2019 NBA Mock Draft: Cleveland Cavaliers find taker for JR Smith’s contract
By Mike Graham
Picks 1-5
1. New Orleans-Zion Williamson-PF-Duke-A mere formality for top basketball man David Griffin. The only question is will the Pelicans trade out of 4, and if so, will it be for a more established veteran or a better fit down the board.
2. Memphis-Ja Morant-PG-Murray St-Another easy placement for one of the lottery’s biggest winners. The Grizzlies made it known Morant would be the pick almost immediately after the lottery.
3. New York-RJ Barrett-G-Duke-Like I said above the chance of Barrett being traded is remote now with Durant injured, and maybe not coming at all. Barrett is a ball dominant guard, who will not be afraid of the lights of New York City.
4. TRADE-Chicago-Darius Garland-PG-Vanderbilt-Garland seems to be the hot name in the last week, with his name being associated with the Cavs after they worked him out. The Bulls need a point guard and can’t afford to miss him, so they make the deal. Bulls trade No. 7 and a future protected first-rounder to move up to the fourth spot for Garland.
5. Cleveland-Jarrett Culver-G-Texas Tech-Culver provides immediate minutes as a defender, with the hope of him being able to develop into a secondary ball handler and shooter down the line. OF course, don’t rule out a trade down, the Cavs have seemingly been associated with everyone in the lottery.