, and Hayes will fit in seamlessly next to Bradley Beal and the Wizards.
#10, Atlanta Hawks: Sekou Doumbouya, SF(France)
Sekou is an extremely raw prospect with potential that is through the roof. He is a physical freak and skilled defender, but will need to ramp up his shooting and overall effort to succeed in the big league.
#11, Minnesota Timberwolves: Brandon Clarke, PF/C(Gonzaga)
Clarke is a versatile defender that can lockdown anyone. He is a great shot blocker and hustles on every play. He is also good in the paint and post, although lacks a good jump shot to take him to the next level.
#12, Charlotte Hornets: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, PG(Virginia Tech)
The cousin of Clippers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil has a similar play style as his cousin. He can pass like an elite playmaker already, and is also a good shooter that can knock down the three. If Kemba Walker leaves Charlotte this summer, Nickeil will step into the starting point guard role.
#13, Miami Heat: Rui Hachimura, PF(Gonzaga)
Hachimura is an athletic wing that is consistently improving his game. He can finish well from anywhere inside the three point arc, and is also a threat in transition. He is somewhat of a defensive liability, but can improve his game with the Heat.
#14, Boston Celtics (via SAC): Bol Bol, C(Oregon)
The son of 7'7 NBA legend Manute Bol, Bol Bol is everything is father was and more. He can shoot the three excellently, is a force in the paint, and racks up tons of blocks. He is the draft's biggest wild card, as if it were not for his injuries, Bol Bol would be a top 5 pick in the draft. With Al Horford expected to leave Boston, Bol fills in a need for the Celtics too.
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