2019 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Latest First Round Selections

Daniel Gafford, Arkansas Razorbacks, NBA
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Picks 6-10

6. Washington Wizards: C Nazreon Reid- LSU; Fr

The Wizards have stumbled out of the gate to begin the 2018-19 campaign, causing Washington’s front office to ponder the direction of the roster. One thing is for certain, they need help in the frontcourt. As of now, Ian Mahinmi is the only big man under contract for next year while Dwight Howard has a player option to return if he chooses to exercise that. Reid is averaging 19.0 and 6.0 RPG points and rebounds per game, respectively, in his freshman season at LSU. A high-motor big man who can run the floor is exactly what the Wizards need and Reid fits the profile. Also, he has shown ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter and his craftiness around and facing the basket could allow him to contribute right away as a rookie.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: SF Keldon Johnson- Kentucky; Fr

The Jimmy Butler days are over in Minnesota and the Wolves will look for a possible replacement. Dario Saric temporarily fills need the at power forward while Derrick Rose‘s improved play have him running lead guard duties for the time being. Keldon Johnson possesses everything that Wolves need: athleticism, defense, and scoring ability. His athletic ability and quality defense make him a promising two-way wing. Shooting may be an area of concern, but Johnson can get out and run in transition and attack the basket in the half court. Although he may be somewhat of a raw prospect, the potential and physical intangibles will excite most NBA general managers.

8. Brooklyn Nets: G/F Quentin Grimes- Kansas; Fr

The Nets are finally able to use their own first-round pick this year and they elect to take another guard/wing to pair with Caris LeVert. D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie will be free agents this offseason, causing Brooklyn to bring in some different personnel. Grimes can play multiple positions; he can assume lead guard duties or play off of the ball. Shooting is his forte and Grimes is not afraid of hitting shots in big games, something LeVert knows all about. His 6-foot-4 frame creates the possibility of a promising, lengthy backcourt and gives the Nets another future go-to scoring option.

9. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas): C Bol Bol- Oregon; Fr

Last year’s Luka DoncicTrae Young trade supplies Atlanta with an additional top 10 selection. After drafting Nassir Little, the Hawks elect to bolster their frontcourt. Bol is one of the most intimidating players in college basketball, and for good reason. At 7-foot-2, he has the potential to become an elite rim protector while becoming an offensive force. What’s even scarier is Bol’s ability to knock down shots on the perimeter and move in transition. Along with Little, Atlanta continues to add length and athleticism.

10. Miami Heat: F/C Daniel Gafford- Arkansas; So

The first non-freshman taken in the 2019 draft, Gafford is taken to eventually replace Hassan Whiteside, who has a player option to become a free agent in the summer of 2020. Although Gafford will need to develop before he contributes in large ways on a nightly basis, he will have a year to develop under Hassan Whiteside’s influence. The sophomore big man is superb in running the floor and playing above the rim; his rim-protecting ability and defensive qualities draw comparisons to those of Whiteside. His ceiling is high, however and he possesses all of the physical tools to reach all-star potential. The Heat select Gafford as a discounted future replacement for Whiteside to possibly go alongside Bam Adebayo.

Next Up: 11-15

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