NBA Draft Preview

In a draft class full of future stars, each prospect is vying to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. NBA general managers are watching last-minute player footage and finalizing scout reports to make the best possible use of their draft picks. These picks could make or break a struggling team’s future or help an already accomplished team with a positional need (i.e. the Bucks needing a three and D wing). Whatever the case, the draft is essential to all NBA teams and will be closely followed by everyone associated with the NBA. Without further ado, here are the top six prospects for the 2019 NBA Draft:

1. Zion Williamson (Duke) - He is the most surefire number-one pick since LeBron James, and not much has to be said about this transcendent forward’s skill set. The recent Wooden Award winner has won a myriad of other awards and has been making headlines left and right.

Strengths: At 6 feet and seven inches and weighing 285 pounds, his build is awe-inspiring and makes defending against him nearly impossible. His vertical jump is a highlight film on repeat, whether he’s snatching rebounds out of the sky or dunking over three defenders. He can get to the hoop at will and finish at the rim like Kawhi Leonard. Shooting 68 percent from the field, Williamson is unguardable and doesn’t hurt his team by missing shots. Williamson will be the face of a franchise for a decade, possibly longer. Williamson also can take over games in the final few minutes, which is essential in a sport in which the last five minutes of the game are so crucial. He also has a great personality and an attitude that would be a fit for any NBA team in any market.

Weaknesses: The one noticeable weakness about Williamson’s game is his inconsistency in his jump shot. With the way the NBA is evolving, the “space game” requires great jump shooters, and Williamson’s jump shot is very inconsistent, as he shot only 33 percent from beyond the arc with the Blue Devils. Additionally, his 65 percent free throw percentage must improve.

Scout Grade: 97

NBA comparison: Literally none; he’s too unique.

Perfect fit: New York Knicks

2. Ja Morant (Murray State) - Any lackadaisical fanbase would be reinvigorated if its team acquired the talented Ja Morant.

Strengths: Morant can shoot the ball like a true shooter and has the ability to drive to the hoop and finish similar to Kyrie Irving. He can also cross people up and then make highlight dunks that would ignite a fanbase that may be rather disinterested in the game. Morant can pass the ball to perfection, as he was the first player to average 20 points and 10 assists in over a decade. In addition, he also has great all-around play, as he was the first player since 2012 to get a triple double in the NCAA tournament. Morant is a do-it-all point guard who can instantly transform an offense in need of a star. Morant is also the type of player to step up in the last minutes of a game to help his team. For the cherry on top, Morant’s great personality, in victory or defeat, always shines through; for example, he gave his shoes to a young fan after his last ever game with Murray State.

Weaknesses: Similar to Russell Westbrook in the NBA, Morant has turnover problems that may handicap his team throughout a season. Additionally, some critics say that Morant has not played against great competition since he played in the Ohio Valley Conference and not a power conference, so his stats may be slightly inflated.

Scout Grade: 94

NBA comparison: Russell Westbrook

Perfect fit: Phoenix Suns

3. RJ Barrett (Duke) - The best all-around scorer in the draft will be a steal at pick number three.

Strengths: The ever-so-rare lefty shooter has just been transformed as Barrett has blasted onto the national scene after making the All-American First Team. Barrett can score in multiple ways, as his isolation game is the best in this draft class; his spot up shooting is also terrific. Barrett has a beautiful floater and mid-range game, leaving defenders frozen in their attempts to guard him. Barrett’s determination to score is immeasurable and would be a great fit for a team in need of a pure scorer.

Weaknesses: Despite resembling a walking bucket, Barrett’s scoring ability is balanced by his extremely slim frame. At 202 pounds, Barrett will struggle against bigger and stronger defenders in the NBA that may be able to out-muscle him and reduce his ability to score. In addition, Barrett shoots 67 percent at the free throw line, which is just not good enough for the NBA. Lastly, Barrett often forces the issue on offense which leads to a bad three-point shooting percentage and some questionable shots.

Scout Grade: 89

NBA comparison: Andrew Wiggins

Perfect fit: Cleveland Cavaliers

4. DeAndre Hunter (Virginia) - The best two-way player in the draft, Hunter can help any NBA team on both ends of the floor.

Strengths: If the best defender in the draft falls to number four, that’s a steal. Hunter can guard all five positions. Not only is he 225 pounds, but he is also six feet and seven inches; he is adaptable to any position on the court at any time. Hunter shoots the three at a terrific 44 percent mark, which forces defenses to always guard Hunter on the perimeter, helping create space for his team in the paint. What further boosts his resume is the fact that Hunter has experience on the big stage; he’s played in the National Championships and has maintained a high level while under pressure, scoring 27 points. The majority of these points came in the last five minutes of the second half and overtime. Hunter is an intriguing prospect on both sides of the floor who can make a difference for all 48 minutes.

Weaknesses: Hunter has few weaknesses, as he is the most complete wing in the draft and can sometimes be predictable on offense. Hunter needs to work on creating his own shot, especially off the dribble. Additionally, Hunter needs to become a better ball handler in the NBA to further evolve his game.

Scout Grade: 87

NBA comparison: Kawhi Leonard

Perfect fit: Atlanta Hawks

5. Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech) - A terrific player both on and off the ball will still be available with the fifth pick in the NBA draft.

Strengths: Culver can run an offense on his own and create his own shot with consistency. As a great shot-creating wing, he has terrific passing ability, which is an extremely rare combination. Culver is also a terrific defender, able to guard positions 1-4; he complements his defense by being a solid rebounder. Culver has had experience in leading a team to success, as he did with the Red Raiders this past season.

Weaknesses: Culver is not a terrific three-point shooter, and hence, he really needs to work on his jumpshot. The player weighs 195 pounds, which means he can easily get pushed around in the paint by stronger wings. Culver also needs to work on his handles with the basketball when he drives to the basket, as he’s prone to getting the ball stripped.

Scout Grade: 85

NBA comparison: Brandon Ingram

Perfect fit: Chicago Bulls

6. Cam Reddish (Duke) - The best spot-up shooter in the draft will fall to number six and be a great player in today’s NBA.

Strengths: There is no doubt that Cam Reddish may be the best shooter in the draft, as he’s already showcased his NBA range through his games. Reddish also has an NBA-type frame and does not seem out of place, playing anywhere from point guard to power forward. Reddish can go on hot streaks and make three three-pointers in five minutes to lead his team to victory.

Weaknesses: Despite his hot streaks, Reddish is way too inconsistent and can be a non-factor in a game for a 10-minute stretch. His ability to get to the hoop and finish is also questionable, which makes him a less exciting prospect than the aforementioned five players. He also lacks good court vision and is sometimes unable to find his teammates in open areas.

Scout Grade: 84

NBA comparison: Danny Green

Perfect fit: Washington Wizards