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Cleveland Cavaliers: 10 prospects to watch for in 2019 NBA Draft

By Tony Pesta

CHARLESTON, IL - JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Lantz Arena on January 17, 2019 in Charleston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, IL - JANUARY 17: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers brings the ball up court during the game against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Lantz Arena on January 17, 2019 in Charleston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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RJ Barrett Duke University (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
RJ Barrett Duke University (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. R.J. Barrett — SG (Duke)

R.J. Barrett has been dubbed “the most polished” player in this upcoming draft by many people. Standing at 6’7″ and having the ball-handling skills of a guard, it’s obvious why so many people are high on Barrett’s stock.

There isn’t much to critique about Barrett’s game. Sure, he has yet to find a consistent jump shot, but he can still connect on enough 3-pointers to demand a bit of attention from deep. Perhaps he needs to improve his right-handed layups, as he often struggles to finish with his off-hand, but these are all things that can be fixed with time.

As of now, Barrett looks like a bona fide stud with the Duke Blue Devils. He is averaging 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game as a freshman and appears extremely confident in his game.

NBA comparison: DeMar DeRozan

Barrett’s game can be compared to that of DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan has been one of the league’s best finishers around the rim since his rookie year and has a smooth handle for his size. If Barrett can develop a jump shot as effective as DeRozan’s, his ceiling will be very high as he is already a better passer than DeRozan was at that stage.

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