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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) /
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Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images /

10. Louis King, SF — Oregon

Unfortunately, due to injury, Louis King did not make an appearance in any of the high school All-Star games. However, I did get the opportunity to watch King at the Hoophall Classic in high school. He already has an NBA body and elite length. He handles the ball fairly well for his size, and right now King excels in the up and down transition game and finishing through contact. It will be very interesting to see how he fits in and develops with all of the incoming talent Oregon will have on their team next season.

9. Rui Hachimura, PF/SF — Gonzaga 

Hachimura made a smart decision returning to Gonzaga for his junior season. He turns a possible first round selection in the 2018 Draft to a likely lottery selection in 2019. Hachimura has elite length. Hachimura is an aggressive cutter and driver offensively that can finish over larger defenders with his length. He gets to the hoop effectively with long strides rather than blowing by defenders. With a more consistent outside shot and adding more muscle onto his encouraging frame, Hachimura could be a standout forward prospect.

8. Daniel Gafford, C — Arkansas 

In one of the more peculiar draft decisions, Daniel Gafford elected to return to Arkansas. With virtually all their backcourt talent graduating, Gafford will be forced to take on a heavy load offensively. However, I am not sure if this will help or hurt him depending on how ready he will be to take on a main scoring role next season. Nevertheless, Gafford still projects as a big bodied, shot-blocking and rim running big man that flashed some underrated passing ability in his freshman season at Arkansas.

7. De’Andre Hunter, SF/PF — Virginia 

Hunter looked poised to have a breakout NCAA tournament and be a key part of Virginia’s March run. Unfortunately, injuries kept Hunter out of the tournament and ultimately lead him to return to school. Hunter really thrived working out of the high post with Virginia and projects to have a ton of defensive versatility in the NBA. If he can develop his handle and work on some one-on-one situational scoring, Hunter will likely outplay his generous preseason ranking.

6. Quentin Grimes, SG — Kansas 

Despite being undersized for a typical wing at 6’4″, Grimes is an elite leaper and projectable shooter at the NBA level. He showcased flashes of scoring off of movement at the McDoanld’s All-American game as well. Grimes will have an uphill battle for consistent playing time at Kansas especially if Malik Newman returns, but he is a versatile scorer that should have no problem getting on the court for the Jayhawks.