The 2019 NBA draft was one for the ages including talent like Zion, Ja Morant, RJ Barrett, and many many more, but what if it were to happen again today, same order, with the knowledge of how every player has progressed? Today I will attempt to redraft the 2019 NBA Draft picks 1-10 in the lottery, hope you enjoy!
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson
Easy choice, Zion is still the #1 in regards to potential and such, would not make sense to draft Ja over him even though Ja won rookie of the year, not much explanation needed on this one.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant
Ja is a close second pick here, it is between him and RJ, but again, not much explanation needed, Ja won ROTY and has progressed wonderfully and been amazing as time has went on, easy pick, nothing to say here.
3. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett
So far everything has gone to plan, although RJ has had his struggles, he is still easily the third best player in this draft and a perfect fit for the Knicks, everything goes the same so far in the redraft! This pick makes more sense than players later in the list and if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: De’Andre Hunter
Wow wow wow, Lakers did not have this pick you may say, but with the current knowledge, I think they’d keep the pick rather than give it to Atlanta. De’Andre has been incredible and was the 4th overall pick, averaging 17.2 PPG and 5.4 RPG on 51.4% shooting from the field, and would be an amazing fit with LBJ and AD. His second year has been so far above his rookie season, and is leaps ahead of the rookie version of this player.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tyler Herro
Tyler Herro surprised many people in the 2019-2020 season, especially in the playoffs and NBA bubble in Orlando. As a rookie with the Miami Heat, he was a very big part of that finals run alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Tyler Herro broke the record for most three pointers made by a rookie in the playoffs with 48 in the playoffs. He also now ranks fourth all-time amongst rookies for points in a post-season run with 335. Tyler is currently averaging 16.7 PPG and 5.9 RPG, posting career high averages across the board compared to his rookie season. Tyler has progressed quite well and is deserving of the 5th pick in this draft and would fit very well with the young core of the Cleveland Cavaliers, more than their original pick of Darius Garland.
6. Phoenix Suns: Coby White
With the team they have of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and De’Andre Ayton, Coby White would be a beautiful piece to add to this team. White is currently averaging 16 PPG and 5.2 RPG, both above his season averages. Originally, the Suns traded the pick Jarrett Culver to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but in a redraft they should keep the pick and take Coby White. Coby had a game where he made eight threes earlier this season, and I see him evolving into an all-star caliber type player, and he would be the potential missing piece to the Phoenix Suns. Coby was originally picked with the 7th overall pick, making him move up one spot.
7. Chicago Bulls: Cam Reddish
Cam Reddish has played very good as of late, being a defensive pest and a consistent scorer on offense, scoring 14.3 PPG on 45.8% shooting. With Coby White taken already, this may be their best bet to take with the 7th pick. Cam was taken with the tenth pick to the Atlanta Hawks, moving him up three spots.
8. Atlanta Hawks: PJ Washington
PJ was taken with the 12th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets, but Atlanta feels like a better fit due to his limited playing time with the young core of Charlotte. PJ really hasn’t had his chance to break out this season under players such as Lamelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and others. Atlanta could use his rebounding and great three point shooting, shooting 37.4% from three. PJ is the obvious pick here and would suit Atlanta very well.
9. Washington Wizards: Rui Hachimura
Rui originally slipped down to ninth, but now it feels like a good pick and is perfect for him and the Wizards. He averages 12.4 PPG and 6 RPG, both very high up in the class. He just needs to keep pushing along in Washington under Russ and Beal, and the future is very bright for Washington and Hachimura.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Darius Garland
It’s odd to see the fifth pick in the draft drop to ten, but another great player would be falling into the Atlanta Hawks hands in Garland. Darius is leading the backcourt with Collin Sexton in Cleveland and doing well, having a very good season and living up to his expectations. The reason he isn’t higher is because he isn’t breaking out of those expectations, his ceiling is most likely a starting role or role player, and he would be another amazing asset for the Atlanta Hawks. The original pick here was Cam Reddish.
TheDyspatch 