2019 NBA Redraft: Zion, Ja and Garland battle for top pick
Oklahoma City Thunder. Kevin Porter Jr.. 23. player. 149. . Point Guard
Original Pick: Darius Bazley
The Oklahoma City Thunder love their long athletes and took a shot on Darius Bazley that hasn’t born much fruit. Instead they go for a true wild card in Kevin Porter Jr. He is insanely talented and can score in bunches (he ranks eighth in scoring average in this draft class), but he has also racked up numerous off-court issues and his shot selection and defense are all over the place. Could a better infrastructure in OKC help unlock his best? It’s possible, and it’s why he goes here in our redraft.
Jalen McDaniels. 24. player. 66. . Forward. Phoenix Suns
Original Pick: Ty Jerome, Virginia
Ty Jerome was coming off of a national championship and looked like a solid backup point guard; he might still be that, but he’s barely clinging to the league. Instead, the Phoenix Suns add another wing in Jalen McDaniels to try and develop along the Mikal Bridges plan. McDaniels has been a good defender, but it’s a question of whether he can become more than a so-so shooter to stay on the court.
Power Forward. Portland Trail Blazers. Dean Wade. 25. player. 34.
Original Pick: Nassir Little, North Carolina
The Cleveland Cavaliers originally made three first-round picks in 2019, the most of any team, and they have three players land in the first round of our redraft – but not the same three. Instead, the undrafted Dean Wade makes his appearance. He is an underrated defender and decent shooter who would fit into any rotation. The Portland Trail Blazers swap him in for Nassir Little, who is honestly a similar player and would likely go in the early second this time around.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 26. player. 156. . Wing. Cleveland Cavaliers
Original Pick: Dylan Windler, Belmont
Dylan Windler has seen his career ravaged by injuries and hopes to finally get healthy and get onto the court next season. In his place, however, the Cavaliers take a player in Nickeil Alexander-Walker who looks to be settling into a role as an impact wing defensively, phasing out his on-ball scoring reps. The Cavs would love such a player to allow them to move on from Isaac Okoro.