2019 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Latest First Round Selections

Jaylen Hands, UCLA Bruins, NBA
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Last 5 Picks

26. Brooklyn Nets (via Denver): PG Jaylen Hands- UCLA; So

With D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie hitting free agency after this season, Brooklyn elects to take another guard. This time, they take the point guard from UCLA who came back for his sophomore season to improve his draft stock. The big question for Hands this season was his ability to find his teammates; he has nearly doubled his assists per game (2.6 to 5.0). Offensively, Hands is one of the most efficient scoring point guard prospects in the draft. In 2018-19, he has averaged 16.7 points per game on 48.0 percent shooting (50.0 percent from deep). After taking Quentin Grimes, the Nets decide to keep bolstering their backcourt and giving Caris LeVert more running mates.

27. Milwaukee Bucks: Shamorie Ponds- St. Johns; Jr

The Bucks are continuing to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe will be a free agent after this season. Ponds’ size and ability to find open teammates create cause for concern, but Milwaukee takes a chance on him here for his scoring abilities. He has averaged over 17.0 PPG while at St. Johns and is shooting 45.5 percent from deep this season. Pesky on the defensive end, Ponds has averaged over 2.0 steals per contest in each season. His perimeter shooting and explosive scoring persuade Milwaukee to take a chance and attempt to find a reliable scorer alongside Giannis.

28. Portland Trailblazers: SF Herb Jones- Alabama; So

Overshadowed by Collin Sexton and John Petty last season, Jones looks to improve in all ways in his sophomore campaign. Despite not having impressive stats to back up this selection, Jones’ motor, impressive athleticism, and scoring flashes persuade Portland to take the wing prospect late in the first round. Evan Tuner is 30 and Maurice Harkless is not the answer at small forward so the Trailblazers elect to go with Jones.

29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto): PF P.J. Washington- Kentucky; So

The pick that came from the Raptors in the Kawhi LeonardDeMar DeRozan trade, the Spurs elect to continue to add to their frontcourt. Washington’s 7-foot-3 wingspan makes up for his undersized 6-foot-7, 236-pound frame, which makes him an asset defensively and on the glass. Offensively, he will need to improve his shooting and develop an identity, but he can get out and move in transition and finish above the rim. After drafting Sekou Doumbouya, San Antonio adds youth, depth, and athleticism to an aging frontcourt.

30. Golden State Warriors: F/C Jontay Porter- Missouri; So

Jordan Bell and Kevon Looney hit the free agent market this offseason and could be asking for too much for the Warriors to re-sign them. Despite Porter missing this season to repair a torn ACL, he still makes for an intriguing prospect. His ability to knock down the outside shot and score on the post will allow him to excel at the center position at Golden State.

Keep an eye out for our continued 2019 NBA Draft coverage as the basketball season moves along.

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