Hoops Habit
Fansided

2019 NBA Draft: R.J. Barrett headlines first top 30 big board

By Connor Harr

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 13: R.J. Barrett #5 of Team World claps from the bench during the game against Team USA during the Nike Hoop Summit on April 13, 2018 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 13: R.J. Barrett #5 of Team World claps from the bench during the game against Team USA during the Nike Hoop Summit on April 13, 2018 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

25. Jarred Vanderbilt, PF — Kentucky

Sadly, Vanderbilt’s freshman season at Kentucky was full of injuries. However, when he did play, Vanderbilt showcased some high level rebounding ability. He averaged eight rebounds in just 17 minutes per game at Kentucky. Vanderbilt was also one one the only true big men that was a grab-and-go threat this season. Where Vanderbilt is at with his jump shot development will determine how good of a prospect he is. Vanderbilt did declare for the draft, but I think it is doubtful he stays in…unless he has an impressive shooting outing at the NBA Draft Combine.

24. Omari Spellman, C — Villanova

Pretty much the entire Villanova roster saw a spike in their draft stock after March. Spellman is not a great athlete, but has a very aggressive motor to go along with elite length and a 7’2″ wingspan. There’s easy appeal for Spellman as a real floor spacer at the 5 position, shooting 43 percent from the 3-point line this season. Spellman also declared for the draft, but he probably comes back because of how top-heavy this big man class is.

23. Donte DiVincenzo, SG/PG — Villanova 

We are on a streak of Wildcats here and are not stopping now. DiVincenzo was the hero of the tournament and is known as the Michael Jordan of Delaware. Unfortunately, I think DiVincenzo does not want to ride his tournament bandwagon into the second round of this year’s draft. DiVincenzo’s handle, athleticism and shooting are all alluring traits. However, if he can put together another quality year on another quality Villanova team, he has a better chance of going in the first round in 2019.

22. P.J. Washington, PF — Kentucky 

Washington really struggled to find his footing this year offensively at Kentucky. The 6’8″ forward boasts a 7’3″ wingspan and has some versatility in his game, both offensively and defensively. Similarly to Vanderbilt, Washington has also declared for the draft. If Washington has a strong showing at the combine, he should test out extremely well on his body. It’s not crazy at all to think he stays in the draft.

21. Herb Jones, SF — Alabama 

Jones was really brought into the spotlight last year after he did such a quality job defending Trae Young. The allure with Jones is how well he defends and how versatile he is defensively with his length. He will most likely be able to guard three positions at the very least. Jones still has a lot of strides to make offensively, but hopefully he will at least start knocking some perimeter shots down at Alabama next season.