BOSTON — The 2019 NBA Draft finally has arrived.
The stage is set at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where Zion Williamson is expected to be chosen with the No. 1 selection Thursday night. Ja Morant is projected to follow in the No. 2 slot, but after that, anything can happen.
New Orleans, which holds the first overall pick, reportedly sent the fourth overall choice (which it acquired in the Anthony Davis trade) to the Atlanta Hawks. The Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers round out the top five with picks two, three and five, respectively.
(You can head over to our NBA Draft live blog for the latest rumors and trades.)
Here’s a list of every first- and second-round draft pick, along with some quick-hit analysis from NESN’s Chris Grenham:
ROUND 1
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, F, Duke (6-foot-7, 272 pounds)
The Duke product is a never-before-seen specimen who’s as athletic as they come. Williamson was college basketball’s best player from start to finish this season, and he’ll bring that same star power to New Orleans. The 6-foot-7 forward is a no-brainer from both a basketball and a business standpoint.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, PG, Murray State (6-foot-3, 170 pounds)
Morant is a fascinating prospect. At 6-foot-3, the 19-year-old has crazy athleticism, which pushes his ceiling to an extreme level. His north/south speed rivals that of John Wall, allowing him to be unbelievably effective in transition. The Murray State product should be a lot of fun alongside Jaren Jackson Jr.
3. New York Knicks:Â RJ Barrett, SF, Duke (6-foot-7, 208 pounds)
Barrett is a great scorer who was overshadowed by the Zion madness at Duke this season. He’s a solid passer who can act as the primary ball handler, while he’s also shown to be great on the glass for his size. Barrett is New York’s best bet at No. 3.
4. Los Angeles Lakers (reportedly to be traded to Atlanta Hawks via Pelicans): De’Andre Hunter, SF, Virginia (6-foot-8, 222 pounds)
Hunter’s defensive versatility combined with his 3-and-D potential makes him an easy top-10 pick. He arguably can guard any spot on the floor thanks to his quickness and size, while possessing a consistent spot-up shot at the other end. With arguably the highest floor of any prospect in the class, Hunter can be a key part of Atlanta’s long-term rebuild.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt (6-foot-3, 173 pounds)
Garland missed the majority of the year due to a season-ending knee injury, but the score-first point guard has a perfect pick-and-roll game. Durability issues should cause White to go ahead of Garland in a class that remains thin at point guard.
6. Phoenix Suns: Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech (6-foot-6, 195 pounds)
Culver will bring great versatility to whatever backcourt he ends up in. If he’s able to improve his ball handling, he’s a sure thing at the wing.
7. Chicago Bulls:Â Coby White, PG, North Carolina (6-foot-5, 191 pounds)
White is extremely quick and has shown the ability to play well both on and off the ball. The 6-foot-5 guard is very dangerous in transition and is a threat for any fast-paced offense. His size is a major plus, and he’s an above-average shot maker who thrives in the open floor. In other words, NBA spacing is perfect for his game.
8. Atlanta Hawks (Reportedly traded to Pelicans): Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas (7-foot, 220 pounds)
Hayes is a long, athletic big, which creates an intriguing frontcourt option with Zion Williamson.
9. Washington Wizards:Â Rui Hachimura, PF, Gonzaga (6-foot-9, 234 pounds)
The Japanese-born forward has an interesting skill set, which creates plenty of mismatches for opposing teams. Hachimura is athletic for his size and exemplifies great work ethic that any team would love to add.
10. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas):Â Cam Reddish, SF, Duke (6-foot-9, 205 pounds)
Reddish will be the last of the Duke trio selected, but his offensive potential should keep him in the top 10. The 6-foot-8 wing certainly can score, but he doesn’t have a great motor, which leads to a lack of flow in his game. Reddish should provide a nice perimeter scoring punch alongside Atlanta’s young core of Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves (Reportedly traded to Suns): Cameron Johnson, PF, North Carolina (6-foot-9, 210 pounds)
Floor spacing is important in the NBA, and long shooters make it much easier to achieve. Johnson is exactly that, in addition to having a strong transition game. At 23, he’s one of the older prospects in the class and should contribute immediately.
12. Charlotte Hornets: PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky (6-foot-8, 223 pounds)
Washington benefited from returning to Lexington for his sophomore year. He plays like a guard but is 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan. Not bad for someone with solid court vision and an awesome ability to find the open man.
13. Miami Heat:Â Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky (6-foot-5, 193 pounds)
Herro can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor and is a good defender.
14. Boston Celtics (via Sacramento):Â Romeo Langford, SF, Indiana (6-foot-6, 202 pounds)
Langford didn’t have a great 3-point shooting season, but much of that likely was the result of an injured shooting hand. To his advantage, he’s a great scorer, extremely athletic and has a good frame for an NBA wing. There’s no reason to believe he won’t be a pro bucket-getter, especially if he can create his own shot in pick-and-roll sets.
15. Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya, PF, France (6-foot-9, 210 pounds)
Doumbouya is a project, but the 18-year-old has plenty of upside with great length and solid mobility at 6-foot-9. He’s still very raw and doesn’t have great hands, but again, he’s only 18 and has already shown defensive promise during his time in Pro A France.
16. Orlando Magic: Chuma Okeke, PF, Auburn (6-foot-8, 229 pounds)
Okeke tore his ACL during the 2019 NCAA Tournament, so the Magic obviously are taking some risk. However, if Okeke can return to his pre-injury form, Orlando will gain a potentially dynamic forward.
17. Brooklyn Nets (pick reportedly to be traded to Pelicans, via Atlanta): Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Virginia Tech (6-foot-6, 200 pounds)
The 6-foot-5 guard can play on or off the ball, which is a huge improvement from where he was during his freshman season with the Hokies. His length, high IQ and creative scoring ability could make him one of the biggest steals of the draft if he falls.
18. Indiana Pacers: Goga Bitadze, C, Georgia (6-foot-11, 251 pounds)
At 19, Bitadze (from Georgia, the country) has shown the ability to play against high levels of competition. He can effectively stretch the floor, but is he the next Nikola Jokic? Who knows. International scouting remains a mystery.
19. San Antonio Spurs: Luka Samanic, PF, Croatia (6-foot-11, 227 pounds)
An athletic, fluid big man who can do a bit of anything. Also from Croatia. Classic Spurs pick.
20. Boston Celtics (Reportedly traded to Philadelphia 76ers): Matisse Thybulle, SF, Washington (6-foot-5, 200 pounds)
Thybulle is an outrageously good defender at 6-foot-5 and has the ability to disrupt any level of guard along the perimeter. At 22-years-old, he’ll be ready to make an immediate impact as a high-level defender wherever he lands.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder (Reportedly traded to Grizzlies): Brandon Clarke, PF, Gonzaga (6-foot-8, 210 pounds)
Clarke is a defensive-minded forward who is ready to contribute immediately at the NBA level. He uses his strong basketball IQ and unique skill set to his advantage on both sides of the ball. If his pick-and-roll game translates to the professional level, he’s one of the more NBA-ready prospects in the class.
22. Boston Celtics: Grant Williams, PF, Tennessee (6-foot-6, 221 pounds)
He’s not a great athlete and isn’t a deep threat (yet), but Williams is a team-first guy who plays his butt off. The 20-year-old is as tough as nails and his defensive IQ is through the roof. Celtics fans will love this guy.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder (via reported trade with Grizzlies, who acquired pick in Mike Conley deal ): Darius Bazley, SF, USA (6-foot-9, 208 pounds)
Bazely drew criticism for skipping college at Syracuse, but nevertheless entered the draft as one of the most versatile forwards in the class. His shooting mechanics need some work, but if everything clicks, he could be a steal.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (Reportedly traded to Suns): Ty Jerome, SG, Virginia (6-foot-5, 200 pounds)
Jerome is a pure shooter who can play multiple spots. At 6-foot-5, he provides defensive length needed from guards in today’s NBA. That and his playmaking ability give him a game fit for the pros.
25. Portland Trail Blazers: Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina (6-foot-6, 215, pounds)
Little is an explosive wing who underperformed for the majority of his season at UNC, but he still has great upside. His toughness and strength allow him to defend multiple positions, giving him 3-and-D potential.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Houston): Dylan Windler, SF, Belmont, (6-foot-7, 195 pounds)
Windler is a great shooter who, if utilized correctly, could be extremely useful for Cleveland’s perimeter depth.
27. Brooklyn Nets (Reportedly traded to Clippers):Mfiondu Kabengele, PF, Florida State (6-foot-10, 256 pounds)
A strong offensive player who doesn’t have a ton of experience and needs work on defense. Could be a solid depth piece.
28. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Poole, SF, Michigan (6-foot-6, 191 pounds)
A creative player with a ton of swagger, Poole is an entertainingly imperfect prospect. Golden State is the perfect place for him.
29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto): Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky (6-foot-6, 210 pounds)
Johnson is a really hard worker who’s a plus defender with a smart offensive game. His off-ball flow needs improvement, and he has below-average athleticism, but Johnson’s effort and talent alone lead people to realize his potential as an immediate impact player.
30. Milwaukee Bucks (pick reportedly traded to Cavaliers): Kevin Porter Jr., SG, USC (6-foot-6, 217 pounds)
Porter Jr. is a lottery talent with a plethora of concerns. Injuries and a lack of work ethic will keep him from the top 10, but this kid can score. If he pans out, he’ll be an absolute steal.
ROUND 2Â
31. Brooklyn Nets (via New York): Nicolas Claxton, C, Georgia
32. Phoenix Suns (Reportedly traded to Heat): KZ Okpala, SF, Stanford
33. Philadelphia 76ers (Reportedly traded to Celtics): Carson Edwards, SG Purdue
34. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago): Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland
35. Atlanta Hawks (Reportedly traded to Pelicans): Marcos Louzada Silva, SF, Brazil
36. Charlotte Hornets (via Washington): Cody Martin, SF, Nevada
37. Dallas Mavericks (Reportedly traded to Pistons): Deividas Sirvydis, SF, Lithuania
38. Chicago Bulls (via Memphis): Daniel Gafford, PF, Arkansas
39. New Orleans Pelicans (Reportedly traded to Warriors): Alen Smailagic, C, Serbia
40. Sacramento Kings (via Minnesota): Justin James, SG, Wyoming
41. Atlanta Hawks (via Los Angeles Lakers): Eric Paschall, PF, Villanova
42. Philadelphia 76ers (via Sacramento): Admiral Schofield, SF, Tennessee
43. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Miami): Jaylen Nowell, SG, Washington
44. Miami Heat (Reportedly traded to Nuggets) Bol Bol, C, Oregon
45. Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Roby, PF, Nebraska
46. Orlando Magic (Reportedly traded to Lakers): Talen Horton-Tucker, SF, Iowa State
47. Sacramento Kings (via Orlando): Ignas Brazdeikis, SF, Michigan
48. Los Angeles Clippers: Terance Mann, SF, Florida State
49. San Antonio Spurs: Quinndary Weatherspoon, SG, Mississippi State
50. Indiana Pacers (Reportedly traded to Jazz): Jarrell Brantley, PF, Charleston
51. Boston Celtics: Tremont Waters, PG, LSU
52. Charlotte Hornets (via Oklahoma City): Jalen McDaniels, PF, San Diego State
53. Utah Jazz: Justin Wright-Foreman, PG, Hofstra
54. Philadelphia 76ers: Marial Shayok, SF, Iowa State
55. New York Knicks (via Houston): Kyle Guy, PG, Virginia
56. Los Angeles Clippers (Reportedly traded to Nets): Jaylen Hands, PG, UCLA
57. New Orleans Pelicans (Reportedly traded to Pistons): Jordan Boone, PG, Tennessee
58. Golden State Warriors (Reportedly traded to Jazz): Miye Oni, SG, Yale
59. Toronto Raptors: Dewan Hernandez, C, Miami
60. Sacramento Kings (via Milwaukee): Vanja Marinkovic, SG, Serbia
