NBA Draft Watch: Post All-Star Break 2019 NBA Mock Draft

Projected Top Pick, Zion Williamson (Duke)
(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

The resumption of the NBA schedule began last night following the layoff of a few days since the All-Star break, signaling the beginning of the second half of the season.

Over the next couple of months leading to the beginning of the playoffs in mid-April, teams across the league will continue to scrap for position in the standings. Some with an eye towards improving their record and seeding in hopes of qualifying for the post-season. Others whom while not "tanking", per se, most concerned with improving the fortunes of their future, positioning themselves for a particular draft pick.

Simultaneously, college players are in the second-half stretch of their respective seasons and have had a significant opportunity to showcase their talent throughout the schedule so far. Similarly, the coming months for them as prospects will be pivotal as they posture themselves to be selected within a certain range of picks with competitive conference tournaments right around the corner. Followed by that is the NCAA Tournament where a number of prospects tend to see their draft stock soar.

All that being said, now is a prime time to project where particular players would be selected by specific teams if the draft were to occur today.

Having closely followed the landscape of college basketball, which has emanated early evaluations of legitimate prospects, while using the current NBA standings to place the spot of each projected pick, also accounting for trades taken place that has involved draft picks in the upcoming class, Matt's Draft Journal presents the Post All-Star Break 2019 NBA Mock Draft.


1. Phoenix Suns: Zion Williamson, Duke (Forward)

The freshman phenom suffered an injury in the early moments of the game on Wednesday against North Carolina, though thankfully not severe, as it stands, has caused speculation as to whether he should cut his college career short as the clear-cut projected first overall pick, already. 

2. New York Knicks:  RJ Barrett, Duke (Wing)

If it weren't for his teammate projected to be taken ahead of him, Barrett may have been the probable first overall pick. Having entered the season as the consensus top-ranked player out of high school the 6'7, 202-pound wing has been super productive and still has plenty of potential to tap into. 

3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ja Morant, Murray State (Point)

A freakishly athletic playmaker, Morant has soared up draft boards as much as anyone and figures to be the first player not from Duke to be taken in the draft. His fit with Cavs 2018 1st round pick Collin Sexton may be difficult to envision, but he is too talented to pass up at this spot. 

4. Chicago Bulls: Sekou Doumboya, Limoges CSP-France (Forward)

The top international prospect in this draft class, Doumboya is a raw yet tantalizing realization waiting to happen for an NBA team. Having just turned 18 in December and still growing into his 6'9, 230-pound frame he'd provide valuable versatility in the Bulls frontcourt alongside Lauri Markkanen.

5. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish, Duke (Wing)

Entering the season with plenty of projections to go successively with his two other freshmen teammates at Duke, the 6'8 Reddish has been the least effective of the trio. Still, his skill-set and ceiling make him a strong prospect to fit alongside Hawks rookies Trae Young and Kevin Huerter.

6. Memphis Grizzlies: Coby White, North Carolina (Point)

With more than sufficient size for his position (6'5) and showing signs as both a shooter and scorer, White has had a solid season with UNC. As the Grizzlies may decide to move Mike Conley, White would fit well in a rebuild giving Memphis two pieces to build around, with he and Jaren Jackson. 

7. Washington Wizards: De'Andre Hunter, Virginia (Wing/Forward)

Drawing some draft talk last year as the 6th man for Virginia, Hunter returned to school for his redshirt sophomore season. One of the best two-way players in college basketball, the versatile 6'7 prospect would provide an immediate impact as the Wizards decide the direction of their franchise.

8. New Orleans Pelicans: Romeo Langford, Indiana (Wing)

Though his Indiana team has struggled as of late, Langford has licensed himself as a legit scoring guard from each level of the floor throughout the season. Regardless of what happens concerning Anthony Davis, he would add scoring depth to their backcourt alongside Jrue Holiday. 

9. Atlanta Hawks: Bol Bol, Oregon (Center)

An early season injury put the 7'3 prospect's wide-ranging draft stock in the air even more. Though there may be risk inherit with him at this pick, Bol's size, and shooting ability make him an intriguing lottery ticket for a team that has two top-10 picks. 

10. Miami Heat: Keldon Johnson, Kentucky (Wing)

Often times overlooked by a few other freshmen in the country, the 6'6 Johnson has been one of the most consistent players in the college basketball for one of its best teams. His adequate athleticism, size, and shooting ability should translate well to the NBA and especially with the Heat.

11. Orlando Magic: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech (Combo)

At times the rangy 6'5 Alexander-Walker has looked worthy of a top-10 pick and in other occasions, his inconsistency would lead to an incomplete understanding of his draft stock. If all the stars aligned he could couple with Markelle Fultz for a compelling backcourt. Either way, the Magic need guards.

12. Minnesota T'Wolves: Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech (Wing)

Culver began his sophomore year with a scorching start to begin the season. The 6'6 prospect looks poised to be selected ahead of last year's Texas Tech wing Zaire Smith and could immediately compete with current T'Wolves rookie Josh Okogie for minutes alongside Andrew Wiggins.

13. Los Angeles Lakers: PJ Washington, Kentucky (Big)

One of the most improved prospects in the country, Washington has played his way into a look at a lottery pick after being considered a fringe first-rounder. At 6'8 with a wide wingspan (7'3), physical toughness, and an improved shooting touch he could be a nice find for the Lakers at this spot. 

14. Boston Celtics: Jordan Poole, Michigan (Combo)

Like Washington, Poole has been one of the most improved players in college basketball since last season. With NBA-range and smooth ball-handling ability to create his own shot at 6'5, he'd offer Boston backcourt support as it enters the summer with Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier as free agents.

15. Detroit Pistons: Darius Garland, Vanderbilt (Point)

Garland impressed in the five games he played during the season before being shut down with a season-ending injury. With Reggie Jackson entering the last year of his contract next season and the Pistons potentially in search of a PG for the future, the 6'2 freshman could be a fine fit for Detroit. 

16. Charlotte Hornets: Shamorie Ponds, St. John's (Combo)

Now a junior, the 6'1 Ponds has improved his efficiency as a scorer, playmaker, and on defense this season as St. John's. He could learn from Kemba Walker if the All-Star starter decides to re-sign with Charlotte or become the next NYC-bred point guard to run the show for Michael Jordan's team.

17. Brooklyn Nets: Dedric Lawson, Kansas (Big)

Having sat out last season after transferring from Memphis, Lawson has been one of the best players in college basketball this season. While his athleticism may be just average, his rebounding prowess and skill as an inside-out offensive option at 6'9 should fit well with the surging young Nets team.

18. Boston Celtics: Grant Williams, Tennessee (Forward)

Earning SEC Player of the Year as a sophomore, Williams has taken a step forward this season as a commendable candidate for National Player of the Year. Physically built at 6'7, his high IQ of the game and awareness on both ends of the floor make him a quality option in Brad Stevens system.

19. San Antonio Spurs: Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga (Big)

An excellent high-effort defensive player who can move his feet out on the perimeter, rebound, and block shots at 6'8, Clarke's improving offensive ability has catapulted him into first-round consideration. He'd provide front-court protection behind Lamarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol.

20. Utah Jazz: Tre Jones, Duke (Point)
A floor general who exhibits above-average playmaking while forcing more turnovers on defense than he allows on offense, Jones looks likely to follow his brother Tyus as a 1st round pick. With Ricky Rubio becoming a free agent, he could become the next Jazz PG.

21. Cleveland Cavaliers: Admiral Schofield, Tennessee (Wing)
A quality shooter with a strong stature at 6'6, 241 pound Schofield has seen a surge in his draft stock this season as a senior. His NBA-ready frame and traits could provide immediate much-needed depth on the wing for the Cavs and be an interesting fit with Collin Sexton and Ja Morant.

22. Portland Trailblazers: Louis King, Oregon (Wing/Forward)
King came to Oregon a highly-touted recruit and after missing the first month of the season due to injury, has shown NBA-level skill on the wing at 6'7. His size and shooting ability could be a competent commodity in complementing stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

23. Boston Celtics: Talen Horton-Tucker, Iowa State (Wing/Forward)
One of the more unique prospects eligible for the draft, the 6'4, 233-pound freshman is capable of playing the point, on the wing, and in the post. Horton-Tucker's skill and positional flexibility would work well within the Boston Celtics and Brad Stevens system.

24. Philadelphia 76'ers: Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga (Big)
While Brandon Clarke appears earlier in this mock draft, Hachimura has actually been the driving force offensively for Gonzaga this season. Should the 6'8 junior happen to last this long in the draft he'd be an excellent fit either next to or playing behind Joel Embiid as a 4/5.

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Bruno Fernando, Maryland (Big)
Already a solid rebounder and shot blocker, Fernando returned to Maryland for his sophomore season after testing the draft process last year. Sustaining those strong skills and improving his offensive ability the 6'10 big could offer similar qualities and protection to Steven Adams.

26. Indiana Pacers: Nasir Little, North Carolina (Wing/Forward)
Projected by many to be taken in the top-5 prior to the season Little has had to settle into a 6th man role for the Tar Heels. The 6'6 freshman status has slipped some if going by that initial expectation, but he could be an explosive athletic wing for a team that may lose a few forwards in free agency.

27. Brooklyn Nets: Daniel Gafford, Arkansas (Center)
A long and athletic center at 6'11, Gafford offers the attributes to be a quality rim-protector and lob option who runs the floor well in transition. He could develop nicely and offer depth to the Nets behind starting '5' Jarrett Allen who had similar qualities when entering the draft a few seasons ago.

28. Golden State Warriors: Naz Reid, LSU (Big)
At 6'10, 250 pounds, Reid brings proper size to play in the paint with legitimate skills to play on the perimeter. Though a still-developing prospect, the freshman can offer similar offensive traits to Demarcus Cousins who may decide to depart in free agency following the season.

29. San Antonio Spurs: Cameron Johnson, North Carolina (Wing)
An experienced college player who's been at the level for five years, Johnson may not inspire talks of tremendous upside but brings a certain skill-set on the wing at 6'9 with a pure jump shot. He can offer immediate minutes for a team that may have to replace Rudy Gay, whose contract will soon expire.

30. Milwaukee Bucks: Jontay Porter, Missouri (Big)
Having tested the draft waters following his freshman season, Porter was set to step foot on the floor as a sophomore before suffering a torn ACL. At 6'10 with a soft shooting touch out past the 3-point line and a decent shot blocker, he could fit in with the Bucks similar to how Brook Lopez has.