The NBA Draft is just under a week away now, and the speculation surrounding the future home of Anthony Davis is ramping up. New Pelicans GM David Griffin made it clear to the league that he wants “a perennial all-star level player, a potential all-star player, and two first-round picks” – quite the asking price. Five teams have emerged as suitors for Davis, including the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics. Davis himself narrowed that list to two preferred destinations – Knicks or Lakers. The Celtics could arguably put the best package together in a deal for AD, offering Jason Taytum, Marcus Smart, and the Nos. 14 and 20 picks this year. Taking a chance on Davis would be a big gamble for Celtics’ GM Danny Ainge, so I don’t it gets done. The Nets and Clippers don’t have the assets to make the deal, so they’re out too. The Knicks landing AD would be the most exciting move. They would need to trade the No. 3 pick (presumably R.J. Barrett), Dennis Smith Jr, and Kevin Knox at the minimum with Mitchell Robinson probably included too. That move would pair Zion Williamson with Barrett, his Duke teammate and stock the Pelicans with young and talented players in Knox, Robinson, and DSJ. I don’t see it happening, though. The Knicks have finally cleared cap space and gotten hold of some cheap, young talent, and I doubt they’ll trade all of that for Davis – especially after getting burned in the Carmelo Anthony trade in 2011. That leaves just the Lakers … more on that later.
This is my third and final mock of the season, and this one includes a couple trades. I don’t see any outrageous trades going down other than a deal for Davis and a couple of teams swapping picks. This is primarily a three-man draft (Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, R.J. Barrett), with the rest of the field wide open, especially after the first round. With that said, here are the top 60 picks as I see them rounding out. Changes have been made from the last mock based on NBA Combine results, player news, hype, and speculation. I’ll offer some reactions to the draft on June 21 with winners and losers. Let’s get to it!
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ROUND 1
- New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson (PF/C – Duke) – The Pelicans won’t get cute here, and they will select the best player in the draft with this pick. Williamson is an athletic freak with a magnetic personality and crazy playmaking abilities. By the end of the season, the Pelicans will be asking, “Anthony Davis who?”
- Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant (PG – Murray State) – He was one of the best scorers and facilitators in the NCAA this season, averaging 24.6 points and 10.0 assists per game for the Racers, leading them to an NCAA tourney bid and a first-round upset over Marquette. Morant became just the fourth freshman in the last 36 years to lead the country in assists, and he was the only D-1 player to hand out at least 10.0 dimes in 2019.
- New York Knicks: R.J. Barrett (SG – Duke) – With hopes of Zion Williamson slamming it home in the Garden dashed by the Draft Lottery, the Knicks will still be able to select Barrett, the preseason favorite to go No. 1 overall. New York will get one of the fiercest competitors in the draft and a natural scorer. Barrett is the perfect fit for a team that struggled on offense last season.***TRADE***
Los Angeles Lakers receive Anthony Davis, Phoenix Suns receive Lonzo Ball, New Orleans Pelicans receive Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, 2019 No. 4 pick from Lakers, 2019 No. 6 pick from Suns, 2021 1st Round pick from Lakers.Although David Griffin would assuredly like more talent than Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, he won’t get another deal that gives him these kind of picks. The Pelicans select three times in the first six picks and build for the future with some affordable contracts. The Lakers retain Kyle Kuzma and land their coveted acquisition in Davis. Phoenix is a huge winner here too, acquiring a pass-first point guard to run the offense in exchange for just the No. 6 pick. Ball fits perfectly with Phoenix, as he’s young enough to be part of the Devin Booker/DeAndre Ayton core for years to come. - New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers): Darius Garland (PG – Vanderbilt) – New Orleans needs some help at the point guard position, and Garland makes sense here. He’s exceptionally fast, can turn the corner quickly and can get to the hole. He’s not an elite passer yet, but he can be a quality scoring option to pair in the backcourt with Jrue Holiday.
***TRADE***
Atlanta Hawks receive No. 5 pick, Cleveland Cavaliers receive No. 8 pick, No. 17 pick, No. 41 pickAtlanta has a lot of flexibility to move up here, and Cleveland needs a lot of help all over the roster. It’s a deal that works for both teams, and Cleveland ends up with three first-round picks in this draft. Atlanta makes a quality selection at No. 5 in Jarrett Culver, a defensive-minded guard with a great offensive skillset and a player they love. They keep the No. 10 pick to still snag their guy at center. - Atlanta Hawks (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Jarrett Culver (SG – Texas Tech) – The Cavs missed out on a top-3 pick, but they won’t go home empty handed. Culver possesses a unique skill-set on both ends of the floor that make him NBA-ready right now. He’s strong and quick and can get to the basket with ease and can make a variety of shots on the floor. He scored nearly 20 points per game last year. He’s an excellent defender (probably the best in the lottery) and led a Texas Tech team that boasted the NCAA’s best defensive rating while stifling opponents all season long.
- New Orleans Pelicans (via Phoenix Suns): De’Andre Hunter (SF/PF – Virginia) – Hunter led Virginia to a number-one seed in the NCAA tournament behind his 15.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 57.0 percent shooting from the floor and 46.0 percent from three. He’s 6’7 with a long reach and should immediately aid the Pelicans’ team defense. Hunter is a reliable scorer who can get to the paint and isn’t afraid to take contact when doing so.
- Chicago Bulls: Coby White (PG/SG – North Carolina) – He’s an extremely fast guard who excels in transition passing and scoring. He can use his speed to get a head of steam and finish with tough shots at the rim or pull up and hit an elbow jumper. He’s got a quick release and has nice range. He can build momentum easily when he gets hot.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (via Atlanta Hawks): Cam Reddish (SG/SF – Duke) – The Cavs reportedly liked Reddish heading into the draft, and grabbing him at No. 5 seemed a bit early. They still land their guy at No. 8 and land two extra picks in the process. Reddish cooled off at the end of the year, but he’s still an incredible shooter who can knock down the three ball at will.
- Washington Wizards: Nassir Little (SF – UNC) – Little stands 6’6, but he has incredible hops and plays above the rim. He’s a fiery competitor and super-athletic forward who will make a lot of highlight plays in the NBA. The Wizards desperately need a guy who can get a bucket outside of Bradley Beal. Little fits the bill here.
- Atlanta Hawks: Jaxson Hayes (PF/C – Texas) – Hayes is a long and athletic big who can play the four or the five. He doesn’t have much of a scoring repertoire outside of the paint, but he hustles on defense, switching well on pick-and-rolls and going after loose balls. He’s a great shot blocker, too. He’s the perfect complement to John Collins who plays the role of stretch forward. This will be a nasty frontcourt.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Brandon Clarke (PF/C – Gonzaga) – Clarke spent two productive years at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga where he sat a year and then exploded onto the scene in 2019. He not only averaged better than 17 points and eight rebounds but blocked over three shots per game for the Zags. His two-way skills will be valuable in the NBA where he’ll add some depth to an aging and lackluster frontcourt behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Charlotte Hornets: Mfiondu Kabengele (PF/C – Florida State) – Kabengele has worked his way into the lottery after an impressive combine and subsequent impressive workouts. He’s a long, athletic big man who should help a frontcourt desperately in need of stability and playmaking.
- Miami Heat: Sekou Doumbouya (SF/PF – Guinea) – Doumbouya is long and athletic with excellent rebounding abilities and a quick step. His reach and speed give him excellent tools to be a good defender at the NBA level. He can play guard or forward and defend multiple positions as well. He has a lot of room to improve, especially with his decision making, but he has a sky-high ceiling.
- Boston Celtics: Romeo Langford (SG – Indiana) – Langford will make a solid NBA scoring option at the two-guard, and he’s a competent defender as well. He’s far from an elite three-point shooter, but he can get to the basket and finish strong in traffic and has a reliable mid-range jumper. With Kyrie Irving headed elsewhere in the offseason, Langford may be needed to step up right away.
- Detroit Pistons: Keldon Johnson (SG/SF – Kentucky) – Johnson will be a quality outside scoring option who should get plenty of good looks on kick-outs from Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. He’s a long, athletic wing who shoots 39.0 percent from three and 46.8 percent overall from the floor.
- Orlando Magic: Rui Hachimura (SF/PF – Gonzaga) – Hachimura can shoot from anywhere on the floor and should provide another scoring punch for the Bulls. He provides physicality with his quickness in the post and ability to shoot through contact. Hachimura has a nose for the ball and should fit well with a team that could use some electric playmakers.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (via Atlanta Hawks): P.J. Washington (SF/PF – Kentucky) – Washington is an excellent two-way player. He plays big in the post with a range of scoring skills down low, but he can hit an outside shot if needed. He’s a great rebounder and can defend multiple positions. He’s a difference maker on defense.
- Indiana Pacers: Tyler Herro (SG – Kentucky)– Herro is a lanky guard with long reach that serves him well on defense and when grabbing rebounds. He’s a willing defender who can contribute on both ends of the court. He has a great first step and excellent touch around the rim. His movements are fluid when getting to the basket, and he moves well without the ball.
- San Antonio Spurs: Bruno Fernando (PF/C – Maryland) – Fernando comes in as a 6’10/240 lb. with a solid frame. He plays mostly power forward, but he’s more than capable of playing center if needed. He’s a quality passer and scorer from the post and an adept shot-blocker. The Spurs need help at the five, and Fernando should fit in well with Gregg Popovich’s system.
- Boston Celtics: Goga Bitadze (C – Rep. of Georgia) – Bitadze is a raw talent who compares physically to Marc Gasol. He’s an excellent shot blocker and rebounder. Though he’s not a stretch-five with shooting range, he offers solid post offense and is great in pick and roll situations. There’s plenty of room for development for the 19-year old big man.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Matisse Thybulle (SG – Washington) – Thybulle was one of the best defenders in the country in 2018 and earned Pac 12 All-Defensive honors two years in a row. He’s only 6’5 but sports a 7’1 wingspan and can defend multiple positions. He led the nation in steals with 3.5 per game, ranked 18th in blocks (2.3), and was the first player in two decades to sport 100 steals and 70 blocks in the same season. He’ll be a nice fit with a tough, defensive-minded team like OKC.
- Boston Celtics: Nickeil Alexander-Walker (SG – Virginia Tech) – He’s excellent on catch-and-shoot opportunities, especially on spot-up threes, and he shot 38.3 percent from downtown in two years in college. Alexander-Walker is a great passer with good court vision.
- Utah Jazz: Bol Bol (C – Oregon) – The big man from Oregon is a very interesting prospect at center. He’s tall at 7’2, but his 235-lb. frame makes him a little too slender and lanky to be a consistent presence under the basket playing against much bigger NBA centers. The good news is that he can be a stretch-five with his 52.0 percent three-point shooting.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Kevin Porter (SG – USC) – Porter is a big guard who can play against much bigger opponents and get to the rim with ease. He shot 41.3 percent from three in 2018, making him a gifted scorer and outside shooter. He won’t make it into the lottery due to some off-the-court incidents and injury history, but he’s a lottery talent and could make an immediate impact in the NBA if he stays healthy and out of trouble. The Sixers have enough talent on the roster to take a chance on Porter here.
- Portland Trail Blazers: Cameron Johnson (SF – North Carolina) – He’s a fifth-year senior who will bring professionalism and maturity to the NBA. He’s improved his scoring and rebounding every year of his college career, and he’s a sharp-shooter extraordinaire. Johnson has shot 46.5 percent from three on 187 attempts this season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Naz Reid (C – LSU) – Another big goes off the board here with the Cavs grabbing an athletic center in Reid who can step out and make a three or take the ball from the top of the key and get to the basket.
- Brooklyn Nets: Luka Samanic (PF – Croatia) – Samanic is a big with surprising athleticism and quickness who can handle the ball. He runs the floor on fast breaks, cuts to the basket well, and has a solid post game. He’s not an excellent shooter, but that can be developed. He has the physical tools to succeed in the NBA. Sacramento has got to be thrilled to land him here.
- Golden State Warriors: Nicolas Claxton (PF/C – Georgia) – Claxton is a long and lanky forward (6’11/215 lbs) who has decent handles and can shoot outside of the paint. His length and reach make him a great rebounder and blocker. He needs to bulk up and work on his post game, but the raw talent and size make him an interesting prospect.
- San Antonio Spurs: KZ Okpala (SG/SF – Stanford) – He has great handles and an uncanny ability to get to the basket. He’s always in attack mode, looking to get into the paint and draw contact, rarely settling for a jump shot.
- Milwaukee Bucks: Ty Jerome (PG – Virginia)– Jerome is a grinder, a leader, and a team player – all traits that will fit excellently in Mike Budenholzer’s scheme. Jerome is an experienced guard with three years under his belt at Virginia. He improved his shooting, scoring, rebounding, and assists every year in college. He’s a sharp-shooter from three and a great passer. He was the catalyst for the Cavaliers’ Final Four run in the NCAA tournament this year, facilitating the offense and making shots when the team needed them.
ROUND 2
- Brooklyn Nets: Chuma Okeke (SF/PF – Auburn) – Okeke is strong and explosive. He has a reliable jump shot and can knock down threes. He’s an excellent two-way player, with the ability to locate the ball and make the steal. He’s a respectable blocker, too. He falls in the draft a little bit because of his Sweet 16 ankle injury, but he’s a lottery talent.
- Phoenix Suns: Carsen Edwards (PG – Purdue)– The Suns grab another PG here after taking Darius Garland in the first round. Edwards averaged 23.6 points in his final season with the Boilermakers, leading them to a third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. He’s a gifted scorer with a serviceable three-point shot (averaging 34.6 percent in 2018 on 10.2 attempts per game), but he’s one of the best at heating up quickly and staying hot a lá Klay Thompson.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Dylan Windler (SG/SF – Belmont) – Windler was a 20-and-10 player in his final season at Belmont, where he spent four years. He can play small forward or shooting guard, and he could fit with a team nicely as a 3-and-D wing because of his shooting and defense. He’ll provide instant offense off the bench with his range of scoring skills.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Daniel Gafford (PF/C – Arkansas) – Gafford is an imposing figure in the paint, and he should be a nice backup option to Joel Embiid. Gafford doesn’t have an outside shot, having never attempted a three in college, and he’s a limited scorer outside of the paint. Still, he can block shots with authority and has a powerful finish at the rim, highlighted by some unbelievable dunks at Arkansas.
- Atlanta Hawks: Isaiah Roby (SF/PF – Nebraska) – Roby is a two-way forward who can score and defend. His work on both ends of the court will be appreciated on a young Hawks team that struggled to defend last season.
- Charlotte Hornets: Zach Norvell Jr (SG – Gonzaga) – Norvell is a guy who can create his own shot but is also excellent on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He’s a respectable shooter from distance, but he has no fear of taking shots in big moments.
- Dallas Mavericks: Grant Williams (PF – Tennessee) – Williams is a tough defender who can chase down the ball on defense and swat shots in the lane. He’s a sound rebounder too. He’s not a three-point shooter, having averaged just 29.7 percent from downtown on only one attempted three per game in his career, but he can score elsewhere. Williams averaged double-digit points in all three seasons with the Vols, culminating in 18.8 per game in 2018. He’s a two-time SEC Player of the Year.
- Chicago Bulls: Jordan Bone (PG/SG – Tennessee) – Bone is a great decision-maker and can put the ball on the floor to make plays. He set the single-season school record for assist/turnover ratio (2.91) last year, while earning All-SEC honors. His efficiency and basketball IQ will allow him to fit in with almost any team.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Darius Bazley (SF/PF – United States) – Bazley never attended college, forgoing what would have been his freshman season to instead train on his own to prepare for the NBA Draft. He doesn’t have any playing time beyond the high school level. He’s 6’9, 200 with a nearly 7’0 wingspan making him a versatile defender. Bazley is a good shooter, and he has a lot of untapped potential, especially considering he’ll have just turned 19 by the time the draft rolls around.
- Sacramento Kings: Moses Brown (C – UCLA) – Brown is a big body with a lot of strength and toughness who represents a strong presence under the basket – something the Kings could use right now.
- Cleveland Cavaliers (via Atlanta Hawks): Talen Horton-Tucker (SG – Iowa State) – Horton-Tucker is a guard with a solid frame and some strength to him. He’s an elite scorer given his ability to make a variety of shots all over the floor. He has impressive ball-handling skills and shoots well off the dribble. THT has an excellent step-back shot that’s tough to defend.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Jaylen Nowell (SG – Washington) – Nowell can do it all on both ends of the floor with his passing, rebounding, and defense. He’s a natural scorer with a great outside shot, he finishes with ferocious power when he gets in the paint. He’s a fierce competitor.
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Adam Mokoka (SG – France) – Mokoka is a long and athletic guard who plays excellent defense and can crash the boards. He’s a bit raw as a shooter and decision-maker, but his upside is big.
- Atlanta Hawks: Shamorie Ponds (PG – St. John’s) – Ponds is super-athletic with his speed and strength. He is great at creating his own shot and shoots well off the dribble. Size is a concern for him, but he has a motor as relentless as Russell Westbrook and an ultra-competitive edge. He’ll join a talented young core in Atlanta as Trae Young‘s backup.
- Detroit Pistons: Sagaba Konate (PF – West Virginia) – Konate provides a huge presence in the paint with his large frame (6’8/250 lb) and excellent defense. Over his final two seasons at WVU, he averaged better than 10 points and seven rebounds each season, swatting three shots per game. He fits well with Detroit’s hard-nosed attitude and tough defense.
- Orlando Magic: Eric Paschall (SF/PF – Villanova) – Paschall is an NCAA champion with four years’ experience, who brings a championship mentality to a rebuilding team. He’s good on both ends of the floor and plays a physical style of basketball. He’s an excellent passer.
- Sacramento Kings: Jalen McDaniels (PF/C – San Diego State) – McDaniels has surprisingly good ball-handling skills for a 6’10 player. He can take the ball from the top of the key or the high post, face up with a defender, and get to the basket. He’s a solid rebounder, too and will be a great addition to the Kings frontcourt that just added Moses Brown earlier in the second round.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Jordan Nwora (SF/PF – Louisville) – Nwora has a natural ability to get to the basket using his quick first step, and he finishes strong even with contact. He’s a respectable three-point shooter and he can crash the glass using his huge leaping and long frame. Nwora is a willing defender and will fit well with the Clippers.
- San Antonio Spurs: Deividas Sirvyidas (SF – Lithuania) – The Spurs have a history of developing international talent, so they go with the promising Lithuanian forward here. Servydis is a very interesting international prospect. He’s only 18 years old with a lot of room to grow. He’s long and lanky and needs to bulk up a bit, but he’s got a very quick first step and good acceleration. He’s a good shooter and can take the ball to the basket using either hand. There’s a lot of potential for this young forward.
- Indiana Pacers: Admiral Schofield (SG/SF – Tennessee) – He’s big and physical and can back down defenders in the post. He has an NBA-ready body and shouldn’t have problems using his physicality at the next level. He shot 38.7 percent from three in four years at Tennessee, giving him a reliable shot from beyond the arc.
- Boston Celtics: Terance Mann (SG – Florida State) – Mann led the Seminoles to the Sweet 16 in his senior season after four years with Florida State. He’s long and powerful and can get rebounds when needed. He’s hard-working and a team player.
- Charlotte Hornets: Robert Franks (SF/PF – Washington State) – He’s a strong forward who can play under the basket and get rebounds, but he also has range. Franks shot 39.9 percent from deep on seven attempts per game and finished his career shooting over 80.0 percent from the foul line. He brings valuable size and shooting to the NBA.
- Utah Jazz: Jontay Porter (C – Missouri) – At 6’10/236, Porter is long and lanky. He’s a great passer and rebounder and has the quickness and shot-making ability to play the role of stretch-five in the NBA.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Luguentz Dort (SG – Arizona State) – Dort is a powerful guard who uses his bulky frame to muscle his way to the basket. He doesn’t shy away from drawing contact and almost seems to seek it when getting into the paint. He’s excellent in transition when grabbing a rebound and pushing the ball upcourt or running ahead for an outlet pass or lob dunk. He’s great without the ball and can make sharp cuts to the basket.
- New York Knicks: Kris Wilkes (SG/SF – UCLA) – Wilkes is a long 6’8 at the two-guard, and he uses that length to make a variety of shots in the paint. He has a well-rounded offensive skill-set, and he’s able to make shots on catch-and-shoot opportunities, off the dribble, and in transition.
- Los Angeles Clippers: Tacko Fall (C – Central Florida) – Fall was the tallest player in college basketball in 2018 who famously claimed he wouldn’t let Zion Williamson jam on him during the NCAA tournament matchup between Duke and UCF. He lives in the paint on offense and has a tendency to foul too much. Still, at 7’6/295, his presence alone can force opposing shooters to alter their shot or stay out of the lane altogether. His size is a clear advantage in rebounding and blocking shots.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Miye Oni (SG – Yale) – The Ivy League Player of the Year averaged 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 2018 at Yale. He has a decent three-point shot and natural scoring ability with his ability to get to the basket and back down defenders in the post.
- Golden State Warriors: Kyle Guy (PG/SG – Virginia) – This year’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Guy decided to forgo his senior season at Virginia and enter the draft where he’ll bring his great shooting to the Bay Area.
- Toronto Raptors: Dedric Lawson (SG/SF – Kansas) – Lawson spent two years at Memphis before transferring to Kansas and playing one incredible season. He earned All-American honors with 19.4 points and 10.3 rebounds per game last season. He’s a swingman who can play the four but is a bit undersized for the position in the NBA. He does a lot of dirty work in the paint and always seems to outwork opponents when going for the ball. He’s a perfect fit in the grit and grind Raptors system.
- Sacramento Kings: Ignas Brazdeikis (SF – Michigan) – He’s a big-bodied forward with a great three-point shot and the ability to create his own shot. He’s a natural scorer and will help the Kings’ second unit.
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Zachary Hanshew is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Zachary, check out his archive and follow him @zakthemonster.