2019 NBA Draft Grades & Breakdowns

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The 2019 NBA Draft is here, and it’s never too early to analyze the picks made by each respective franchise. This segment not only covers what we need to know about each selected prospect, but also provides grades for each pick based on the analysis of multiple correspondents with The Athletes Hub.

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1. New Orleans Pelicans: F Zion Williamson (Duke)

What we need to know: As expected for weeks, the New Orleans Pelicans took the best player in the draft in Zion Williamson. Along with the young core involving new additions in Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram, Williamson should have a bright future.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A+

2. Memphis Grizzlies: G Ja Morant (Murray State)

What we need to know: As the most gifted passer, the Memphis Grizzlies moved on from Mike Conley in hopes of making Ja Morant the future of their point guard position. Leading the nation in 10 assists per game, Morant will be an exciting prospect.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A+

3. New York Knicks: G RJ Barrett (Duke)

What we need to know: The New York Knicks have taken the top available talent in RJ Barrett, who turned down offers to workout for other suitors. With the two sides showing mutual interest, Barrett will instantaneously be thrown in the New York spotlight.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A+

4. Atlanta Hawks (From New Orleans Pelicans): F DeAndre Hunter (Virginia)

What we need to know: After trading up the #4 pick, the Atlanta Hawks grabbed the prospect of their choice in DeAndre Hunter. While he doesn’t hold the same “name value” as the talents before him, Hunter will pair nicely with an already-youthful lineup.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A- 

5. Cleveland Cavaliers: G Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)

What we need to know: The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a bit of a rebuild, but Darius Garland provides volume scoring. Shooting nearly 50% from three-point range, Garland will be a solid addition to the roster.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

6. Minnesota Timberwolves (From Phoenix Suns): G Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech)

What we need to know: After trading up to the #6 pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves seriously contemplated trading away the new selection. Instead, the front office bet on Jarrett Culver. They weren’t 100% focused on Culver from the start, but he has obviously potential.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

7. Chicago Bulls: G Coby White (North Carolina)

What we need to know: The Chicago Bulls were in need of a point guard, and Coby White fits the bill. Already labeled as the youngest roster in the NBA, White is entering one of the larger markets the NBA has to offer.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A

8. New Orleans Pelicans (From Atlanta Hawks): C Jaxson Hayes (Texas)

What we need to know: The New Orleans Pelicans discussed trading down from the #8 pick, but ultimately took Jaxson Hayes. As a replacement to Anthony Davis, the Pelicans clearly needed a big man such as Hayes, who ranks as the #1 pure center in this draft class.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A+

9. Washington Wizards: F Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga)

What we need to know: Although he was expected to slide a few more spots, Rui Hachimura has three years at the collegiate level. With a bit more experience than his fellow draft classmates, Hachimura should be an interesting fit.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

10. Atlanta Hawks (From Dallas Mavericks): G/F Cam Reddish (Duke)

What we need to know: After previously selecting DeAndre Hunter with the #4 selection, the Atlanta Hawks continued to bulk up with Duke’s Cam Reddish. The freshman alumni is the third member of Duke to enter the NBA.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

11. Phoenix Suns (From Minnesota Timberwolves): F Cam Johnson (North Carolina)

What we need to know: This was a major reach for Phoenix, but a small forward is just what they needed. Spending 2014-18 with North Carolina, we’re eager to see if his experience correlates to his play at the professional level.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C

12. Charlotte Hornets:  F PJ Washington (Kentucky)

What we need to know: The Charlotte Hornets are one of many teams attempting to trade on draft night, but ultimately selected PJ Washington. Shooting efficiently in his two seasons at Kentucky, Washington actually jumped up from 23.8% to 42.3% from three.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

13. Miami Heat: G Tyler Herro (Kentucky)

What we need to know: Averaging over 30 minutes per game, it’s odd to see Tyler Herro average a touch over 14 points per game. Regarldess, the Miami Heat shoots 93.5% from the free throw line and can rely on him for years to come.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

14. Boston Celtics (From Sacramento Kings): G Romeo Langford (Indiana)

What we need to know: Many expected for Boston to jump on the opportunity to grab a big man, considering Al Horford could be on the move in free agency. Still, Romeo Langford is a solid selection at the very least.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

15. Detroit Pistons:  F Sekou Doumbouya (France)

What we need to know: Playing overseas, many had Sekou Doumbouya as a top ten selection heading into the draft. Noted as a tremendous two-way player, this is going to be an often overlooked pick for the time being.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A

16. Orlando Magic:  F Chuma Okeke (Auburn)

What we need to know: Originally, Chuma Okeke wasn’t expected to become a first-round selection. Noted as a solid two-way player, the sophomore forced 3 turnovers per game.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C

17. New Orleans Pelicans (From Atlanta Hawks):  G Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech)

What we need to know: The New Orleans Pelicans made a somewhat risky investment, bulking up furthermore when it comes to the back court. Alexander-Walker is a tremendous talent who averaged over 34 minutes per game at Virginia Tech, but struggles when it comes to controlling his turnover rate.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C

18. Indiana Pacers: C Goga Bitadze (Rep. of Georgia)    

What we need to know: Remember this guy? Goga Bitadze became a meme prior to the draft for his lack of attention from the media, but is a tremendous talent for the Indiana Pacers. Watch out.

The Athletes Hub Grade: A-

19. San Antonio Spurs: F Luka Samanic (Croatia)

What we need to know: As an overseas player, Luka Samanic clearly has experience against grown men. While other options such as Matisse Thybulle would have been a better fit, it will be interesting to spectate Samanic’s development.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

20. Philadelphia 76ers (From Boston Celtics): G/F Matisse Thybulle (Washington)

What we need to know: The Boston Celtics traded down with the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for the #24 and #33 picks. In result, Matisse Thubulle will become the newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C+

21. Memphis Grizzlies (From Oklahoma City Thunder): F/C Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga)

What we need to know: After trading up from #23 to #21 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Memphis Grizzlies took on a great prospect in Brandon Clarke. This is fair value with Clarke, as Memphis clearly wanted his talents.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

22. Boston Celtics: F Grant Williams (Tennessee)

What we need to know: The Celtics traded down and eventually selected a 6’7″ in Grant Williams. Although he plays the power forward positions, there were plenty of other high-ranked prospects to choose from.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C-

23. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Memphis Grizzlies): F Darius Bazely (USA)

What we need to know: Darius Bazely did not take the same route as his draft classmates, ultimately electing not to participate in college basketball. This is quite the gamble for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are a few pieces away from being a serious contender in the West.

The Athletes Hub Grade: C

24. Phoenix Suns (From Boston Celtics): G Ty Jerome (Virginia)

What we need to know: The Boston Celtics traded once again, as the Phoenix Suns jumped on the opportunity to select Ty Jerome. This was a great grab for the Suns, who have an already-youthful back court. In result, the Suns have received Aaron Baynes from the Boston Celtics.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

25. Portland Trail Blazers: F Nassir Little (North Carolina)

What we need to know: The Portland Trail Blazers selected Nassir Little, who becomes the third member of North Carolina basketball to go into the first round. Originally scheduled as a late lottery pick, this was a bargain for Portland.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Houston Rockets): F Dylan Winder (Belmont)

What we need to know: The Cleveland Cavaliers remained patient and winded up with Darius Garland and Dylan Winder at this stage in the first round. Notorious for his basketball IQ, he often draws comparisons to Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B-

27. Los Angeles Clippers (From Brooklyn Nets): F/C Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida State)

What we need to know: The Los Angeles Clippers traded up with the Brooklyn Nets in order to take on Mfiondu Kabengele. Shooting over 49% from the field in two straight seasons at Flordia State, he should be able to climb his way up the roster.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B+

28. Golden State Warriors: G Jordan Poole (Michigan)

What we need to know: This was quite the reach for Golden State, but they’re desperate for shooters now that they are without Klay Thompson. While the future of the roster is uncertain, Jordan Poole is here to stay.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

29. San Antonio Spurs (From Toronto Raptors): G/F Keldon Johnson (Kentucky)

What we need to know: The San Antonio Spurs gained a bargain pick in Keldon Johnson, who was projected initially as a late lottery pick. With the next generation of players taking over in San Antonio, this was a very calculated pick by the front office.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

30. Cleveland Cavaliers (From Detroit Pistons): G/F Kevin Porter Jr (USC)

What we need to know: The Cleveland Cavaliers traded up to select Kevin Porter Jr with the final selection in the first round of the NBA Draft. In result, the front office was willing to give up four second-round picks and cash considerations.

The Athletes Hub Grade: B

Featured Image: Bleacher Report