SBNation and ESPN have quickly released their NBA Post-Lottery Mock Drafts and Kentucky’s possible draftees seem to have a lot of work to do to be a 2019 Lottery pick.
First, SBNation.com has not 1 Wildcat in the top 17 picks.
18. Indiana Pacers – P.J. Washington, F, Kentucky
RELATEDHow P.J. Washington unlocked his NBA potential by returning to Kentucky
Washington made major strides as a three-point shooter during his sophomore season, and it subsequently unlocked the rest of his game. After making only five threes at a 23 percent clip as a freshman, Washington canned 33 triples at a 43 percent clip this past season. Already blessed with strength, length (7’3 wingspan) and a scorer’s touch in the paint, Washington now projects as the type of modern forward who can be slid all over the front court.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Tyler Herro, G, Kentucky
The Thunder desperately need shooting and Herro is one of the best shooters in this draft. The Kentucky freshman can run off screens and hit catch-and-shoot jumpers, and also showed a surprising ability to competently attack the defense off the dribble.
23. Utah Jazz – Keldon Johnson, G, Kentucky
Johnson showed a well-rounded game as a freshman at Kentucky with no signature skill but few apparent weaknesses. He’s a good athlete and competent shooter at 6’6 who could carry the Wildcats’ offense on any given night. He needs to improve as a playmaker and decision maker after finishing with as many turnovers (60) as assists.
Read “NBA mock draft 2019: Pelicans land No. 1 pick and Zion Williamson in most shocking lottery ever” by clicking here.
ESPN.com still has PJ Washington in the Lottery going to the Charlotte Hornets.
Herro and Keldon Johnson are out of the lottery.
12. Charlotte Hornets
PJ Washington
Kentucky
Age: 20.6
FHeight: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 223
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 on any team.
16. Orlando Magic
Tyler Herro
Kentucky
Age: 19.2
GHeight: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 193
Herro has been climbing draft boards and could continue that climb during the pre-draft process.
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 here.
22. Boston Celtics
Keldon Johnson
Kentucky
Age: 19.4
FHeight: 6-foot-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.
Read “NBA mock draft: Who will the lottery winners take?” by clicking here.
