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NBA mock draft: Projecting every pick before the lottery

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Ja Morant projects to be an NBA star with his dynamic skills (2:17)

Check out all the highlights and reaction to Ja Morant's breakout season at Murray State, where he went from relative unknown to college superstar thanks to his high-flying dunks. (2:17)

Editor's note (May 13): This mock draft has been updated with the latest intel.

Where are the top prospects in the 2019 NBA draft expected to land? We'll have a much clearer picture after Tuesday's lottery (8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN), but here's what we know heading into the draw.

This lottery features a clear No. 1 overall prize, Zion Williamson, plus a consensus top three that includes Ja Morant and RJ Barrett -- and then plenty of questions after that. This is also the first year with the flattened lottery odds, meaning there could be even more movement than usual.

Here are our latest projections for both rounds. Catch up on everything you need to know about this lottery here.

Unlike our top-100 rankings, this mock attempts to project which players will end up entering the draft. We've also included the statistical rankings for first-round prospects who appear in the top 30 in Kevin Pelton's draft projections.


1. New York Knicks | No. 1 pick odds: 14 percent

Zion Williamson
Duke
Age: 18.8
F

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 272

Williamson emerged as both the best player in college basketball and the best long-term prospect in this draft class the moment he stepped on the court for Duke, making him the easy choice as the No. 1 pick. We've never seen a prospect quite like him in terms of his combination of productivity, athleticism, competitiveness, skill and feel for the game -- not to mention the sheer star power he'll bring to whatever NBA team is lucky enough to draft him.

He would give the Knicks a huge boost in their rebuilding effort.

Statistical projection: No. 1

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2:11
Barrett has cemented himself as a top-3 pick after standout season

Duke's RJ Barrett projects as a top-3 pick with his prototypical NBA size and high basketball IQ.


2. Cleveland Cavaliers | No. 1 pick odds: 14 percent

Ja Morant
Murray State
Age: 19.7
G

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 170

Morant's emergence from no-name high school recruit to NCAA tournament darling was one of the better stories of the college basketball season. He's one of the best athletes in this draft. He's a highly creative and ambidextrous passer who should fit into the NBA game seamlessly with his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls and make plays in the open floor. He's a better shooter than he gets credit for, though his casual approach to defense and decision-making sometimes works against him.

Should the draft order hold true after the lottery, the Cavs will have a very interesting decision to make between Morant and RJ Barrett. Barrett's fit with Collin Sexton isn't ideal -- both are ball-dominant guards -- so it wouldn't be shocking if Cleveland went with a best-player-available approach, taking Morant here if it feels passionately about him being the better long-term prospect.

The Cavs are too early in their rebuilding process to draft with team need in mind, but there's certainly an argument to be made that Barrett is both a better positional fit and a better prospect, which will make for a fascinating internal debate.

Statistical projection: No. 2

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Hunter's versatility as a two-way player makes him a top prospect

De'Andre Hunter is a tough and versatile defender out of Virginia who also has an efficient scoring touch.


3. Phoenix Suns | No. 1 pick odds: 14 percent

RJ Barrett
Duke
Age: 18.9
G/F

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 208

Barrett broke Duke's and the ACC's freshman scoring records while being named a consensus first-team All-American, even if he was lost in the shadow of Williamson at times. Barrett emerged as Duke's full-time playmaker as the season moved on, showing impressive passing ability operating out of pick-and-rolls, something that will serve him well in the NBA once he's surrounded by better shooters. He was inconsistent from the perimeter, he demonstrated questionable decision-making and shot selection at times, and he wasn't the defender his physical tools suggest he should have been at the college level.

The Suns have a gaping hole at point guard, but Barrett essentially played that position anyway for most of the season at Duke, and he would give the Suns great size at every position. Regardless of fit, Barrett is simply too talented to pass on, especially considering the massive drop-off in talent after No. 3. It's difficult to see the preseason favorite at No. 1 dropping any more than this.

Statistical projection: No. 3

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3:02
Reddish is a tantalizing prospect in terms of pure talent

Duke's Cam Reddish is a dynamic shooter with an elite physical profile, giving him unique lineup versatility in the modern game.


4. Chicago Bulls | No. 1 pick odds: 12.5 percent

Darius Garland
Vanderbilt
Age: 19.2
G

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 173

Garland's freshman season ended abruptly due to a knee injury just five games in, leaving a cloud of mystery regarding exactly what to expect from him as an NBA rookie. Nevertheless, there's a lot to like about his ability to operate at different speeds, handle the ball on a string and make pull-up jumpers from difficult vantage points. The lack of star power overall and general depth at point guard gradually pushed Garland up the lottery as executives expressed disenchantment with the alternatives.

Garland's slender frame, negative assist-to-turnover ratio and lack of experience at the college level are things he'll have to address during the pre-draft process, but he's a natural option for any team that needs a PG once Morant comes off the board.

The Bulls are in desperate need of a franchise-caliber point guard, making Garland an easy fit, considering the pieces they already have in place.

Statistical projection: No. 4

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5. Atlanta Hawks | No. 1 pick odds: 10.5 percent

De'Andre Hunter
Virginia
Age: 21.4
F

Height: 6-8 | Weight: 222

Hunter had one of the best national championship performances in recent memory, dropping 27 points and nine rebounds while converting 4 of 5 3-pointers, including some clutch shots late. He had already established himself as one of the best defenders in the college game. He brings positional versatility with long arms, elite lateral quickness and outstanding instincts. While he has some clear limitations offensively as a shot-creator and likely isn't the 3-point shooter his college numbers suggest, his game is made for the modern NBA, and there's a comfort level in his high floor.

The Hawks are well on their way in their rebuilding effort, and Hunter's offensive limitations can certainly be minimized playing alongside the likes of Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and John Collins, as they have a huge positional need for a big wing/combo forward in Hunter's mold.

Statistical projection: No. 15

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6. Washington Wizards | No. 1 pick odds: 9 percent

Jarrett Culver
Texas Tech
Age: 20.2
G

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 195

Culver helped Texas Tech overachieve significantly in reaching the national championship game. Although he struggled at times in the NCAA tournament, there is quite a bit to like about what he brings on both ends of the floor. Culver has the versatility to slide between any of the backcourt spots, and he's an active defender and rebounder. He displayed impressive shot-making and shot-creation prowess en route to winning Big 12 player of the year.

A slow release on his jump shot and average explosiveness beating defenders off the dribble are things he'll have to address in the pre-draft process, but he has as high a floor as any prospect and plenty of room to grow, considering his youth and late-blooming trajectory. Culver is a terrific fit for the Wizards' rebuilding effort from a character and culture standpoint. Positionally, he brings another creator alongside Bradley Beal.

Statistical projection: No. 7

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7. New Orleans Pelicans | No. 1 pick odds: 6 percent

Cam Reddish
Duke
Age: 19.6
F

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 205

Reddish is one of the biggest enigmas of this draft class, as he rarely produced up to his talent level as a freshman and mysteriously missed an NCAA tournament game. Still, his combination of size, length, fluidity and perimeter shooting ability is highly intriguing in a draft that is lacking deep star power. He's too talented to fall much further than this.

The Pelicans can afford to be patient with Reddish early. Playing in a smaller market with less pressure to be an immediate star will be beneficial for him.

Statistical projection: No. 5

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8. Memphis Grizzlies | No. 1 pick odds: 6 percent

Coby White
UNC
Age: 19.2
G

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 191

The Celtics will get the Grizzlies' pick if it falls outside the top eight. Memphis has a 55.6 percent chance to keep its pick.

White was somewhat of an afterthought in recruiting circles among guard prospects in this class, but he was able to take advantage of the green light he received in Roy Williams' system and his seemingly unlimited confidence to jump into the lottery.

His impressive size, open-court quickness and shot-making ability make him an ideal fit in the modern NBA game and a strong pairing with Jaren Jackson Jr., and White should make strides as a passer and defender as he continues to gain strength and experience.

Statistical projection: No. 12

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9. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavs) | No. 1 pick odds: 6 percent

Jaxson Hayes
Texas
Age: 18.9
C

Height: 7-0 | Weight: 220

The Hawks will get the Mavericks' pick if it falls outside the top five. Dallas has a 26.2 percent chance to keep its pick.

Hayes came into the season as a complete unknown after hitting a significant growth spurt in high school and registering little productivity prior to college. He proved to be a high-end NBA prospect early on, thanks to his phenomenal physical tools, mobility and instincts on both ends of the floor, cementing himself as the top center prospect in the draft.

Hayes' lack of experience, relatively raw offensive game and still-developing feel will likely relegate him to project status for most NBA teams, but that shouldn't be too much of a deterrent at this point in the draft.

The Hawks have been developing Collins at both big spots. They could be attracted to a 7-footer who projects as an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Young while also anchoring their defense with his rim-protection prowess.

Statistical projection: No. 17

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10. Minnesota Timberwolves | No. 1 pick odds: 3 percent

Sekou Doumbouya
Limoges
Age: 18.3
F

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 210

Doumbouya rebounded from a slow start and has been productive in Pro A France since returning from a hand injury.

He has outstanding physical tools for a modern-day NBA forward, particularly defensively, where he shows significant potential, and he has a projectable skill level offensively.

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11. Los Angeles Lakers | No. 1 pick odds: 2 percent

Bol Bol
Oregon
Age: 19.4
C

Height: 7-2 | Weight: 222

The Lakers are in a tricky spot. LeBron James turns 35 later this year, and L.A. wants to win now, which could steer the team toward one of the older players in this draft (Brandon Clarke, Cam Johnson or Rui Hachimura). But the Lakers have a glaring hole at center. They also need to add 3-point shooting and rim protection to balance a poorly constructed roster.

Bol has both of those things, and he's a top-five talent in this draft, finding himself this low due to a season-ending foot injury, which is certainly a concern. If the Lakers are thinking about the long term and are willing to roll the dice a bit, Bol's long-term upside could be intriguing.

Statistical projection: No. 6

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12. Charlotte Hornets | No. 1 pick odds: 1 percent

PJ Washington
Kentucky
Age: 20.7
F

Height: 6-8 | Weight: 223

No matter what happens in free agency, the Hornets could use frontcourt help. Washington has the length to defend multiple positions on the interior, he can stretch the floor from the perimeter and he brings plenty of long-term upside.

His toughness and versatility will fit well next to Miles Bridges.


13. Miami Heat | No. 1 pick odds: 1 percent

Romeo Langford
Indiana
Age: 19.5
F

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 202

Miami's backcourt was in flux as the offensively challenged team searched for answers in what ended up being a disappointing season. With Dwyane Wade off to retirement, it's natural to look at the wing position as an area of need, and Langford will be one of the players under consideration.

The Indiana freshman played most of the season with a torn ligament in his shooting hand, but he displayed impressive glimpses of potential as a shot-creator operating out of the pick-and-roll.

Statistical projection: No. 21

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14. Boston Celtics (via Kings) | No. 1 pick odds: 1 percent

Brandon Clarke
Gonzaga
Age: 22.6
F

Height: 6-8 | Weight: 210

The 76ers will get the Kings' pick if it jumps to No. 1. Otherwise, this pick goes to the Celtics.

With Boston's bigs potentially hitting free agency, frontcourt could be a real position of need for the Celtics at the draft.

Clarke's versatility as a rim-protecting, pick-and-roll-switching lob-catcher is intriguing on this roster. He will turn 23 prior to his first NBA game and should be ready to step in and help right away.

Statistical projection: No. 10

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15. Detroit Pistons

Kevin Porter Jr.
USC
Age: 19.0
G

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 217

Porter will start getting looks as high as the middle of the lottery, but he has some questions to answer about his approach to the game during the pre-draft process.

At this stage of the draft, the rewards likely outweigh the risks, as Detroit is in desperate need of another creator on the perimeter who can shoulder some scoring load. Porter has the size and versatility to slot into a variety of lineup configurations.

Statistical projection: No. 19

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16. Orlando Magic

Tyler Herro
Kentucky

Age: 19.3
G

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 193

The Magic have been cycling through backcourt options all season. Although point guard is more of a long-term need, they have Markelle Fultz waiting in the wings and will need to think about Terrence Ross' impending free-agency situation.

Adding a combo guard such as Herro -- who can play pick-and-roll, make shots while set or on the move and bring competitiveness and feel -- makes a lot of sense.

Statistical projection: No. 24


17. Brooklyn Nets

Nassir Little
UNC
Age: 19.2
F

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 215

Little's toughness, athleticism and long-term potential will be attractive to an organization that prides itself on character and work ethic. The team has done a phenomenal job with player development, which would bode well for Little.

The former top-five recruit saw his stock drop after an inconsistent freshman season, but he could work his way back in the lottery with a strong pre-draft process.

Statistical projection: No. 25


18. Indiana Pacers

Rui Hachimura
Gonzaga
Age: 21.2
F

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 234

A huge chunk of Indiana's rotation is entering free agency this summer, which means the front office probably will go with the best player available, regardless of position.

Hachimura is blessed with outstanding physical tools and impressive athletic ability. He brings the type of character and work ethic the franchise typically values. His ability to play both small forward and power forward in different lineup configurations should be appealing to the franchise.


19. San Antonio Spurs

Cameron Johnson
UNC
Age: 23.1
F

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 210

Johnson was one of the best shooters in college basketball. He also has excellent size and high basketball IQ.

As one of the oldest players projected to be drafted, he will be ready to contribute to this Spurs squad right away.


20. Boston Celtics (via Clippers)

Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Virginia Tech
Age: 20.6
G

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 200

The Celtics are loaded at the guard spots, but with both Kyrie Irving and Terry Rozier entering free agency, finding a strong backup in the draft would be wise.

Alexander-Walker is coming off an outstanding sophomore season, making significant strides on both ends of the floor. He has the perimeter-shooting ability, length, feel and versatility that Boston typically covets.

Statistical projection: No. 20


21. Oklahoma City Thunder

Talen Horton-Tucker
Iowa State

Age: 18.4
F

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 239

Horton-Tucker is the youngest college player in the first round, and he has intriguing versatility, thanks to his unique build, exceptionally long wingspan and budding ability to shoot off the dribble.

His ability to slide between the shooting guard and power forward positions could be attractive here.

Statistical projection: No. 13


22. Boston Celtics

Keldon Johnson
Kentucky

Age: 19.5
F

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 210

Danny Ainge has long valued toughness, versatility and 3-point shooting -- all strengths for Johnson.

Although his struggles creating offense off the dribble caused his stock to fall somewhat, Johnson won't need to be much of a ball handler on a team with this much star power.


23. Utah Jazz

Grant Williams
Tennessee

Age: 20.4
F

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 241

If the Jazz are considering moving on from Derrick Favors in free agency, finding a long-term replacement at his position in the draft would help.

Williams possesses the type of feel, toughness and character important to the Jazz organization. He has some untapped upside as a perimeter shooter, which Utah's strong player development staff likely can uncover.

Statistical projection: No. 30


24. Philadelphia 76ers

Matisse Thybulle
Washington
Age: 22.1
F

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 201

The Sixers are flush with creators and scoring at every position, but they could stand to add some defensive versatility on the wing. A player such as Thybulle, arguably the best perimeter defender in college basketball, could fit well, especially since he's a willing ball mover who will have no issue deferring to the team's plethora of stars.

Add the fact that he's a senior -- and thus more in line with the Sixers' timetable -- and he makes a lot of sense.

Statistical projection: No. 18


25. Portland Trail Blazers

Luguentz Dort
ASU
Age: 20.0
G

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 224

The Blazers don't have a great deal of backcourt depth and will see two of their main rotation options, Seth Curry and Rodney Hood, hit free agency this summer.

Dort's impressive physical tools, defensive versatility and willingness to do the little things could be attractive in lineups that stagger CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard.


26. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Rockets)

Goga Bitadze
Buducnost
Age: 19.8
C

Height: 6-11 | Weight: 251

The Cavs could be looking to shore up their center position long term. Bitadze has been extremely productive at the highest levels of competition outside the NBA, considering his age.

His excellent skill level offensively -- including his budding ability to stretch the floor -- is attractive, given his combination of size and reach.


27. Brooklyn Nets (via Nuggets)

Mfiondu Kabengele
FSU
Age: 21.7
C

Height: 6--9 | Weight: 235

The Nets have their starting center of the future, Jarrett Allen, in place, but they might look to add another frontcourt piece to the roster with a player who can play either big spot and has the ability to stretch the floor.

Kabengele made huge strides in his sophomore season, and he's on an impressive trajectory considering his late-bloomer status.


28. Golden State Warriors

Carsen Edwards
Purdue

Age: 21.0
G

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 196

The Warriors will need to be creative in adding young, cheap players to their somewhat shallow rotation, considering their luxury-tax situation.

Edwards' shooting range, ability to play on or off the ball and readiness as one of the top scorers in college basketball make him a strong candidate.


29. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)

KZ Okpala
Stanford
Age: 20.0
F

Height: 6-9 | Weight: 210

The Spurs don't have a great deal of depth at the forward spots, and they can afford to roll the dice a bit this late in the draft on an upside-laden player in need of development.

Okpala had a late start to basketball, and he's raw in terms of his strength and understanding of the game. However, his physical tools are impressive, and the flashes he has shown as a slasher, defender and perimeter shooter make him worth a long-term investment.


30. Milwaukee Bucks

Ty Jerome
Virginia

Age: 21.8
G

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 200

The Bucks' backcourt rotation was tested in a serious way with a series of late-season injuries, which could prompt the team to add some depth at the guard spots.

Jerome had a phenomenal junior season culminating in a national championship. His tremendous feel, perimeter-shooting ability and competitiveness stand out at this point in the draft.

Statistical projection: No. 26


Second round

31. Nets (via NYK)

Dylan Windler | SF | Age: 22.5 | Belmont

32. Suns

Eric Paschall | PF | Age: 22.4 | Villanova

33. 76ers (via CLE)

Admiral Schofield | SF/PF | Age: 22.0 | Tennessee

34. 76ers (via CHI)

Bruno Fernando | C | Age: 20.6 | Maryland

35. Hawks

Louis King | SF/PF | Age: 20.0 | Oregon

36. Hornets (via WAS)

Daniel Gafford | C | Age: 20.5 | Arkansas

37. Mavericks

Isaiah Roby | PF | Age: 21.1 | Nebraska

38. Bulls (via MEM)

Jalen McDaniels | SF/PF | Age: 21.1 | San Diego State

39. Pelicans

Luka Samanic | PF | Age: 19.2 | Olimpija Ljubljana

40. Kings (via MIN)

Ignas Brazdeikis | PF | Age: 20.2 | Michigan

41. Hawks (via LAL)

Nic Claxton | C | Age: 19.9 | Georgia

42. 76ers (via SAC)

Chuma Okeke | SF/PF | Age: 20.6 | Auburn

43. Wolves (via MIA)

Jontay Porter | C | Age: 19.4 | Missouri

44. Hawks (via CHA)

Darius Bazley | SF/PF | Age: 18.8 | N/A

45. Pistons

Dedric Lawson | PF | Age: 21.5 | Kansas

46. Magic (via BKN)

Joshua Obiesie | PG/SG | Age: 18.8 | Wuerzburg

47. Kings (via ORL)

Deividas Sirvydis | SF | Age: 18.8 | Lietuvos Rytas

48. Clippers

Tremont Waters | PG | Age: 21.2 | LSU

49. Spurs

Naz Reid | PF/C | Age: 19.6 | LSU

50. Pacers

Shamorie Ponds | PG | Age: 20.7 | St. John's

51. Celtics

Jaylen Hoard | PF | Age: 20.0 | Wake Forest

52. Hornets (via OKC)

Charles Bassey | C | Age: 18.4 | Western Kentucky

53. Jazz

Justin Robinson | PG | Age: 21.5 | Virginia Tech

54. 76ers

Miye Oni | SF | Age: 21.6 | Yale

55. Knicks (via HOU)

DaQuan Jeffries | SG | Age: 21.6 | Tulsa

56. Clippers (via POR)

Brian Bowen | SF | Age: 20.5 | Sydney

57. Pelicans (via DEN)

Zylan Cheatham | PF | Age: 23.3 | Arizona State

58. Warriors

Alen Smailagic | PF/C | Age: 18.6 | Santa Cruz

59. Raptors

Quinndary Weatherspoon | SG | Age: 22.6 | Mississippi State

60. Kings (via MIL)

Justin Wright-Foreman | PG | Age: 21.4 | Hofstra