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Grading 2019 Nba Draft Lottery Picks
Grading the 2019 Nba Draft Lottery Picks
1. A+ New Orleans Pelicans- Zion Williamson
Everybody knew that Zion is a generational type player, and will live up to the hype in the NBA being compared to the likes of LeBron James so this was basically a lock as a pick and a player as well.
2. A Memphis Grizzlies- Ja Morant
Ja put up insane numbers in college and led the NCAA in APG, and he is being compared to a hybrid De'Aaron Fox/Russell Westbrook. Great pick by the Grizzlies with long time guard Mike Conley being traded to Utah, this was a lock.
3. A+ New York Knicks- RJ Barrett
If RJ was in next years draft, he easilly would have went #1, so finally the Knicks make the right pick who is a scoring machine. RJ will pair well with the young core of Kevin Knox, Dennis Smith Jr, and the free agents they lure in with that huge amount of cap space.
4. B+ Atlanta Hawks- De'Andre Hunter
The only reason I have Hunter rated fairly lower compared to the big three is that I felt that the Hawks still could have had him at 8. They clearly saw something in Hunter that made them jump, so I guess a good pick by them. Plus, with 3&D being so important in this league, he will fit right in with the Hawks and my comparison for Hunter is a better Trevor Ariza.
5. B- Cleveland Cavaliers- Darius Garland
Garland played great for the five games that he wasn't injured, but questions do arise if he will be the same player. Not to mention the fact if the Garland Sexton back court does not work. Cavs might have drafted a modern D-Rose, but we will see.
6. A- Minnesota Timber wolves- Jarrett Culver
First of all, props to Minnesota's front office for straight up fleecing the Suns for the sixth overall pick. Culver has everything to thrive in this league as a two-way player to pair alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. My pro comparison is Jimmy Butler, both are good on offense but straight clamps on defense. Great pick by the Wolves.
7. A- Chicago Bulls- Coby White
Chicago goes for a team need, with Morant and Garland off the board, they take Coby White. Personally, I think that this is a great pick by the Bulls to pair White with LaVine, and Markkanen. Bulls fans, your front office picked well again good work.
8. C New Orleans Pelicans- Jaxon Hayes
Again, Pelicans go off team need, and select the first big man in Hayes. Personally, this pick raises a bit of concern as yes, he is a great rim protector but his offensive game is not the greatest. My comparison for Jaxon is probably a watered down Rudy Gobert
9. D+ Washington Wizards- Rui Hachimura
I might be grading this too low as I felt Rui was out of the lottery talent, but 9th? The Wizards clearly saw something in him which is surprising. I don't want him to be a bust by any means, but I don't feel he can be the greatest player in this league.
10. A- Cam Reddish- Atlanta Hawks
Cam was widely regarded as a top 5 prospect before his freshman season, but at Duke was a third option and that hurt his stock. Hawks got an absolute steal here with Reddish, and this team looks like a future dynasty in a couple of years.
11. C+ Cameron Johnson- Phoenix Suns
I don't really know much about this guy, aside that he is good a 3s and moving the floor, but the Suns don't need another small forward they needed a point guard and could have drafted Coby White. Meh move by Phoenix.
12. B PJ Washington- Charlotte Hornets
Hornets have been in limbo for awhile, but drafting Washington to pair with Miles Bridges and Malik Monk is seeming to be the right direction. Plus with Kemba leaving for possibly Boston, they need all the young talent they can have for a rebuild.
13. C+ Tyler Herro- Miami Heat
I don't really know much about Herro aside from the fact that he is a great shooter. Miami needs 3pt shooting badly, so this is a good pick for them after the post D-Wade era.
14. C Romeo Langford- Boston Celtics
After being talked as a top 5 prospect in high school, Langford did not do so hot in college. He put up solid numbers, but didn't lead his team to much wins, and did not qualify for March Madness. This was a huge questionable pick for Boston.