It’s an interesting NBA draft review 2019. It features two of the best young players in the league, Zion Williamson and Ja Morantbut so far it hasn’t been an easy road for either of them.
Availability has been the biggest issue for Williamson, and Morant has been suspended by the league not once, but twice this year for off-field incidents. When healthy, both have shown superstar potential.
Williamson and Morant are two of three players in this draft who were All-Stars, the other being Darius Garland. There is a significant drop in talent relative to the rest of the league, though it’s worth noting Luguentz Dort, Cameron Johnson, Terance Mann and Rui Hachimura.
Two of its members sports news, Stephen Noh and Scott Rafferty put on their GM hats and built it Redesign 2019. No won the Lottery and took first place, having a huge responsibility on his shoulders.
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The NBA Redraft 2019
1. Zion Williamson, Pelicans
- Initial selection: Zion Williamson
- Original position: 1st, Pelicans
It’s entirely fair to question Zion’s availability. What is not discussed is that he was very good when he was on the field. His career high of 25.3 points per game is the best in this draft by a wide margin. He is also second only to Nic Claxton with 6.8 rebounds per night.
You’re picking based on potential here, and Zion has yet to reach his. When he was at his best, he was one of the 10 best players in the league. That hasn’t happened enough, but he’s still young enough to learn better habits.
– No
2. Ja Morant, Grizzlies
- Initial selection: Ja Morad
- Original position: 2nd, Grizzlies
Morad’s talent is undeniable. He started to shine in his first season and won Rookie of the Year. He would later be an All-Star and All-NBA in 2022 as the Most Improved Player. His quickness and athleticism make him nearly impossible to stop outside the paint, and he’s one of the most electric players we’ve seen in a long time.
The concerns with Morant have gone off the field. Hopefully he can get back on track because he has the potential to be one of the faces of the NBA.
—Rafferty
3. Darius Garland, Knicks
- Initial selection: RJ Barrett
- Original position: 5th, Cavs
Garland was a big risk in this early draft after only playing five games at Vanderbilt, but it took him a while to prove he was a safe bet.
Garland’s career 38.4% three-point shooting is the top mark on his resume, but it’s far from the only one. He is a much better facilitator than he is given credit for, averaging 6.7 assists. He has great game vision and an amazing ability to keep the game alive with options.
Garland will never be a defensive specialist, but he competes hard on that end of the floor. The future is bright for the Cleveland guard.
– No
4. Tyler Herro, Hawks (via Lakers and Pelicans)
- Initial selection: De Andre Hunter
- Original position: 13th, Therm
Hero has his flaws, especially on defense, but he is a talented scorer and an excellent shooter. He was named sixth man of the year in his third season and has since become a staple for the Miami Heat.
Despite the fact that he has always been in transfer rumors, there are many teams that would benefit from having Herro on their roster, either as a starter or as a reserve.
—Rafferty
5. Nicolas Claxton, Cavaliers
- Initial selection: Darius Garland
- Original position: 31st, Nets
Claxton has yet to make an All-NBA team, but is a strong candidate to make it sooner rather than later. He is a wonderfully versatile interior who can defend on the perimeter and provide excellent rim protection.
Claxton is a limited offensive player, but he is a strong finisher, lip runner and offensive rebounder. He is one of the best starting infielders in the league.
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– No
6. RJ Barrett, Timberwolves (via Suns)
- Initial selection: Jarrett Culver
- Original position: 3rd, Knicks
Barrett is a forward who, when everything fits, can make a difference, do a good job defensively as a versatile figure.
Barrett has some of the best potential in this class.
—Rafferty
7. Cameron Johnson, Bulls
- Initial selection: Kobe White
- Original position: 11th, Timberwolves
Johnson recently renewed for 4 years and $94.5 million. He got that contract because of his skill set that makes him a versatile, useful and versatile player on both sides of the court.
A reliable outside shooter with a career 39.2% accuracy rate, Cam is a perfect 3&D prototype who would fit on any team.
– No
8. Lugends Dort, Pelicans (via Hawks)
- Initial selection: Jason Hayes
- Original position: He has not been elected
Dort is not just a good defender. He is a chosen one.
“I think that [Dort] “He has the perfect balance of strength, speed, quickness and a desire to defend.”Damian Lillard said in 2023 when asked who he thinks is the best defender in the NBA. “And he’s young. So I think he’s the best at it.”
The question with Dort is whether he could improve enough as a shooter to not be a problem on offense. It was a slow development, but this season it reached almost 40%. If he can be consistent in this sense, he could climb more places in a few years.
—Rafferty
9. Coby White, Wizards
- Initial selection: Rui Hachimura
- Original position: 7th, Taurus
White has exploded in his fifth season, averaging 17.3 points and 4.7 assists per game. He is a reliable three-point shooter, shooting 42.6%. And he has drastically improved his decision-making to be a starter for the Bulls.
White will always be a problem at the back because of his wingspan and size, but he can make it there.
– No
10. Brandon Clark, Hawks
- Initial selection: Cam Reddish
- Original position: 21st, Thunder
It’s hard to know where to put Clarke as he still hasn’t recovered from a torn Achilles tendon in his foot, a tough injury for a big, agile man to recover from, but he was one of the best inside linebackers in this draft. .
When healthy, he is a tough defender, a dynamic player and a smart cutter. It improves every other unit and is a valuable interior in any context.
—Rafferty
11. Grant Williams, Suns (via Timberwolves)
- Initial selection: Cam Johnson
- Original position: 22nd, Celtics
Williams has become an excellent outside shooter with a career 38.1%. While he’s not a playmaker and can get into trouble if he tries to do too much, he’s a very good role player who isn’t afraid to shoot.
The Mavs player also places a lot of value on defense. He has the size to take on bigger opponents and open up the field in lineups small ball. Williams is one of the best options in the league to face the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jayson Tatum.
– No
12. Naz Reid, Hornets
- Initial selection: PJ Washington
- Original position: He has not been elected
Reid is breaking out in a big way this season after falling under the radar in recent years.
The Timberwolves are surprising, and Reid complements both Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns because he can space the court (40.0% from three) and set the tone for the defense as a four or five.
It’s crazy to think that, like Dort, Reed went undrafted, but ended up being one of the best players in this class.
—Rafferty
13. Caleb Martin, Heat
- Initial selection: Tyler Hero
- Original position: He has not been elected
Martin proved his worth last season with the Miami Heat, playing like he was the team’s second best player. He’s versatile and capable of contributing in multiple facets, shooting 36.1 percent from his career 3-pointers.
Martin has good size, which allows him to defend multiple positions with skill and be an excellent rebounder. He’s not a star, but he’s a very solid player.
– No
14. Jordan Poole, Celtics
- Initial selection: Romeo Langford
- Original position: 28th, Warriors
There are several players who deserve consideration for the final lottery pick. For now, my bet is Poole.
Yes, Poole’s time with the Wizards wasn’t ideal, but he was a difference maker for the Warriors for a couple of seasons and played a big role in Golden State’s run to the championship in 2022. I’m still optimistic that he can go back to being that player.
—Rafferty
The best players available: Keldon Johnson, Max Strus, PJ Washington, Matisse Thybulle, Terance Mann, Rui Hachimura, D’Andre Hunter, Daniel Gafford, Goga Bitadze
