2019 NBA Draft: Updated lottery Big Board for the new year
By Roger Acker
11. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a possible one-and-done last year, has shown enough improvement this season to jump up into the late lottery. Another sharpshooter like Garland, he has gained muscle and sharpened his playmaking abilities to become a legit secondary creator who can stretch the defense, which fits right into today’s NBA.
Defense will be an issue in the NBA, but adding muscle played a major difference for him on that side of the court this season. He is not overly athletic, and a very poor schedule may be masking the defensive tendencies that hurt his stock last season. Those questions will be answered soon as conference play takes off in the ACC.
10. Keldon Johnson, Kentucky
Keldon Johnson’s value has reflected that of the entire Kentucky team this season. UK started off the season as a champion favorite, but lost some value and has settled into a role as a very solid, well-rounded team. It was possible for Johnson to move into the upper echelon of draft prospects this season, and while he’s lost his “elite potential” possibility, he’s become extremely well-rounded and capable in almost all aspects of the game.
Johnson’s jump shot has been a pleasant surprise, as his shaky shot in high school has transitioned to a 43.2 percent 3-point shot. This development in his shot opens up the paint where he maximizes his talented scoring, showing his value as three-level scorer.
Chances are his passing with never be a strength, but offering physicality and scoring to go with his versatile defensive abilities mean Johnson can become a solid, higher end role player in the NBA sooner rather than later.
9. Romeo Langford, Indiana
Romeo Langford is a unique prospect in the sense that his range of possible selection is much wider than other prospects. It would be easier to understand why a team could be low on him due to clear weaknesses, but he can also be looked at as a potential star.
With a 6’6″, 215-pound frame, Langford has a perfect build to dominate opposing guards. His size and speed increases the defensive potential, while fluid scoring instincts allow Langford to dominate when engaged.
His scoring does not stretch to 3-point range, however. Langford is shooting 21.3 percent from 3, and his sub-70 percent free throw shooting shows that’s not a fluke. NBA teams also would like to see capable passers in their backcourt, so look for teams to monitor his 2.6 assists vs. 2.2 turnovers per game for improvement.