I think I have said before if you don’t have Kentucky’s PJ Washington in the lottery you probably haven’t watched a lot of basketball.
Here is the first NBA Mock Draft I have read that has Washington outside of the top 14 picks.
NBC Sports’ Mark Strolman’s projections:
16. Orlando Magic: P.J. Washington, PF, Kentucky: Nikola Vucevic is an impending free agent and the Magic continue to bolster their frontcourt for a third consecutive draft. Washington is strong around the rim and improved his touch from 10 to 15 feet and extended his range to the 3-point line after coming back to Kentucky for his sophomore season. He’s still got plenty of upside and would improve Orlando’s depth inside.
17. Brooklyn Nets: Keldon Johnson, SF, Kentucky: Had he shot a better percentage from beyond the arc, Johnson would be a lock for the Lottery. He still might get there, as he does just about everything else well. He’s a tough slasher and has an excellent wingspan and defensive instincts that could make him quite the versatile defender at the next level. The Nets can use help on the wings – especially defensively.
19. San Antonio Spurs: Tyler Herro, SG, Kentucky: The Spurs will bring back the majority of their roster but can add another shooter and willing passer in Herro, who really came on strong in Kentucky’s final few months. He’s also somewhat of an insurance policy should Rudy Gay, an unrestricted free agent, opt to go elsewhere.
Read “2019 NBA Mock Draft: Plenty of questions to be answered after the top 3” by clicking here.
This is also the first mock draft that Keldon Johnson has been ranked ahead of Tyler Herro.
A lot of this guessing will be put to rest after the NBA Draft Lottery is held on May 14th.
