DDIV NBA Draft Predictions (Lottery 1-14)

Posted on by Donny Didion
Zion Williamson will be the #1 pick in this year’s draft. He is a unique specimen unlike any player the game has ever seen.

1. New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson, F, Duke

6-6 272 18

Pick Analysis: A no brainer. How are the Pelicans going to kickstart their franchise? Start with this guy. A little Bron. A little Chuck. All greatness.

Player Comparison: N/A – unicorn

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant, PG, Murray State

6-3 170 19

Ja Morant jumped on to the scene this year with outstanding dunking talent for a PG, among other skills.

Pick Analysis: This is clearly the guy the Grizzlies want to build their franchise around. After trading Mike Conley to the Jazz just days ago, they are clearly looking to fill that position with the talent young guard out of the Ohio Valley Conference.

Player Comparison: Derrick Rose, Memphis

3. New York Knicks

RJ Barrett, G/SF, Duke

6-7 208 19

RJ Barrett was the nations top recruit coming out of high school. He has FIBA experience, playing with Canada in 2018, and spent a season with Coach K at Duke. The godson of fellow Canadian guard Steve Nash, Barrett appears to be a God send for any organization.

Pick Analysis: Barrett wants to be a Knick. He’s said it over and over. And he is just the superstar they need to build around. This is the definition of pro ready. RJ, welcome to the Big Apple!

Player Comparison: James Harden, Arizona State

4. Atlanta Hawks (from NOP via LAL)

Jarrett Culver, SG, Texas Tech

6-7 194 20

Culver may be the best pure shooter in this year’s draft.

Pick Analysis: I think the Hawks trade up and go get their guy. They have identified Culver as a potential target from early in the process. No chance he makes it past 5. The Cavs will pick him if he’s on the board. The Pelicans see that the #8 and #10 picks have more value to them than the best player on the board in this spot in Culver. I think Culver pairs with Trae Young very nicely. A solid young backcourt in Atlanta.

Player Comparison: Khris Middleton, Texas A&M

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Cam Reddish, SG/SF, Duke

6-8 208 19

Could the forgotten member of Duke’s big 3 be an NBA superstar as well. When this kid is focused, he is a top level baller.

Pick Analysis: With Culver off the board, the Cavs look at Reddish, Garland, and Hunter. If I’m the Cavs, I immediately eliminate Garland as I would identify Collin Sexton as the point guard of the future in Cleveland. I then look to pair Sexton with another consistent shooter. Shooting off the wings was probably the biggest struggle for the Cavs last season. Reddish is a great fit. And the city of Cleveland could teach Reddish the lesson of hard work that he needs. This player clearly has top 5 talent. If anyone can maximize his potential, I think Cleveland can. He’ll get his shots there too. They need consistent offensive producers.

Player Comparison: Joe Johnson, Arkansas

6. Phoenix Suns

Darius Garland, PG, Vanderbilt

6-3 173 19

A solid scoring PG with the ability to pull up from anywhere.

Pick Analysis: Devin Booker needs help in his backcourt. I think Garland pairs nicely with him. Garland is a guard that doesn’t always need the ball in his hand and will make shots that Booker creates for him. And when Booker needs some pressure taken off of him, let Garland handle the basketball. Another key piece in building the bright future in Phoenix.

Player Comparison: Mo Williams, Alabama

7. Chicago Bulls

De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

6-8 222 21

ACC Defensive Player of the year and all around winner for the NCAA champion Cavaliers.

Pick Analysis: What don’t the Bulls need right now? You get great value out of Hunter at 7 in taking the best player on the board. Just the player the Bulls need to change their losing culture.

Player Comparison: Luol Deng, Duke

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from ATL)

Coby White, G, North Carolina 6-5 191

White was one of the most prolific scorers in the ACC last season.

Pick Analysis: What New Orleans is doing is called asset stacking. White is a high ceiling guy that will step into a low pressure situation and will also likely carry some trade value. If they don’t take him here, they risk him not being available at 10. Whether the Wizards were to take him or trade that pick away, I’m not sure White has any chance of sliding past 9. A lot of guys in the Pelicans backcourt after the Lakers trade. But Coby White is a hell of a competitor to throw in the mix.

Player Comparison: Gilbert Arenas, Arizona

9. Washington Wizards

Sekou Doumbouya, F, Guinea

6-9 210 18

Young and raw, but a dominant combo forward when motivated. Needs to bulk up. Should be durable.

Pick Analysis: The Wizards get big star potential in Doumbouya. His game is less than polished, but his ceiling is higher than high. Able to play both forward positions, you could see this guy develop into a Durant-like dominant player. But you will get defensive dominance for certain.

Player Comparison: Moe Harkless, St. John’s

10. New Orleans Pelicans (from ATL via DAL)

Brandon Clarke, F, Gonzaga

6-8 207 22

Athletic and dominant on defense from the 4 and 5 for Gonzaga.

Pick Analysis: The Pelicans back Zion with another athletic big man. Clarke could likely fit into the 3,4 and 5 positions in today’s NBA. Built a little lankier than Zion, he’s quite a contrast in body type. But he plays similar in many ways. A savvy, efficient player with high athleticism that embraces his role and can be dominant in the post on both ends. Can even slide out to defend guards. Might need to bulk up a bit, but I think an outstanding fit in New Orleans.

Player Comparison: Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky mixed with Jordan Bell, Oregon

11. Minnesota Timberwolves

Nassir Little, SF, North Carolina

6-6 224 19

A strong wing that can score and rebound.

Pick Analysis: With the Timberwolves looking for star power to help out Wiggins and D-Rose long term, I don’t see any chance that they pass on Nassir Little here.

Player Comparison: Josh Richardson, Tennessee

12. Charlotte Hornets

Cameron Johnson, F, North Carolina

6-9 210 23

Johnson is a smooth scorer with a knock down shooting ability. Also has shown the ability to crash the boards consistently.

Pick Analysis: I’ve heard a lot about the Hornets taking Bol Bol here. In the end, I think they’ll see the opportunity to draft a legitimate center prospect in the second round, and go with the Tar Heel prospect here. The Hornets need to improve there scoring and shooting at the 4 and 5 spots. I think Johnson fits very well with what the Hornets want to do going forward. Johnson is a combo forward but will need to bulk up to play the 4 where the Hornets would likely prefer to play him. Has plenty of experience and should be pro ready in IQ regards.

Player Comparison: Lauri Markaanen, Arizona

13. Miami Heat

PJ Washington, PF, Kentucky

6-8 230 20

You might compare him to Patrick Patterson out of Kentucky in terms of him being a knock down shooter at the 4. But Washington is much more versatile on both ends of the court.

Pick Analysis: Another spot I’ve heard a lot about Bol Bol. I’m not sure Bam Adebayo and Hassan Whiteside need much help locking down that center position long term. I’d look for them to grab a knock down shooter at the 4 position. But Washington is more than just that. I see some star potential in this guy and I think the Heat would be making a mistake in passing on him as he fits very well with their current roster.

Player Comparison: David West, Xavier

14. Boston Celtics (from SAC)

Bol Bol, C, Oregon

7-3 208 19

The son of Manute Bol, today’s Bol has the ability to knock it down from range as well as being a dominant force on the interior.

Pick Analysis: The Celtics need an offensive threat at the center position. With anticipation building about Bol Bol around this point in the draft, the Celtics will have no choice but to grab the 7-footer. Bol shows superior athleticism for his height, but will need to bulk up. But his toughness fits well with the Celtics.

Player Comparison: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia

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Published by Donny Didion

College Wrestler, Wrestling Coach, Sports Journalist