Here is my fifth edition of my 2019 NBA Mock Draft.
1. New Orleans Pelicans- Zion Williamson, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Pelicans are massive winners here for landing the best prospect since LeBron James. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis still wants out of New Orleans and maybe they ship him to New York or Los Angeles for a bunch of young assets and either the third or fourth pick of the draft. That said, assuming they move on from Davis, they can start fresh with Williamson on board.
2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ja Morant, Point Guard, Murray State: The Grizzlies are big winners here as they jump to two. Morant is someone that people are down on due to weaker competition, but he really showed that he can be the real deal. Assuming he is the selection, he'd be the perfect replacement for Mike Conley, who they can trade this offseason for more assets to build around.
3. New York Knicks- RJ Barrett, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Duke: Barrett was the preseason top prospect before Zion broke onto the scenes and wowed everyone. He was overshadowed due to Zion's presence on the team, but he had his moments. There is the possibility the Knicks move this pick in a possible Anthony Davis trade, which would be a win for both parties involved as the Knicks would have a star to possibly pair with Kevin Durant (if he signs in New York).
4. Los Angeles Lakers- De'Andre Hunter, Small Forward/Power Forward, Virginia: Hunter is somebody that was excellent in Virginia's run to the title last season and his stock rose in light of it. I like Hunter and I believe he could surprise some folks as a rookie because of his fine two-way play. There is a distinct possibility that this pick is shopped though as they find another star to pair with LeBron James.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers- Jarrett Culver, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech: The Cavaliers are one of the lottery losers as they drop from two to five. Culver is somebody that had a sensational sophomore season to become a projected top lottery pick. He's somebody that can shoot the ball and rebound well for his position. He and Collin Sexton would make an interesting backcourt.
6. Phoenix Suns- Darius Garland, Point Guard, Vanderbilt: The Suns were another lottery loser as they dropped from three to six. They're biggest need coming into the offseason was a point guard and they land one here with Garland. He did only play in five games this past season due to the knee injury he suffered. A backcourt with him and Devin Booker would be interesting.
7. Chicago Bulls- Coby White, Point Guard/Shooting Guard: North Carolina: The Bulls drop from four to seven which isn't ideal for them. This would be an interesting selection considering they already have Kris Dunn on their roster. White is someone who was great in his lone collegiate season and that's what got him to this position. He and Zach LaVine would be an interesting backcourt pairing.
8. Atlanta Hawks- Cam Reddish, Small Forward, Duke: Reddish, like RJ Barrett, is someone that was overshadowed on the Blue Devils squad because of Zion's presence. Reddish did not shoot the ball well at times throughout the season and he needs to develop that consistent shot in the pro's. If he does that, than the Hawks got themselves another building block to go with the rest of their young core.
9. Washington Wizards- Bol Bol, Center, Oregon: The Wizards were a lottery loser as they fell from six to nine. Bol is somebody that is very talented, but has major bust potential. He did miss most of the season with a foot injury. He can protect the rim and shoot the three ball pretty well too for a seven footer.
10. Atlanta Hawks (from Dallas Mavericks)- Jaxson Hayes, Center, Texas: Hayes is someone who developed later on in his high school days and carried it over to college. He shot from a high percentage this past season and showed an ability to protect the rim. In this scenario, he'd come in and possibly start alongside John Collins (unless they upgrade the center position in free agency).
11. Minnesota Timberwolves- Brandon Clarke, Power Forward, Gonzaga: The first Gonzaga player comes off the board with Clarke, who would fill a long term need position for the Timberwolves. He provides energy and great two way play and he is someone analytic nerds will love with his high PER this past college season.
12. Charlotte Hornets- Sekou Doumbouya, Small Forward/Shooting Guard, France: Doumbouya is somebody that showed a good jump shot and qualify defensive play too. The defensive side needs to be more proven once he is in the league full time. He's someone that will probably be a bench player for the Heat that could see G-league time if he needs more development time.
13. Miami Heat- Romeo Langford, Shooting Guard, Indiana: Langford is someone that dealt with a torn labrum this past season which probably held him back in college. He didn't shoot the ball well last season, but if that improves the Heat found themselves a player.
14. Boston Celtics (from Sacramento Kings via Philadelphia 76ers)- PJ Washington, Power Forward, Kentucky: The Celtics have some options here as they can trade the pick for something else or just simply take who they feel is the best player available as they face a critical offseason. Washington is someone that has the talent of a lottery pick with his ability to stretch the floor.
15. Detroit Pistons- Kevin Porter Jr, Shooting Guard, USC: Porter is somebody that's a lottery talent that could very well drop into the twenties due to the injuries and suspension he had in college. If Porter lived up to the expectations he was given before college, the Pistons could be getting themselves a player.
16. Orlando Magic- Nassir Little, Small Forward, North Carolina: Little is somebody who had an uneven season with North Carolina to the point Coby White became the best freshman on the team. He showed flashes of good shooting and always has been a great athlete. He has lottery talent and if he lives up to capability, the Magic got themselves a player.
17. Brooklyn Nets- Rui Hachimua, Small Forward, Gonzaga: With the Nets having their own first rounder for the first time in forever, they take a lottery talent here with Hachimura. He is someone that is super talented and really took his game a notch this past season.
18. Indiana Pacers- KZ Okpala, Small Forward, Stanford: Okpala is somebody who's stock is rising at the moment due to his length and wingspan. The Pacers could use some wing depth and Okpala could be a bench guy for them and provide valuable minutes.
19. San Antonio Spurs- Keldon Johnson, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Kentucky: The Spurs are a team that is very guard heavy and pretty big man heavy. Where they lack is forward depth and Johnson is somebody that can come in and develop with a team that is notoriously known for developing well. He can shoot the three-ball well, but he needs to develop more defensively, which the Spurs can help him with.
20. Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Goga Bitadze, Center, Serbia: The Celtics are a team that wants a lot more size. Bitadze, although there is skepticism because he played overseas, is a creative big man who is terrific in the midrange, crafty with the ball in his hands, and a strong force in the post.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Thunder are getting themselves a mega steal here with Herro. He's someone that can flat out shoot the ball and could be a valuable bench piece for Billy Donovan immediately.
22. Boston Celtics- Talen Horton-Tucker, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Iowa State: Horton-Tucker is somebody that had a very good year with the Cyclones this past season as a freshman which got him to this position. The Celtics are a team (with three first rounders) that could afford to take chances on overachievers and Horton-Tucker would be someone that would provide solid minutes for them.
23. Utah Jazz- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shooting Guard, Virginia Tech: The Jazz are getting themselves a steal here with Alexander-Walker. He can guard multiple positions and play on and off the ball and the Jazz could use some wing depth off the bench.
24. Philadelphia 76ers- Cameron Johnson, Small Forward, North Carolina: Johnson is someone that was a very steady player in college for the Tar Heels. He's someone that can defend pretty well and shoot the 3-ball well. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes higher than this or he goes in the second round.
25. Portland Trail Blazers- Grant Williams, Power Forward, Tennessee: Williams, the two-time SEC Player of the Year, ends up in the area where he should be picked. He's someone who isn't athlete or has a good perimeter game, but he can score in the post and could adjust to the league better than people think.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Houston Rockets)- Luka Samanic, Power Forward, Olimpija: Samanic had a great showing at the combine and likely played his way into first-round territory, showcasing his offensive versatility and an improved physique that bodes well for the growth of his game. He’s ideal as a stretch-four with his skill level and size, and didn’t look bad moving his feet defensively, either.
27. Brooklyn Nets (from Denver Nuggets)- Carsen Edwards, Point Guard, Purdue: After a fantastic tournament, Edwards's stock has risen dramatically. He's someone that can score and could shoot it well from three. Edwards is probably more suited for a bench role although the Nets could need more point guard depth if they don't opt to bring back D'Angelo Russell.
28. Golden State Warriors- Luguentz Dort, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Arizona State: Dort is somebody that had a solid freshman season and lived upto his top fifty ranking he was given for his class. He's somebody that is versatile and could guard both guard positions well.
29. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- Matisse Thybulle, Small Forward, Washington: Thybulle is somebody who was curiously left off the NBA combine list, but has the talent to be a first round pick. He's somebody that showed fine two-way play with solid three-point shooting and great defensive instincts.
30. Milwaukee Bucks- Daniel Gafford, Center, Arkansas: Gafford is somebody that could have been drafted last year, but decided to come back to school for his sophomore season. He has tantalizing upside and is somebody that if the Bucks were to take here, would make a possible immediate contribution, especially if Brook Lopez bolts this summer.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
2019 MLB Mock Draft: Fourth Edition
Here is my fourth edition of my 2019 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Baltimore Orioles- Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Oregon State: Rutschman is the heavy favorite to go first overall according to many people in the industry. He would immediately become the Orioles catcher of the future and he could get to the big leagues faster than a lot of folks due to his switch hitting ability and he provides a lot of power.
2. Kansas City Royals- Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop, Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas): The Royals are a team that wants top tier talent to build around and in their system. Enter Witt, who is a five-tool prospect that hits for a ton of power and projects to be a shortstop long term would immediately become the Royals top prospect.
3. Chicago White Sox- CJ Abrams, Shortstop, Blessed Trinity HS (California): The White Sox have options with this choice. They decide to go with a middle infielder with Abrams, who is one of the best hitters and athletes in this draft. If it doesn't work out for him as a middle infielder, than he could work out in center field.
4. Miami Marlins- Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California: The Marlins are a team that lacks college position players in their system. Vaughn is arguably the best all-around hitter in this draft and he could go third to the White Sox. If Vaughn falls here, it's a major win for the Marlins as they finally have a possible franchise player.
5. Detroit Tigers- J. J. Bleday, Outfielder, Vanderbilt: Bleday is someone that scouts thought had some power to go with his bat and he's displayed it this year in college. There is some buzz that this is the direction the Tigers go with instead of Riley Greene.
6. San Diego Padres- Riley Greene, Outfielder, Hagerty HS (Florida): Greene is the best high school hitter in this draft and the Padres snag him here. They could go with a college hitter here, but they settle on Greene here, who is a below average defensive player which doesn't bode well for a National League club like the Padres.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU: The Reds have a farm system that's loaded with hitters and high school pitchers, but it lacks collegiate arms. Lodolo is the first pitcher taken off the board as he's the best pitcher in the draft and he's someone that has three good pitches.
8. Texas Rangers- Hunter Bishop, Outfielder, Arizona State: The Rangers system lacks college hitters and they take one here in Bishop. The Orioles apparently like him too, but taking him number one overall is a bit of a stretch. Bishop is somebody who's stock has risen from the start of the season to put him in this position.
9. Atlanta Braves (compensation pick)- Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Lakwood HS (California): The Braves have options here with this selection as they can opt for a college arm here. Carroll is somebody that can rake and makes great contact with a nice left-handed swing, has a ton of speed that works on offense and defense.
10. San Francisco Giants- Bryson Stott, Shortstop, UNLV: The Giants have options here and they tend to go with the highly touted shortstop in Stott. He is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short.
11. Toronto Blue Jays- Jackson Rutledge, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas): The Jays have some options here with this pick. They go with the high school righty some people feel is the best one in this draft that has shown high velocity and is an analytics darling
12. New York Mets- Zach Thompson, LHP, Kentucky: Many folks are linking Thompson to the Mets and it would be a solid draft choice here. If it weren't for injury concerns, he'd go in the top ten of this draft, but he has put together a great season.
13. Minnesota Twins- Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Baylor: If it weren't for Adley Rutschman, Langeliers would have been the best catcher in this draft. He doesn't have Rutschman's offensive upside, but he's one of the best defensive catchers of the last decade and is hitting better this spring despite a broken hamate that sidelined him for just three weeks.
14. Philadelphia Phillies- Alek Manoah, RHP, West Virginia: The Phillies have options with this pick as they can go in a numerous number of directions. Manoah is the best college righty pitcher in the draft and he's somebody that has improved his walk rate from last year to this year.
15. Los Angeles Angels- Matthew Allan, RHP, Seminole HS (Florida): The Angels have drafted a lot of position players in the first round the past few seasons, but this time around they take a high school arm in Allan. Scouts love his curveball and his fastball, but if he falls far, he may be heading to college rather than the pros.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks- Josh Jung, Third Baseman, Texas Tech: Jung is somebody that was thought out to be a top ten or even top five pick prior to this season. He's having a down season, but is still producing solid numbers and he's worth a first round choice due to his past success.
17. Washington Nationals- George Kirby, RHP, Elon: The lack of college arms that are first round worthy will push guys like Kirby up the draft boards. He is someone that is a great strike thrower and he lead the country in strikeout-walk ratio to back it up.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates- Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary-Grove HS (Illinois): After having college position players mocked in this spot, I have the Mariners going with the high school arm in Priester. He is somebody that is one of the fastest risers of the spring and has a great curveball.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- Brennan Malone, RHP, IMG Academy (Florida): The Cardinals could go in a number of directions here whether that could be a high school or a college position player, but here I have them taking a fast riser in Malone. Malone is somebody that displays four good pitches and I wouldn't rule out him going in the top ten.
20. Seattle Mariners- Brett Baty, Third Baseman, Lake Travis HS (Texas): Baty is somebody with tremendous upside and possibly could go higher than this. Some scouts believe he's the best high school hitter and not Riley Greene as he's also shown to hit for average and power. There are teams that won't touch him in the first round because of his age while others don't think he'll last 20 picks.
21. Atlanta Braves- Logan Davidson, Shortstop, Clemson: There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Braves and Davidson of late to the fact this could indeed be the choice here. He is a switch-hitting shortstop that plays good defense and runs the bases well too.
22. Tampa Bay Rays- Kameron Misner, Outfielder, Missouri: Misner is the college prospect with the best tools package among college position players. He has a good lefty swing and significant power potential, plus he draws praise for his makeup and worth ethic, but there are lingering concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at the upper levels.
23. Colorado Rockies- Will Wilson, Shortstop/Second Baseman, North Carolina State: Wilson is solid across the board, with a nice swing, decent pop and the arm and quickness to potentially land at short long-term. He has below-average speed, which means he may wind up at second, but he’ll likely hit.
24. Cleveland Indians- Michael Busch, First Baseman/Outfielder, North Carolina: Busch is someone that is very polished and mature as a hitter, but he doesn't have a clear position. He hits for a ton of power and many folks he's a first baseman long term.
25. Los Angeles Dodgers- Gunnar Henderson, Shortstop, John T. Morgan Academy (Alabama): Henderson is someone who's stock is rising to the point that he's in the conversation for best shortstop in the draft. He can hit at a high rate and has some power that has emerged this year.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks (compensation pick)- Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy: With the second of two first round picks, the Diamondbacks go with a high school righty with a ton of upside in Espino. He offers plenty of good pitches and has big velocity and spin rate.
27. Chicago Cubs- Kody Hoese, Third Baseman, Tulane: The Cubs would love a college arm to fall to them, but they settle here on Hoese. He made some swing changes in summer ball last year that unlocked his natural strength and turned him into a big time power threat.
28. Milwaukee Brewers- Tyler Callihan, Third Baseman, Providence HS (Florida): Callihan profiles similar to Brett Bady due to his being old for the high school class. He is someone else that's worth a first round pick due to the fact he can flat out hit.
29. Oakland Athletics- Keoni Cavaco, Third Baseman, Eastlake HS (California): Cavaco is one of the drafts fastest risers as the draft is less than a week away. He has huge raw power and a strong defensive profile at the hot corner.
30. New York Yankees- Braden Shewmake, Shortstop, Texas A&M: The Yankes decide to go with the college position player in Shewmake. He's a grinder whose whole is greater than the sum of the parts and has outstanding hand-eye coordination and rarely strikes out, and he'll pepper the ball to all fields.
31. Los Angeles Dodgers- J. J. Goss, RHP, Cypress Ranch HS (Texas): Goss is one of the more underrated high school arms in this class. He is somebody that has raw tools and he has a great curveball and slider.
32. Houston Astros- Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell: Johnson was a shortstop without much of a bat before transferring to Campbell, where he was moved to the mound full-time. He needs a lot of work because of his relative inexperience on the mound, but if he has one of the liveliest arms in the draft.
1. Baltimore Orioles- Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Oregon State: Rutschman is the heavy favorite to go first overall according to many people in the industry. He would immediately become the Orioles catcher of the future and he could get to the big leagues faster than a lot of folks due to his switch hitting ability and he provides a lot of power.
2. Kansas City Royals- Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop, Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas): The Royals are a team that wants top tier talent to build around and in their system. Enter Witt, who is a five-tool prospect that hits for a ton of power and projects to be a shortstop long term would immediately become the Royals top prospect.
3. Chicago White Sox- CJ Abrams, Shortstop, Blessed Trinity HS (California): The White Sox have options with this choice. They decide to go with a middle infielder with Abrams, who is one of the best hitters and athletes in this draft. If it doesn't work out for him as a middle infielder, than he could work out in center field.
4. Miami Marlins- Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California: The Marlins are a team that lacks college position players in their system. Vaughn is arguably the best all-around hitter in this draft and he could go third to the White Sox. If Vaughn falls here, it's a major win for the Marlins as they finally have a possible franchise player.
5. Detroit Tigers- J. J. Bleday, Outfielder, Vanderbilt: Bleday is someone that scouts thought had some power to go with his bat and he's displayed it this year in college. There is some buzz that this is the direction the Tigers go with instead of Riley Greene.
6. San Diego Padres- Riley Greene, Outfielder, Hagerty HS (Florida): Greene is the best high school hitter in this draft and the Padres snag him here. They could go with a college hitter here, but they settle on Greene here, who is a below average defensive player which doesn't bode well for a National League club like the Padres.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU: The Reds have a farm system that's loaded with hitters and high school pitchers, but it lacks collegiate arms. Lodolo is the first pitcher taken off the board as he's the best pitcher in the draft and he's someone that has three good pitches.
8. Texas Rangers- Hunter Bishop, Outfielder, Arizona State: The Rangers system lacks college hitters and they take one here in Bishop. The Orioles apparently like him too, but taking him number one overall is a bit of a stretch. Bishop is somebody who's stock has risen from the start of the season to put him in this position.
9. Atlanta Braves (compensation pick)- Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Lakwood HS (California): The Braves have options here with this selection as they can opt for a college arm here. Carroll is somebody that can rake and makes great contact with a nice left-handed swing, has a ton of speed that works on offense and defense.
10. San Francisco Giants- Bryson Stott, Shortstop, UNLV: The Giants have options here and they tend to go with the highly touted shortstop in Stott. He is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short.
11. Toronto Blue Jays- Jackson Rutledge, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas): The Jays have some options here with this pick. They go with the high school righty some people feel is the best one in this draft that has shown high velocity and is an analytics darling
12. New York Mets- Zach Thompson, LHP, Kentucky: Many folks are linking Thompson to the Mets and it would be a solid draft choice here. If it weren't for injury concerns, he'd go in the top ten of this draft, but he has put together a great season.
13. Minnesota Twins- Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Baylor: If it weren't for Adley Rutschman, Langeliers would have been the best catcher in this draft. He doesn't have Rutschman's offensive upside, but he's one of the best defensive catchers of the last decade and is hitting better this spring despite a broken hamate that sidelined him for just three weeks.
14. Philadelphia Phillies- Alek Manoah, RHP, West Virginia: The Phillies have options with this pick as they can go in a numerous number of directions. Manoah is the best college righty pitcher in the draft and he's somebody that has improved his walk rate from last year to this year.
15. Los Angeles Angels- Matthew Allan, RHP, Seminole HS (Florida): The Angels have drafted a lot of position players in the first round the past few seasons, but this time around they take a high school arm in Allan. Scouts love his curveball and his fastball, but if he falls far, he may be heading to college rather than the pros.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks- Josh Jung, Third Baseman, Texas Tech: Jung is somebody that was thought out to be a top ten or even top five pick prior to this season. He's having a down season, but is still producing solid numbers and he's worth a first round choice due to his past success.
17. Washington Nationals- George Kirby, RHP, Elon: The lack of college arms that are first round worthy will push guys like Kirby up the draft boards. He is someone that is a great strike thrower and he lead the country in strikeout-walk ratio to back it up.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates- Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary-Grove HS (Illinois): After having college position players mocked in this spot, I have the Mariners going with the high school arm in Priester. He is somebody that is one of the fastest risers of the spring and has a great curveball.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- Brennan Malone, RHP, IMG Academy (Florida): The Cardinals could go in a number of directions here whether that could be a high school or a college position player, but here I have them taking a fast riser in Malone. Malone is somebody that displays four good pitches and I wouldn't rule out him going in the top ten.
20. Seattle Mariners- Brett Baty, Third Baseman, Lake Travis HS (Texas): Baty is somebody with tremendous upside and possibly could go higher than this. Some scouts believe he's the best high school hitter and not Riley Greene as he's also shown to hit for average and power. There are teams that won't touch him in the first round because of his age while others don't think he'll last 20 picks.
21. Atlanta Braves- Logan Davidson, Shortstop, Clemson: There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Braves and Davidson of late to the fact this could indeed be the choice here. He is a switch-hitting shortstop that plays good defense and runs the bases well too.
22. Tampa Bay Rays- Kameron Misner, Outfielder, Missouri: Misner is the college prospect with the best tools package among college position players. He has a good lefty swing and significant power potential, plus he draws praise for his makeup and worth ethic, but there are lingering concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at the upper levels.
23. Colorado Rockies- Will Wilson, Shortstop/Second Baseman, North Carolina State: Wilson is solid across the board, with a nice swing, decent pop and the arm and quickness to potentially land at short long-term. He has below-average speed, which means he may wind up at second, but he’ll likely hit.
24. Cleveland Indians- Michael Busch, First Baseman/Outfielder, North Carolina: Busch is someone that is very polished and mature as a hitter, but he doesn't have a clear position. He hits for a ton of power and many folks he's a first baseman long term.
25. Los Angeles Dodgers- Gunnar Henderson, Shortstop, John T. Morgan Academy (Alabama): Henderson is someone who's stock is rising to the point that he's in the conversation for best shortstop in the draft. He can hit at a high rate and has some power that has emerged this year.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks (compensation pick)- Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy: With the second of two first round picks, the Diamondbacks go with a high school righty with a ton of upside in Espino. He offers plenty of good pitches and has big velocity and spin rate.
27. Chicago Cubs- Kody Hoese, Third Baseman, Tulane: The Cubs would love a college arm to fall to them, but they settle here on Hoese. He made some swing changes in summer ball last year that unlocked his natural strength and turned him into a big time power threat.
28. Milwaukee Brewers- Tyler Callihan, Third Baseman, Providence HS (Florida): Callihan profiles similar to Brett Bady due to his being old for the high school class. He is someone else that's worth a first round pick due to the fact he can flat out hit.
29. Oakland Athletics- Keoni Cavaco, Third Baseman, Eastlake HS (California): Cavaco is one of the drafts fastest risers as the draft is less than a week away. He has huge raw power and a strong defensive profile at the hot corner.
30. New York Yankees- Braden Shewmake, Shortstop, Texas A&M: The Yankes decide to go with the college position player in Shewmake. He's a grinder whose whole is greater than the sum of the parts and has outstanding hand-eye coordination and rarely strikes out, and he'll pepper the ball to all fields.
31. Los Angeles Dodgers- J. J. Goss, RHP, Cypress Ranch HS (Texas): Goss is one of the more underrated high school arms in this class. He is somebody that has raw tools and he has a great curveball and slider.
32. Houston Astros- Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell: Johnson was a shortstop without much of a bat before transferring to Campbell, where he was moved to the mound full-time. He needs a lot of work because of his relative inexperience on the mound, but if he has one of the liveliest arms in the draft.
2019 NBA Playoffs: Finals Prediction
The 2019 NBA Finals are finally here after an entertaining first month of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors are in their fifth straight NBA Finals and the Raptors are here for the first time in their history. Who will come out on top?
(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (W1) Golden State Warriors: This should be a better series than folks are giving it a chance to be. The Raptors have been phenomenal defensively throughout their postseason run and their offense is hitting big shots in big spots. Kawhi Leonard has been unequivocally the best player in the postseason so far. Danny Green has been in a horrible slump, but he and Leonard both have finals experience from their days with the Spurs. Kyle Lowry openly admitted to having a finger injury, but he's arguably having his best postseason in his career. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka have both played up to capability on both ends of the floor. Pascal Siakam has been hit or miss in this playoffs although he has battled an injury in the postseason. Fred Van Vleet's re-emergence in the Bucks series was key for them pulling off the comeback to win the Eastern Conference Final. Norman Powell is another bench guy that's been hit or miss for them too. Nick Nurse couldnt have had a better first season as an NBA head coach. Meanwhile, the Warriors backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been amazing throughout the postseason, especially after Kevin Durant suffered his calf injury. Draymond Green is playing like the guy from three years ago and is showing a lot of tenacity on both ends. Durant and DeMarcus Cousins (quad) both have a chance to return in this series after both seem to have been having smooth rehabs. Andre Igoudala should be back for Game 1 after his injury that kept him out for a game. Bench guys like Alfonso McKinnie, Kevin Looney, and Jordan Bell have stepped up in the last two rounds. Steve Kerr is one of the more underrated coaches in the league and he doesn't get the respect he deserves for five finals's in five years as an NBA head coach. That said, I expect Durant to be back by Game 4 and for Cousins to be back at some point, so the Warriors will be at full-strength midway through the series and I like the Warriors to pull off the leagues first three-peat since the Lakers between 2000-2002.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (W1) Golden State Warriors: This should be a better series than folks are giving it a chance to be. The Raptors have been phenomenal defensively throughout their postseason run and their offense is hitting big shots in big spots. Kawhi Leonard has been unequivocally the best player in the postseason so far. Danny Green has been in a horrible slump, but he and Leonard both have finals experience from their days with the Spurs. Kyle Lowry openly admitted to having a finger injury, but he's arguably having his best postseason in his career. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka have both played up to capability on both ends of the floor. Pascal Siakam has been hit or miss in this playoffs although he has battled an injury in the postseason. Fred Van Vleet's re-emergence in the Bucks series was key for them pulling off the comeback to win the Eastern Conference Final. Norman Powell is another bench guy that's been hit or miss for them too. Nick Nurse couldnt have had a better first season as an NBA head coach. Meanwhile, the Warriors backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been amazing throughout the postseason, especially after Kevin Durant suffered his calf injury. Draymond Green is playing like the guy from three years ago and is showing a lot of tenacity on both ends. Durant and DeMarcus Cousins (quad) both have a chance to return in this series after both seem to have been having smooth rehabs. Andre Igoudala should be back for Game 1 after his injury that kept him out for a game. Bench guys like Alfonso McKinnie, Kevin Looney, and Jordan Bell have stepped up in the last two rounds. Steve Kerr is one of the more underrated coaches in the league and he doesn't get the respect he deserves for five finals's in five years as an NBA head coach. That said, I expect Durant to be back by Game 4 and for Cousins to be back at some point, so the Warriors will be at full-strength midway through the series and I like the Warriors to pull off the leagues first three-peat since the Lakers between 2000-2002.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
2019 MLB Mock Draft: Third Edition
Here is my third edition of my 2019 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Baltimore Orioles- Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Oregon State: Rutschman is the favorite to go first overall according to many people in the industry, although there is buzz the O's can take Andrew Vaughn here. He would immediately become the Orioles catcher of the future and he could get to the big leagues faster than a lot of folks due to his switch hitting ability and he provides a lot of power.
2. Kansas City Royals- Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop, Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas): The Royals are a team that wants top tier talent to build around and in their system. Enter Witt, who is a five-tool prospect that hits for a ton of power and projects to be a shortstop long term would immediately become the Royals top prospect.
3. Chicago White Sox- J. J. Bleday, Outfielder, Vanderbilt: Bleday is someone that scouts thought had some power to go with his bat and he's displayed it this year in college. There is a lot of talk about Bleday being the choice here by the White Sox after many have speculated Andrew Vaughn or CJ Abrams.
4. Miami Marlins- Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California: The Marlins are a team that lacks college position players in their system. Vaughn is arguably the best all-around hitter in this draft and he could go third to the White Sox. If Vaughn falls here, it's a major win for the Marlins as they finally have a possible franchise player.
5. Detroit Tigers- CJ Abrams, Shortstop, Blessed Trinity HS (California): The Tigers are possibly getting a steal here with Abrams falling to them at five and he's someone that could go third to the White Sox. He is one of the best hitters and athletes in this draft. If it doesn't work out for him as a middle infielder, than he could work out in center field.
6. San Diego Padres- Riley Greene, Outfielder, Hagerty HS (Florida): Greene is the best high school hitter in this draft and the Padres snag him here. They could go with a college hitter here, but they settle on Greene here, who is a below average defensive player which doesn't bode well for a National League club like the Padres.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU: The Reds have a farm system that's loaded with hitters and high school pitchers, but it lacks collegiate arms. Lodolo is the first pitcher taken off the board as he's the best pitcher in the draft and he's someone that has three good pitches.
8. Texas Rangers- Hunter Bishop, Outfielder, Arizona State: The Rangers system lacks college hitters and they take one here in Bishop. The Orioles apparently like him too, but taking him number one overall is a bit of a stretch. Bishop is somebody who's stock has risen from the start of the season to put him in this position.
9. Atlanta Braves (compensation pick)- Jackson Rutledge, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas): A year after not signing Carter Stewart, the Braves take another high school arm in Rutledge. He's shown high velocity and is an analytics darling and that's something the Braves would like.
10. San Francisco Giants- Bryson Stott, Shortstop, UNLV: The Giants have options here and they tend to go with the highly touted shortstop in Stott. He is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short.
11. Toronto Blue Jays- Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Lakwood HS (California): The Blue Jays have options here with this selection as they can opt for a college arm here. Carroll is somebody that can rake and makes great contact with a nice left-handed swing, has a ton of speed that works on offense and defense.
12. New York Mets- Zach Thompson, LHP, Kentucky: Many folks are linking Thompson to the Mets and it would be a solid draft choice here. If it weren't for injury concerns, he'd go in the top ten of this draft, but he has put together a great season.
13. Minnesota Twins- Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Baylor: If it weren't for Adley Rutschman, Langeliers would have been the best catcher in this draft. He doesn't have Rutschman's offensive upside, but he's one of the best defensive catchers of the last decade and is hitting better this spring despite a broken hamate that sidelined him for just three weeks.
14. Philadelphia Phillies- Alek Manoah, RHP, West Virginia: The Phillies have options with this pick as they can go in a numerous number of directions. Manoah is the best college righty pitcher in the draft and he's somebody that has improved his walk rate from last year to this year.
15. Los Angeles Angels- Matthew Allan, RHP, Seminole HS (Florida): The Angels have drafted a lot of position players in the first round the past few seasons, but this time around they take a high school arm in Allan. Scouts love his curveball and his fastball, but if he falls far, he may be heading to college rather than the pros.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks- Brett Baty, Third Baseman, Lake Travis HS (Texas): Baty is somebody with tremendous upside and possibly could go higher than this. Some scouts believe he's the best high school hitter and not Riley Greene as he's also shown to hit for average and power. There are teams that won't touch him in the first round because of his age while others don't think he'll last 20 picks.
17. Washington Nationals- Josh Jung, Third Baseman, Texas Tech: Jung is somebody that was thought out to be a top ten or even top five pick prior to this season. He's having a down season, but is still producing solid numbers and he's worth a first round choice due to his past success.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates- Brennan Malone, RHP, IMG Academy (Florida): The Pirates could go in a number of directions here whether that could be a high school or a college position player, but here I have them taking a fast riser in Malone. Malone is somebody that displays four good pitches and I wouldn't rule out him going in the top ten.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- George Kirby, RHP, Elon: The lack of college arms that are first round worthy will push guys like Kirby up the draft boards. He is someone that is a great strike thrower and he lead the country in strikeout-walk ratio to back it up.
20. Seattle Mariners- Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary-Grove HS (Illinois): After having college position players mocked in this spot, I have the Mariners going with the high school arm in Priester. He is somebody that is one of the fastest risers of the spring and has a great curveball.
21. Atlanta Braves- Logan Davidson, Shortstop, Clemson: There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Braves and Davidson of late to the fact this could indeed be the choice here. He is a switch-hitting shortstop that plays good defense and runs the bases well too.
22. Tampa Bay Rays- Keoni Cavaco, Third Baseman, Eastlake HS (California): Cavaco is one of the drafts fastest risers as the draft is less than a week away. He has huge raw power and a strong defensive profile at the hot corner.
23. Colorado Rockies- Will Wilson, Shortstop/Second Baseman, North Carolina State: Wilson is solid across the board, with a nice swing, decent pop and the arm and quickness to potentially land at short long-term. He has below-average speed, which means he may wind up at second, but he’ll likely hit.
24. Cleveland Indians- Michael Busch, First Baseman/Outfielder, North Carolina: Busch is someone that is very polished and mature as a hitter, but he doesn't have a clear position. He hits for a ton of power and many folks he's a first baseman long term.
25. Los Angeles Dodgers- Gunnar Henderson, Shortstop, John T. Morgan Academy (Alabama): Henderson is someone who's stock is rising to the point that he's in the conversation for best shortstop in the draft. He can hit at a high rate and has some power that has emerged this year.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks (compensation pick)- Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy: With the second of two first round picks, the Diamondbacks go with a high school righty with a ton of upside in Espino. He offers plenty of good pitches and has big velocity and spin rate.
27. Chicago Cubs- Kody Hoese, Third Baseman, Tulane: The Cubs would love a college arm to fall to them, but they settle here on Hoese. He made some swing changes in summer ball last year that unlocked his natural strength and turned him into a big time power threat.
28. Milwaukee Brewers- Tyler Callihan, Third Baseman, Providence HS (Florida): Callihan profiles similar to Brett Bady due to his being old for the high school class. He is someone else that's worth a first round pick due to the fact he can flat out hit.
29. Oakland Athletics- Greg Jones, Shortstop, UNC Wilmington: Here's another possibility that is gaining momentum. Jones is a player that is among the fastest in the draft and he has intriguing offensive upside.
30. New York Yankees- Kameron Misner, Outfielder, Missouri: Misner is the college prospect with the best tools package among college position players. He has a good lefty swing and significant power potential, plus he draws praise for his makeup and worth ethic, but there are lingering concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at the upper levels.
31. Los Angeles Dodgers (compensation pick)- Braden Shewmake, Shortstop, Texas A&M: The Dodgers decide to go with the college position player in Shewmake. He's a grinder whose whole is greater than the sum of the parts and has outstanding hand-eye coordination and rarely strikes out, and he'll pepper the ball to all fields.
32. Houston Astros- Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell: Johnson was a shortstop without much of a bat before transferring to Campbell, where he was moved to the mound full-time. He needs a lot of work because of his relative inexperience on the mound, but if he has one of the liveliest arms in the draft.
1. Baltimore Orioles- Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Oregon State: Rutschman is the favorite to go first overall according to many people in the industry, although there is buzz the O's can take Andrew Vaughn here. He would immediately become the Orioles catcher of the future and he could get to the big leagues faster than a lot of folks due to his switch hitting ability and he provides a lot of power.
2. Kansas City Royals- Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop, Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas): The Royals are a team that wants top tier talent to build around and in their system. Enter Witt, who is a five-tool prospect that hits for a ton of power and projects to be a shortstop long term would immediately become the Royals top prospect.
3. Chicago White Sox- J. J. Bleday, Outfielder, Vanderbilt: Bleday is someone that scouts thought had some power to go with his bat and he's displayed it this year in college. There is a lot of talk about Bleday being the choice here by the White Sox after many have speculated Andrew Vaughn or CJ Abrams.
4. Miami Marlins- Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California: The Marlins are a team that lacks college position players in their system. Vaughn is arguably the best all-around hitter in this draft and he could go third to the White Sox. If Vaughn falls here, it's a major win for the Marlins as they finally have a possible franchise player.
5. Detroit Tigers- CJ Abrams, Shortstop, Blessed Trinity HS (California): The Tigers are possibly getting a steal here with Abrams falling to them at five and he's someone that could go third to the White Sox. He is one of the best hitters and athletes in this draft. If it doesn't work out for him as a middle infielder, than he could work out in center field.
6. San Diego Padres- Riley Greene, Outfielder, Hagerty HS (Florida): Greene is the best high school hitter in this draft and the Padres snag him here. They could go with a college hitter here, but they settle on Greene here, who is a below average defensive player which doesn't bode well for a National League club like the Padres.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU: The Reds have a farm system that's loaded with hitters and high school pitchers, but it lacks collegiate arms. Lodolo is the first pitcher taken off the board as he's the best pitcher in the draft and he's someone that has three good pitches.
8. Texas Rangers- Hunter Bishop, Outfielder, Arizona State: The Rangers system lacks college hitters and they take one here in Bishop. The Orioles apparently like him too, but taking him number one overall is a bit of a stretch. Bishop is somebody who's stock has risen from the start of the season to put him in this position.
9. Atlanta Braves (compensation pick)- Jackson Rutledge, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas): A year after not signing Carter Stewart, the Braves take another high school arm in Rutledge. He's shown high velocity and is an analytics darling and that's something the Braves would like.
10. San Francisco Giants- Bryson Stott, Shortstop, UNLV: The Giants have options here and they tend to go with the highly touted shortstop in Stott. He is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short.
11. Toronto Blue Jays- Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Lakwood HS (California): The Blue Jays have options here with this selection as they can opt for a college arm here. Carroll is somebody that can rake and makes great contact with a nice left-handed swing, has a ton of speed that works on offense and defense.
12. New York Mets- Zach Thompson, LHP, Kentucky: Many folks are linking Thompson to the Mets and it would be a solid draft choice here. If it weren't for injury concerns, he'd go in the top ten of this draft, but he has put together a great season.
13. Minnesota Twins- Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Baylor: If it weren't for Adley Rutschman, Langeliers would have been the best catcher in this draft. He doesn't have Rutschman's offensive upside, but he's one of the best defensive catchers of the last decade and is hitting better this spring despite a broken hamate that sidelined him for just three weeks.
14. Philadelphia Phillies- Alek Manoah, RHP, West Virginia: The Phillies have options with this pick as they can go in a numerous number of directions. Manoah is the best college righty pitcher in the draft and he's somebody that has improved his walk rate from last year to this year.
15. Los Angeles Angels- Matthew Allan, RHP, Seminole HS (Florida): The Angels have drafted a lot of position players in the first round the past few seasons, but this time around they take a high school arm in Allan. Scouts love his curveball and his fastball, but if he falls far, he may be heading to college rather than the pros.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks- Brett Baty, Third Baseman, Lake Travis HS (Texas): Baty is somebody with tremendous upside and possibly could go higher than this. Some scouts believe he's the best high school hitter and not Riley Greene as he's also shown to hit for average and power. There are teams that won't touch him in the first round because of his age while others don't think he'll last 20 picks.
17. Washington Nationals- Josh Jung, Third Baseman, Texas Tech: Jung is somebody that was thought out to be a top ten or even top five pick prior to this season. He's having a down season, but is still producing solid numbers and he's worth a first round choice due to his past success.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates- Brennan Malone, RHP, IMG Academy (Florida): The Pirates could go in a number of directions here whether that could be a high school or a college position player, but here I have them taking a fast riser in Malone. Malone is somebody that displays four good pitches and I wouldn't rule out him going in the top ten.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- George Kirby, RHP, Elon: The lack of college arms that are first round worthy will push guys like Kirby up the draft boards. He is someone that is a great strike thrower and he lead the country in strikeout-walk ratio to back it up.
20. Seattle Mariners- Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary-Grove HS (Illinois): After having college position players mocked in this spot, I have the Mariners going with the high school arm in Priester. He is somebody that is one of the fastest risers of the spring and has a great curveball.
21. Atlanta Braves- Logan Davidson, Shortstop, Clemson: There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Braves and Davidson of late to the fact this could indeed be the choice here. He is a switch-hitting shortstop that plays good defense and runs the bases well too.
22. Tampa Bay Rays- Keoni Cavaco, Third Baseman, Eastlake HS (California): Cavaco is one of the drafts fastest risers as the draft is less than a week away. He has huge raw power and a strong defensive profile at the hot corner.
23. Colorado Rockies- Will Wilson, Shortstop/Second Baseman, North Carolina State: Wilson is solid across the board, with a nice swing, decent pop and the arm and quickness to potentially land at short long-term. He has below-average speed, which means he may wind up at second, but he’ll likely hit.
24. Cleveland Indians- Michael Busch, First Baseman/Outfielder, North Carolina: Busch is someone that is very polished and mature as a hitter, but he doesn't have a clear position. He hits for a ton of power and many folks he's a first baseman long term.
25. Los Angeles Dodgers- Gunnar Henderson, Shortstop, John T. Morgan Academy (Alabama): Henderson is someone who's stock is rising to the point that he's in the conversation for best shortstop in the draft. He can hit at a high rate and has some power that has emerged this year.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks (compensation pick)- Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy: With the second of two first round picks, the Diamondbacks go with a high school righty with a ton of upside in Espino. He offers plenty of good pitches and has big velocity and spin rate.
27. Chicago Cubs- Kody Hoese, Third Baseman, Tulane: The Cubs would love a college arm to fall to them, but they settle here on Hoese. He made some swing changes in summer ball last year that unlocked his natural strength and turned him into a big time power threat.
28. Milwaukee Brewers- Tyler Callihan, Third Baseman, Providence HS (Florida): Callihan profiles similar to Brett Bady due to his being old for the high school class. He is someone else that's worth a first round pick due to the fact he can flat out hit.
29. Oakland Athletics- Greg Jones, Shortstop, UNC Wilmington: Here's another possibility that is gaining momentum. Jones is a player that is among the fastest in the draft and he has intriguing offensive upside.
30. New York Yankees- Kameron Misner, Outfielder, Missouri: Misner is the college prospect with the best tools package among college position players. He has a good lefty swing and significant power potential, plus he draws praise for his makeup and worth ethic, but there are lingering concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at the upper levels.
31. Los Angeles Dodgers (compensation pick)- Braden Shewmake, Shortstop, Texas A&M: The Dodgers decide to go with the college position player in Shewmake. He's a grinder whose whole is greater than the sum of the parts and has outstanding hand-eye coordination and rarely strikes out, and he'll pepper the ball to all fields.
32. Houston Astros- Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell: Johnson was a shortstop without much of a bat before transferring to Campbell, where he was moved to the mound full-time. He needs a lot of work because of his relative inexperience on the mound, but if he has one of the liveliest arms in the draft.
Sunday, May 26, 2019
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Final Prediction
We have an interesting Stanley Cup Final here. The St. Louis Blues are here for the first time since 1970 and ironically enough they lost to the team that they're facing in this Stanley Cup Final in the Boston Bruins. Will history repeat itself or will the Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history?
(A2) Boston Bruins vs (C3) St. Louis Blues: The Bruins offense has been awesome throughout the postseason led by Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pasternak, Charlie Coyle, and David Krejci. Their defense is deep led by Torey Krug, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Zdeno Chara, and John Moore. Tukka Rask has to be the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy at this point with his stellar postseason play. The Blues offense has been great too in the postseason led by Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan O'Reilly, Brayden Schenn, Alex Steen, and David Perron. Their defense has been awesome too led by Alex Pietrangelo, Jay Boumeester, Vince Dunn, and Colton Parayko. Jordan Binnington for the most part has been great in these playoffs with the exception of a few shaky periods. Special teams throughout the postseason have been good for both teams. That said, the Blues have been on a roll since January led by a hot goalie in Binngington (although Rask has been hot too) and with a few magic moments throughout the playoffs, this just feels like their year as the Blues will win their first championship in franchise history as the city will embrace it and sing this song.
Prediction: Blues in six games.
Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: Jordan Binnington
(A2) Boston Bruins vs (C3) St. Louis Blues: The Bruins offense has been awesome throughout the postseason led by Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron, David Pasternak, Charlie Coyle, and David Krejci. Their defense is deep led by Torey Krug, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Zdeno Chara, and John Moore. Tukka Rask has to be the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy at this point with his stellar postseason play. The Blues offense has been great too in the postseason led by Vladimir Tarasenko, Ryan O'Reilly, Brayden Schenn, Alex Steen, and David Perron. Their defense has been awesome too led by Alex Pietrangelo, Jay Boumeester, Vince Dunn, and Colton Parayko. Jordan Binnington for the most part has been great in these playoffs with the exception of a few shaky periods. Special teams throughout the postseason have been good for both teams. That said, the Blues have been on a roll since January led by a hot goalie in Binngington (although Rask has been hot too) and with a few magic moments throughout the playoffs, this just feels like their year as the Blues will win their first championship in franchise history as the city will embrace it and sing this song.
Prediction: Blues in six games.
Conn Smythe Trophy Winner: Jordan Binnington
Friday, May 24, 2019
2019 NHL Mock Draft: Fourth Edition
Here is the third edition of my 2019 NHL Mock Draft.
1. New Jersey Devils- Jack Hughes, Center, USNDT: Hughes is somebody people have been talking about since last year in terms of young up and coming impact draft prospects. He's going to come in and have an immediate impact on a team that needs young assets to go with Taylor Hall and former number one overall pick Nico Hischier.
2. New York Rangers- Kaapo Kakko, Right Wing, Liija (TPS): The Rangers have to be thrilled for making this big of a jump in the lottery. Kakko is somebody that will jumpstart this rebuild as he broke a ton of scoring records in Liija. He will also make an immediate impact and would be yet another prospect to add to a suddenly loaded prospect group featuring Vitaly Kravstov and K'Andre Miller.
3. Chicago Blackhawks- Dylan Cozens, Center, Lethbridge (WHL): Cozens is somebody I'm very high on and I feel has a ton of potential. He's very dynamic and would give the Blackhawks a great number two center behind Jonathan Toews down the road.
4. Colorado Avalanche (from Ottawa Senators)- Alex Turcotte, Center, USNDT: Turcotte is somebody that is very a dynamic two-way center that's stock is rising. He's playing in the Under-18 World Championship and is thriving in the tournament, which is making people think he could be the third guy off the board on draft night.
5. Los Angeles Kings- Bowen Bryam, Defenseman, Vancouver (WHL): The Kings have options with this pick as they could trade the pick, take a forward, or go defense like I have here. Bryam is the best defenseman in the draft and the Kings need more young defenseman as Drew Doughty is aging.
6. Detroit Red Wings- Trevor Zegras, Center/Wing, USNDT: Zegras is somebody who's stock is rising because of his versatility and has smart vision. He's a good two-way player too and he would be someone the Red Wings would move around in their lineup because of his versatility.
7. Buffalo Sabres- Cole Caufield, Center/Wing, USNDT: The Sabres could go in a bunch of different directions here. Caufield is someone who's draft stock is rising due to his versatility he provides and he could pan out into a top six forward.
8. Edmonton Oilers- Vasili Podkolzin, Right Wing, St. Petersburg (KHL): Podkolzin is someone that was outstanding in the World Junior, but wasn't putting up stats offensively in Russia. I can see Podkolzin slipping further than this due to contract concerns with the KHL, but at the same time due to his upside, I can see him being picked in the top three.
9. Anaheim Ducks- Kirby Dach, Center, Saskatoon (WHL): Dach is the most NHL-ready player in the draft other than Hughes and Kakko, so the Ducks could be getting a steal here. He excels on offense with his instincts and his vision.
10. Vancouver Canucks- Victor Sodestrom, Defenseman, Brynas (Superelite): The Canucks go defense for the second straight year as they take Sodestrom to go with Quinn Hughes. He's someone that is a smart player that could be great offensively and is reliable defensively.
11. Philadelphia Flyers- Matthew Bodly, Right Wing, USNDT: Bodly is yet another USNDT player taken in the lottery. He has a ton of size and score the puck from both sides of the wing and is someone the Flyers would take a chance on.
12. Minnesota Wild- Peyton Kerbs, Left Wing, Kootenay (WHL): Kerbs is somebody that is a dynamic offensive force like some of the other wingers in the top of the draft. He's fast and has a good hockey IQ which the Wild would like.
13. Florida Panthers- Cam York, Defenseman, USNDT: The USNDT lottery dominance continues as the Panthers take York. He's somebody that could be a top four D-man on someone's roster and he is someone was thought out to be a lottery pick a few weeks ago, but his stock has dropped.
14. Arizona Coyotes- Alex Newhook, Center, victoria (BCHL): Newhook is such a fast riser right now that it this area of the draft is where I believe he'll be taken if the draft was being held tonight. He is somebody that is a big offensive force and he has blazing speed.
15. Montreal Canadiens- Philip Brodberg, Defenseman, AIK (SWE): The Panthers could go a number of directions with this pick. Brodberg is someone that is a good offensive defenseman that has good vision as well as controls the game well in all zones.
16. Colorado Avalanche- Thomas Hardley, Defenseman, Mississauga (OHL): Hardley is somebody that is an excellent two-way defenseman and is probably a steal with this pick. He is somebody the Avalanche would pair with Cale Makar down the road.
17. Vegas Golden Knights- Arthur Kaliev, Left Wing, Hamilton (OHL): Kaliev is somebody that can flag out score. Some people have concerns with his skating ability and his two-way game, or else he would be in the conversation for a top ten or even a top five pick.
18. Dallas Stars- Raphael Lavoie, Center/Wing, Halifax (OHL): Lavoie is someone who's draft stock is rising that could be a immediate contributor for the Penguins. He is a physical player, but also someone with speed and can wire a heavy shot.
19. Ottawa Senators (from Columbus Blue Jackets)- Ville Heinola, Defenseman, Lukko (SM-Liiga): Heinola is somebody who's stock is rising and is very good at attacking and making odd-man situations. His moves make people remind him of Rasmus Dahlin.
20. New York Rangers (from Winnipeg Jets)- Moritz Seider, Defenseman, Adler (SEL): The Rangers go defense here with their second first rounder to continue building their defense depth. Seider is somebody that is a great-two way defenseman and is a force to be reckoned with.
21. Pittsburgh Penguins- Ryan Suzuki, Center, Barrie (OHL): The younger brother of former Knights first rounder Kurt, Ryan may end up being the better prospect. He's a great skater and has good vision for the game as well as great playmaking skills.
22. Los Angeles Kings (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Connor McMichael, Center, London (OHL): McMichael is somebody that is very crafty and a type of player that the Kings add to what might be a long rebuild. He's also great at finishing and he stood out among a London Knights team that's loaded with scorers.
23. New York Islanders- Phil Thomasino, Center/Wing, Niagara (OHL): Thomasino is somebody that is versatile and has a knack of making plays with a ton of speed. That's something that the Islanders like in players.
24. Nashville Predators- Jakob Pelletier, Center/Wing, Moncoton (QMJHL): The Predators take a versatile forward here with their first rounder. Pelletier is somebody that has great tenacity and skill as well as generating chances off the forecheck.
25. Washington Capitals- Bobby Brink, Right Wing, Sioux Falls (USHL): The Capitals take the fast rising winger here. Brink isn't the fastest skater, but has good footwork and agility, allowing him to weave in and out of traffic and around defenders.
26. Calgary Flames- Matthew Robertson, Defenseman, Edmonton (OHL): Robertson is somebody that provided very good two-way play this past season. He seems like somebody the Flames would take a chance on and perhaps pair him with Mark Giordano down the road.
27. Tampa Bay Lightning- Brett Leason, Center/Wing, Prince Albert (WHL): Leason is somebody rare in the sense he was undrafted last season and now projected to be a late first or second round pick and that says a lot on how much he has improved as a player. He can flat out score and has good size and plays a power game.
28. Carolina Hurricanes- Spencer Knight, Goalie, USNDT: There hasn't been a goalie with the fire and intensity like Knight drafted this high in a long time. The Hurricanes really don't have a long term solution in goal with Petr Mrazek's future uncertain and Knight certainly is capable of being that guy.
29. Buffalo Sabres (from San Jose Sharks)- Samuel Poulin, Left Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): Poulin is someone who's stock is falling to the point where he could drop into the second round. His size, combined with above average puck handling, shooting, and play-making skills makes him an attractive ‘power forward’ NHL prospect.
30. Anaheim Ducks (from St. Louis Blues via Buffalo Sabres)- Nils Hoglander, Right Wing, Rogle (SHL): The Ducks take another forward with their second first rounder. Hoglander is a small player that is very fineness with and without the puck and a rebuilding team like the Kings could use a player like this.
31. Boston Bruins- Ilya Nikolaev, Center, Loko (MHL): Nikolaev is somebody that's a strong body that provides good two-way play. He's a great penalty killer and dishes the puck to his teammates and in the net very well.
1. New Jersey Devils- Jack Hughes, Center, USNDT: Hughes is somebody people have been talking about since last year in terms of young up and coming impact draft prospects. He's going to come in and have an immediate impact on a team that needs young assets to go with Taylor Hall and former number one overall pick Nico Hischier.
2. New York Rangers- Kaapo Kakko, Right Wing, Liija (TPS): The Rangers have to be thrilled for making this big of a jump in the lottery. Kakko is somebody that will jumpstart this rebuild as he broke a ton of scoring records in Liija. He will also make an immediate impact and would be yet another prospect to add to a suddenly loaded prospect group featuring Vitaly Kravstov and K'Andre Miller.
3. Chicago Blackhawks- Dylan Cozens, Center, Lethbridge (WHL): Cozens is somebody I'm very high on and I feel has a ton of potential. He's very dynamic and would give the Blackhawks a great number two center behind Jonathan Toews down the road.
4. Colorado Avalanche (from Ottawa Senators)- Alex Turcotte, Center, USNDT: Turcotte is somebody that is very a dynamic two-way center that's stock is rising. He's playing in the Under-18 World Championship and is thriving in the tournament, which is making people think he could be the third guy off the board on draft night.
5. Los Angeles Kings- Bowen Bryam, Defenseman, Vancouver (WHL): The Kings have options with this pick as they could trade the pick, take a forward, or go defense like I have here. Bryam is the best defenseman in the draft and the Kings need more young defenseman as Drew Doughty is aging.
6. Detroit Red Wings- Trevor Zegras, Center/Wing, USNDT: Zegras is somebody who's stock is rising because of his versatility and has smart vision. He's a good two-way player too and he would be someone the Red Wings would move around in their lineup because of his versatility.
7. Buffalo Sabres- Cole Caufield, Center/Wing, USNDT: The Sabres could go in a bunch of different directions here. Caufield is someone who's draft stock is rising due to his versatility he provides and he could pan out into a top six forward.
8. Edmonton Oilers- Vasili Podkolzin, Right Wing, St. Petersburg (KHL): Podkolzin is someone that was outstanding in the World Junior, but wasn't putting up stats offensively in Russia. I can see Podkolzin slipping further than this due to contract concerns with the KHL, but at the same time due to his upside, I can see him being picked in the top three.
9. Anaheim Ducks- Kirby Dach, Center, Saskatoon (WHL): Dach is the most NHL-ready player in the draft other than Hughes and Kakko, so the Ducks could be getting a steal here. He excels on offense with his instincts and his vision.
10. Vancouver Canucks- Victor Sodestrom, Defenseman, Brynas (Superelite): The Canucks go defense for the second straight year as they take Sodestrom to go with Quinn Hughes. He's someone that is a smart player that could be great offensively and is reliable defensively.
11. Philadelphia Flyers- Matthew Bodly, Right Wing, USNDT: Bodly is yet another USNDT player taken in the lottery. He has a ton of size and score the puck from both sides of the wing and is someone the Flyers would take a chance on.
12. Minnesota Wild- Peyton Kerbs, Left Wing, Kootenay (WHL): Kerbs is somebody that is a dynamic offensive force like some of the other wingers in the top of the draft. He's fast and has a good hockey IQ which the Wild would like.
13. Florida Panthers- Cam York, Defenseman, USNDT: The USNDT lottery dominance continues as the Panthers take York. He's somebody that could be a top four D-man on someone's roster and he is someone was thought out to be a lottery pick a few weeks ago, but his stock has dropped.
14. Arizona Coyotes- Alex Newhook, Center, victoria (BCHL): Newhook is such a fast riser right now that it this area of the draft is where I believe he'll be taken if the draft was being held tonight. He is somebody that is a big offensive force and he has blazing speed.
15. Montreal Canadiens- Philip Brodberg, Defenseman, AIK (SWE): The Panthers could go a number of directions with this pick. Brodberg is someone that is a good offensive defenseman that has good vision as well as controls the game well in all zones.
16. Colorado Avalanche- Thomas Hardley, Defenseman, Mississauga (OHL): Hardley is somebody that is an excellent two-way defenseman and is probably a steal with this pick. He is somebody the Avalanche would pair with Cale Makar down the road.
17. Vegas Golden Knights- Arthur Kaliev, Left Wing, Hamilton (OHL): Kaliev is somebody that can flag out score. Some people have concerns with his skating ability and his two-way game, or else he would be in the conversation for a top ten or even a top five pick.
18. Dallas Stars- Raphael Lavoie, Center/Wing, Halifax (OHL): Lavoie is someone who's draft stock is rising that could be a immediate contributor for the Penguins. He is a physical player, but also someone with speed and can wire a heavy shot.
19. Ottawa Senators (from Columbus Blue Jackets)- Ville Heinola, Defenseman, Lukko (SM-Liiga): Heinola is somebody who's stock is rising and is very good at attacking and making odd-man situations. His moves make people remind him of Rasmus Dahlin.
20. New York Rangers (from Winnipeg Jets)- Moritz Seider, Defenseman, Adler (SEL): The Rangers go defense here with their second first rounder to continue building their defense depth. Seider is somebody that is a great-two way defenseman and is a force to be reckoned with.
21. Pittsburgh Penguins- Ryan Suzuki, Center, Barrie (OHL): The younger brother of former Knights first rounder Kurt, Ryan may end up being the better prospect. He's a great skater and has good vision for the game as well as great playmaking skills.
22. Los Angeles Kings (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Connor McMichael, Center, London (OHL): McMichael is somebody that is very crafty and a type of player that the Kings add to what might be a long rebuild. He's also great at finishing and he stood out among a London Knights team that's loaded with scorers.
23. New York Islanders- Phil Thomasino, Center/Wing, Niagara (OHL): Thomasino is somebody that is versatile and has a knack of making plays with a ton of speed. That's something that the Islanders like in players.
24. Nashville Predators- Jakob Pelletier, Center/Wing, Moncoton (QMJHL): The Predators take a versatile forward here with their first rounder. Pelletier is somebody that has great tenacity and skill as well as generating chances off the forecheck.
25. Washington Capitals- Bobby Brink, Right Wing, Sioux Falls (USHL): The Capitals take the fast rising winger here. Brink isn't the fastest skater, but has good footwork and agility, allowing him to weave in and out of traffic and around defenders.
26. Calgary Flames- Matthew Robertson, Defenseman, Edmonton (OHL): Robertson is somebody that provided very good two-way play this past season. He seems like somebody the Flames would take a chance on and perhaps pair him with Mark Giordano down the road.
27. Tampa Bay Lightning- Brett Leason, Center/Wing, Prince Albert (WHL): Leason is somebody rare in the sense he was undrafted last season and now projected to be a late first or second round pick and that says a lot on how much he has improved as a player. He can flat out score and has good size and plays a power game.
28. Carolina Hurricanes- Spencer Knight, Goalie, USNDT: There hasn't been a goalie with the fire and intensity like Knight drafted this high in a long time. The Hurricanes really don't have a long term solution in goal with Petr Mrazek's future uncertain and Knight certainly is capable of being that guy.
29. Buffalo Sabres (from San Jose Sharks)- Samuel Poulin, Left Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): Poulin is someone who's stock is falling to the point where he could drop into the second round. His size, combined with above average puck handling, shooting, and play-making skills makes him an attractive ‘power forward’ NHL prospect.
30. Anaheim Ducks (from St. Louis Blues via Buffalo Sabres)- Nils Hoglander, Right Wing, Rogle (SHL): The Ducks take another forward with their second first rounder. Hoglander is a small player that is very fineness with and without the puck and a rebuilding team like the Kings could use a player like this.
31. Boston Bruins- Ilya Nikolaev, Center, Loko (MHL): Nikolaev is somebody that's a strong body that provides good two-way play. He's a great penalty killer and dishes the puck to his teammates and in the net very well.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
2019 NBA Mock Draft: Fourth Edition
Here is my fourth edition of my 2019 NBA Mock Draft.
1. New Orleans Pelicans- Zion Williamson, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Pelicans are massive winners here for landing the best prospect since LeBron James. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis still wants out of New Orleans and maybe they ship him to New York or Los Angeles for a bunch of young assets and either the third or fourth pick of the draft. That said, assuming they move on from Davis, they can start fresh with Williamson on board.
2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ja Morant, Point Guard, Murray State: The Grizzlies are big winners here as they jump to two. Morant is someone that people are down on due to weaker competition, but he really showed that he can be the real deal. Assuming he is the selection, he'd be the perfect replacement for Mike Conley, who they can trade this offseason for more assets to build around.
3. New York Knicks- RJ Barrett, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Duke: Barrett was the preseason top prospect before Zion broke onto the scenes and wowed everyone. He was overshadowed due to Zion's presence on the team, but he had his moments. There is the possibility the Knicks move this pick in a possible Anthony Davis trade, which would be a win for both parties involved as the Knicks would have a star to possibly pair with Kevin Durant (if he signs in New York).
4. Los Angeles Lakers- Jarrett Culver, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech: Culver is somebody that had a sensational sophomore season to become a projected top lottery pick. He's somebody that can shoot the ball and rebound well for his position. There is a distinct possibility that this pick is shopped though as they find another star to pair with LeBron James.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers- De'Andre Hunter, Small Forward/Power Forward, Virginia: The Cavaliers were one of the many lottery losers, but they still end up with a solid young player here. Hunter is somebody that was excellent in Virginia's run to the title last season and his stock rose in light of it. I like Hunter and I believe he could surprise some folks as a rookie because of his fine two-way play.
6. Phoenix Suns- Darius Garland, Point Guard, Vanderbilt: The Suns were another lottery loser as they dropped from three to six. They're biggest need coming into the offseason was a point guard and they land one here with Garland. He did only play in five games this past season due to the knee injury he suffered. A backcourt with him and Devin Booker would be interesting.
7. Chicago Bulls- Coby White, Point Guard/Shooting Guard: North Carolina: The Bulls drop from four to seven which isn't ideal for them. This would be an interesting selection considering they already have Kris Dunn on their roster. White is someone who was great in his lone collegiate season and that's what got him to this position. He and Zach LaVine would be an interesting backcourt pairing.
8. Atlanta Hawks- Cam Reddish, Small Forward, Duke: Reddish, like RJ Barrett, is someone that was overshadowed on the Blue Devils squad because of Zion's presence. Reddish did not shoot the ball well at times throughout the season and he needs to develop that consistent shot in the pro's. If he does that, than the Hawks got themselves another building block to go with the rest of their young core.
9. Washington Wizards- Bol Bol, Center, Oregon: The Wizards were a lottery loser as they fell from six to nine. Bol is somebody that is very talented, but has major bust potential. He did miss most of the season with a foot injury. He can protect the rim and shoot the three ball pretty well too for a seven footer.
10. Atlanta Hawks (from Dallas Mavericks)- Jaxson Hayes, Center, Texas: Hayes is someone who developed later on in his high school days and carried it over to college. He shot from a high percentage this past season and showed an ability to protect the rim. In this scenario, he'd come in and possibly start alongside John Collins (unless they upgrade the center position in free agency).
11. Minnesota Timberwolves- Rui Hachimua, Small Forward, Gonzaga: Hachimura is someone that is super talented and really took his game a notch this past season. The buzz at the combine was that there is very little chance Hachimura slips out of the lottery, with Minnesota generally thought to be a soft landing spot for him.
12. Charlotte Hornets- Kevin Porter Jr, Shooting Guard, USC: Porter is somebody that's a lottery talent that could very well drop into the twenties due to the injuries and suspension he had in college. If Porter lived up to the expectations he was given before college, the Hornets could be getting themselves a player.
13. Miami Heat- Sekou Doumbouya, Small Forward/Shooting Guard, France: Doumbouya is somebody that showed a good jump shot and qualify defensive play too. The defensive side needs to be more proven once he is in the league full time. He's someone that will probably be a bench player for the Heat that could see G-league time if he needs more development time.
14. Boston Celtics (from Sacramento Kings via Philadelphia 76ers)- PJ Washington, Power Forward, Kentucky: The Celtics have some options here as they can trade the pick for something else or just simply take who they feel is the best player available as they face a critical offseason. Washington is someone that has the talent of a lottery pick with his ability to stretch the floor.
15. Detroit Pistons- Romeo Langford, Shooting Guard, Indiana: Langford is someone that dealt with a torn labrum this past season which probably held him back in college. He didn't shoot the ball well last season, but if that improves the Pistons found themselves a much needed young guard.
16. Orlando Magic- Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: Herro is somebody that is a very fast riser of late. He's someone that can flat out shoot the ball and the Magic are a team that needs outside perimeter shooting. If they take Herro, it would not shock me if he ends up being a big contributor immediately.
17. Brooklyn Nets- Brandon Clarke, Power Forward, Gonzaga: The Nets finally have their own first round pick after paying the price for their awful trade with Boston back in 2013. Clarke provides energy and great two way play and he is someone analytic nerds will love with his high PER this past college season.
18. Indiana Pacers- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shooting Guard, Virginia Tech: Alexander-Walker had a great sophomore season for improve his draft stock. What makes him a hot commodity is that he can guard multiple positions and play on and off the ball. The Pacers could use more wing depth with Bojan Bogdanovic possibly leaving as a free agent and Victor Oladipo recovering from his achilles injury.
19. San Antonio Spurs- Keldon Johnson, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Kentucky: The Spurs are a team that is very guard heavy and pretty big man heavy. Where they lack is forward depth and Johnson is somebody that can come in and develop with a team that is notoriously known for developing well. He can shoot the three-ball well, but he needs to develop more defensively, which the Spurs can help him with.
20. Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Goga Bitadze, Center, Serbia: The Celtics are a team that wants a lot more size. Bitadze, although there is skepticism because he played overseas, is a creative big man who is terrific in the midrange, crafty with the ball in his hands, and a strong force in the post.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Nassir Little, Small Forward, North Carolina: Little is somebody who had an uneven season with North Carolina to the point Coby White became the best freshman on the team. He showed flashes of good shooting and always has been a great athlete. He has lottery talent and if he lives up to capability, the Thunder got themselves a player.
22. Boston Celtics- Talen Horton-Tucker, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Iowa State: Horton-Tucker is somebody that had a very good year with the Cyclones this past season as a freshman which got him to this position. The Celtics are a team (with three first rounders) that could afford to take chances on overachievers and Horton-Tucker would be someone that would provide solid minutes for them.
23. Utah Jazz- Matisse Thybulle, Small Forward, Washington: Thybulle is somebody who was curiously left off the NBA combine list, but has the talent to be a first round pick. He's somebody that showed fine two-way play with solid three-point shooting and great defensive instincts.
24. Philadelphia 76ers- Cameron Johnson, Small Forward, North Carolina: Johnson is someone that was a very steady player in college for the Tar Heels. He's someone that can defend pretty well and shoot the 3-ball well. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes higher than this or he goes in the second round.
25. Portland Trail Blazers- Grant Williams, Power Forward, Tennessee: Williams, the two-time SEC Player of the Year, ends up in the area where he should be picked. He's someone who isn't athlete or has a good perimeter game, but he can score in the post and could adjust to the league better than people think.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Houston Rockets)- Luka Samanic, Power Forward, Olimpija: Samanic had a great showing at the combine and likely played his way into first-round territory, showcasing his offensive versatility and an improved physique that bodes well for the growth of his game. He’s ideal as a stretch-four with his skill level and size, and didn’t look bad moving his feet defensively, either.
27. Brooklyn Nets (from Denver Nuggets)- Carsen Edwards, Point Guard, Purdue: After a fantastic tournament, Edwards's stock has risen dramatically. He's someone that can score and could shoot it well from three. Edwards is probably more suited for a bench role although the Nets could need more point guard depth if they don't opt to bring back D'Angelo Russell.
28. Golden State Warriors- Bruno Fernando, Center, Maryland: Fernando is somebody that has tantalizing upside that averaged a double-double this past season. He has an NBA ready body and could be a contributor for the Warriors off the bench.
29. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- KZ Okpala, Small Forward, Stanford: Okpala is somebody who's stock is rising at the moment due to his length and wingspan. The Spurs could use some wing depth and Okpala could be a bench guy for them and provide valuable minutes.
30. Milwaukee Bucks- Daniel Gafford, Center, Arkansas: Gafford is somebody that could have been drafted last year, but decided to come back to school for his sophomore season. He has tantalizing upside and is somebody that if the Bucks were to take here, would make a possible immediate contribution, especially if Brook Lopez bolts this summer.
1. New Orleans Pelicans- Zion Williamson, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Pelicans are massive winners here for landing the best prospect since LeBron James. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis still wants out of New Orleans and maybe they ship him to New York or Los Angeles for a bunch of young assets and either the third or fourth pick of the draft. That said, assuming they move on from Davis, they can start fresh with Williamson on board.
2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ja Morant, Point Guard, Murray State: The Grizzlies are big winners here as they jump to two. Morant is someone that people are down on due to weaker competition, but he really showed that he can be the real deal. Assuming he is the selection, he'd be the perfect replacement for Mike Conley, who they can trade this offseason for more assets to build around.
3. New York Knicks- RJ Barrett, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Duke: Barrett was the preseason top prospect before Zion broke onto the scenes and wowed everyone. He was overshadowed due to Zion's presence on the team, but he had his moments. There is the possibility the Knicks move this pick in a possible Anthony Davis trade, which would be a win for both parties involved as the Knicks would have a star to possibly pair with Kevin Durant (if he signs in New York).
4. Los Angeles Lakers- Jarrett Culver, Shooting Guard, Texas Tech: Culver is somebody that had a sensational sophomore season to become a projected top lottery pick. He's somebody that can shoot the ball and rebound well for his position. There is a distinct possibility that this pick is shopped though as they find another star to pair with LeBron James.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers- De'Andre Hunter, Small Forward/Power Forward, Virginia: The Cavaliers were one of the many lottery losers, but they still end up with a solid young player here. Hunter is somebody that was excellent in Virginia's run to the title last season and his stock rose in light of it. I like Hunter and I believe he could surprise some folks as a rookie because of his fine two-way play.
6. Phoenix Suns- Darius Garland, Point Guard, Vanderbilt: The Suns were another lottery loser as they dropped from three to six. They're biggest need coming into the offseason was a point guard and they land one here with Garland. He did only play in five games this past season due to the knee injury he suffered. A backcourt with him and Devin Booker would be interesting.
7. Chicago Bulls- Coby White, Point Guard/Shooting Guard: North Carolina: The Bulls drop from four to seven which isn't ideal for them. This would be an interesting selection considering they already have Kris Dunn on their roster. White is someone who was great in his lone collegiate season and that's what got him to this position. He and Zach LaVine would be an interesting backcourt pairing.
8. Atlanta Hawks- Cam Reddish, Small Forward, Duke: Reddish, like RJ Barrett, is someone that was overshadowed on the Blue Devils squad because of Zion's presence. Reddish did not shoot the ball well at times throughout the season and he needs to develop that consistent shot in the pro's. If he does that, than the Hawks got themselves another building block to go with the rest of their young core.
9. Washington Wizards- Bol Bol, Center, Oregon: The Wizards were a lottery loser as they fell from six to nine. Bol is somebody that is very talented, but has major bust potential. He did miss most of the season with a foot injury. He can protect the rim and shoot the three ball pretty well too for a seven footer.
10. Atlanta Hawks (from Dallas Mavericks)- Jaxson Hayes, Center, Texas: Hayes is someone who developed later on in his high school days and carried it over to college. He shot from a high percentage this past season and showed an ability to protect the rim. In this scenario, he'd come in and possibly start alongside John Collins (unless they upgrade the center position in free agency).
11. Minnesota Timberwolves- Rui Hachimua, Small Forward, Gonzaga: Hachimura is someone that is super talented and really took his game a notch this past season. The buzz at the combine was that there is very little chance Hachimura slips out of the lottery, with Minnesota generally thought to be a soft landing spot for him.
12. Charlotte Hornets- Kevin Porter Jr, Shooting Guard, USC: Porter is somebody that's a lottery talent that could very well drop into the twenties due to the injuries and suspension he had in college. If Porter lived up to the expectations he was given before college, the Hornets could be getting themselves a player.
13. Miami Heat- Sekou Doumbouya, Small Forward/Shooting Guard, France: Doumbouya is somebody that showed a good jump shot and qualify defensive play too. The defensive side needs to be more proven once he is in the league full time. He's someone that will probably be a bench player for the Heat that could see G-league time if he needs more development time.
14. Boston Celtics (from Sacramento Kings via Philadelphia 76ers)- PJ Washington, Power Forward, Kentucky: The Celtics have some options here as they can trade the pick for something else or just simply take who they feel is the best player available as they face a critical offseason. Washington is someone that has the talent of a lottery pick with his ability to stretch the floor.
15. Detroit Pistons- Romeo Langford, Shooting Guard, Indiana: Langford is someone that dealt with a torn labrum this past season which probably held him back in college. He didn't shoot the ball well last season, but if that improves the Pistons found themselves a much needed young guard.
16. Orlando Magic- Tyler Herro, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: Herro is somebody that is a very fast riser of late. He's someone that can flat out shoot the ball and the Magic are a team that needs outside perimeter shooting. If they take Herro, it would not shock me if he ends up being a big contributor immediately.
17. Brooklyn Nets- Brandon Clarke, Power Forward, Gonzaga: The Nets finally have their own first round pick after paying the price for their awful trade with Boston back in 2013. Clarke provides energy and great two way play and he is someone analytic nerds will love with his high PER this past college season.
18. Indiana Pacers- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shooting Guard, Virginia Tech: Alexander-Walker had a great sophomore season for improve his draft stock. What makes him a hot commodity is that he can guard multiple positions and play on and off the ball. The Pacers could use more wing depth with Bojan Bogdanovic possibly leaving as a free agent and Victor Oladipo recovering from his achilles injury.
19. San Antonio Spurs- Keldon Johnson, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Kentucky: The Spurs are a team that is very guard heavy and pretty big man heavy. Where they lack is forward depth and Johnson is somebody that can come in and develop with a team that is notoriously known for developing well. He can shoot the three-ball well, but he needs to develop more defensively, which the Spurs can help him with.
20. Boston Celtics (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Goga Bitadze, Center, Serbia: The Celtics are a team that wants a lot more size. Bitadze, although there is skepticism because he played overseas, is a creative big man who is terrific in the midrange, crafty with the ball in his hands, and a strong force in the post.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Nassir Little, Small Forward, North Carolina: Little is somebody who had an uneven season with North Carolina to the point Coby White became the best freshman on the team. He showed flashes of good shooting and always has been a great athlete. He has lottery talent and if he lives up to capability, the Thunder got themselves a player.
22. Boston Celtics- Talen Horton-Tucker, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Iowa State: Horton-Tucker is somebody that had a very good year with the Cyclones this past season as a freshman which got him to this position. The Celtics are a team (with three first rounders) that could afford to take chances on overachievers and Horton-Tucker would be someone that would provide solid minutes for them.
23. Utah Jazz- Matisse Thybulle, Small Forward, Washington: Thybulle is somebody who was curiously left off the NBA combine list, but has the talent to be a first round pick. He's somebody that showed fine two-way play with solid three-point shooting and great defensive instincts.
24. Philadelphia 76ers- Cameron Johnson, Small Forward, North Carolina: Johnson is someone that was a very steady player in college for the Tar Heels. He's someone that can defend pretty well and shoot the 3-ball well. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes higher than this or he goes in the second round.
25. Portland Trail Blazers- Grant Williams, Power Forward, Tennessee: Williams, the two-time SEC Player of the Year, ends up in the area where he should be picked. He's someone who isn't athlete or has a good perimeter game, but he can score in the post and could adjust to the league better than people think.
26. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Houston Rockets)- Luka Samanic, Power Forward, Olimpija: Samanic had a great showing at the combine and likely played his way into first-round territory, showcasing his offensive versatility and an improved physique that bodes well for the growth of his game. He’s ideal as a stretch-four with his skill level and size, and didn’t look bad moving his feet defensively, either.
27. Brooklyn Nets (from Denver Nuggets)- Carsen Edwards, Point Guard, Purdue: After a fantastic tournament, Edwards's stock has risen dramatically. He's someone that can score and could shoot it well from three. Edwards is probably more suited for a bench role although the Nets could need more point guard depth if they don't opt to bring back D'Angelo Russell.
28. Golden State Warriors- Bruno Fernando, Center, Maryland: Fernando is somebody that has tantalizing upside that averaged a double-double this past season. He has an NBA ready body and could be a contributor for the Warriors off the bench.
29. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- KZ Okpala, Small Forward, Stanford: Okpala is somebody who's stock is rising at the moment due to his length and wingspan. The Spurs could use some wing depth and Okpala could be a bench guy for them and provide valuable minutes.
30. Milwaukee Bucks- Daniel Gafford, Center, Arkansas: Gafford is somebody that could have been drafted last year, but decided to come back to school for his sophomore season. He has tantalizing upside and is somebody that if the Bucks were to take here, would make a possible immediate contribution, especially if Brook Lopez bolts this summer.
2019 MLB Mock Draft: Second Edition
Here is my second edition of my 2019 MLB Mock Draft.
1. Baltimore Orioles- Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Oregon State: Rutschman is the heavy favorite to go first overall according to many people in the industry. He would immediately become the Orioles catcher of the future and he could get to the big leagues faster than a lot of folks due to his switch hitting ability and he provides a lot of power.
2. Kansas City Royals- Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop, Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas): The Royals are a team that wants top tier talent to build around and in their system. Enter Witt, who is a five-tool prospect that hits for a ton of power and projects to be a shortstop long term would immediately become the Royals top prospect.
3. Chicago White Sox- Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California: The White Sox have options with this choice. They decide to go with the highly touted first baseman in Vaughn. He is arguably the best all-around hitter in this draft and he would be a fine long term replacement for Jose Abreu, if they choose to move on from him.
4. Miami Marlins- J. J. Bleday, Outfielder, Vanderbilt: The Marlins are a team that lacks college position players in their system. Bleday is someone that scouts thought had some power to go with his bat and he's displayed it this year in college. The front office apparently love Bleday although shortstop CJ Abrams can't be ruled out either.
5. Detroit Tigers- Riley Greene, Outfielder, Hagerty HS (Florida): Greene is the best high school hitter in this draft and the Tigers snag him here. They could go with a college hitter here, but they settle on Greene here, who is a below average defensive player that could end up a longterm DH.
6. San Diego Padres- CJ Abrams, Shortstop, Blessed Trinity HS (California): The Padres are getting a steal here with Abrams falling to them at six and he's someone I had slotted third to Chicago two weeks ago. He is one of the best hitters and athletes in this draft. If it doesn't work out for him as a middle infielder, than he could work out in center field.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU: The Reds have a farm system that's loaded with hitters and high school pitchers, but it lacks collegiate arms. Lodolo is the first pitcher taken off the board as he's the best pitcher in the draft and he's someone that has three good pitches.
8. Texas Rangers- Hunter Bishop, Outfielder, Arizona State: The Rangers system lacks college hitters and they take one here in Bishop. The Orioles apparently like him too, but taking him number one overall is a bit of a stretch. Bishop is somebody who's stock has risen from the start of the season to put him in this position.
9. Atlanta Braves (compensation pick)- Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Lakwood HS (California): The Braves have options here with this selection. Carroll is somebody that can rake and makes great contact with a nice left-handed swing, has a ton of speed that works on offense and defense.
10. San Francisco Giants- Bryson Stott, Shortstop, UNLV: The Giants have options here and they tend to go with the highly touted shortstop in Stott. He is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short.
11. Toronto Blue Jays- Alek Manoah, RHP, West Virginia: The Jays are a team that needs more pitching as they have some young great hitters. Manoah is the best college righty pitcher in the draft and he's somebody that has improved his walk rate from last year to this year.
12. New York Mets- Zach Thompson, LHP, Kentucky: Many folks are linking Thompson to the Mets and it would be a solid draft choice here. If it weren't for injury concerns, he'd go in the top ten of this draft, but he has put together a great season.
13. Minnesota Twins- Jackson Rutledge, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas): The Twins will almost likely take one of the highly touted college arms if one of them falls to them, but here I have them taking Rutledge. He's shown high velocity and is an analytics darling and that's something the Twins would like.
14. Philadelphia Phillies- Josh Jung, Third Baseman, Texas Tech: Jung is somebody that was thought out to be a top ten or even top five pick prior to this season. He's having a down season, but is still producing solid numbers and he's worth a first round choice due to his past success.
15. Los Angeles Angels- Matthew Allan, RHP, Seminole HS (Florida): The Angels have drafted a lot of position players in the first round the past few seasons, but this time around they take a high school arm in Allan. Scouts love his curveball and his fastball, but if he falls far, he may be heading to college rather than the pros.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks- Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary-Grove HS (Illinois): The Diamondbacks are a team that Matthew Allan falls to them, but instead they go with another high school righty. Priester is somebody that is one of the fastest risers of the spring and has a great curveball.
17. Washington Nationals- Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Baylor: If it weren't for Adley Rutschman, Langeliers would have been the best catcher in this draft. He doesn't have Rutschman's offensive upside, but he's one of the best defensive catchers of the last decade and is hitting better this spring despite a broken hamate that sidelined him for just three weeks.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates- Logan Davidson, SS, Clemson: The Pirates are a team that's taken chances on high school guys a ton the past few years. Here, they take the college position player in Davidson who is a switch-hitting shortstop that plays good defense and runs the bases well too.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- George Kirby, RHP, Elon: The lack of college arms that are first round worthy will push guys like Kirby up the draft boards. He is someone that is a great strike thrower and he lead the country in strikeout-walk ratio to back it up.
20. Seattle Mariners- Will Wilson, Shortstop/Second Baseman, North Carolina State: Wilson is solid across the board, with a nice swing, decent pop and the arm and quickness to potentially land at short long-term. He has below-average speed, which means he may wind up at second, but he’ll likely hit.
21. Atlanta Braves- Brennan Malone, RHP, IMG Academy (Florida): The Braves go with a high school arm with their second first round choice. Malone is somebody that displays four good pitches and I wouldn't rule out him going ninth to the Braves or between 10 and 15.
22. Tampa Bay Rays- Michael Busch, First Baseman/Outfielder, North Carolina: Busch is someone that is very polished and mature as a hitter, but he doesn't have a clear position. He hits for a ton of power and many folks he's a first baseman long term.
23. Colorado Rockies- Kameron Misner, Outfielder, Missouri: Misner is the college prospect with the best tools package among college position players. He has a good lefty swing and significant power potential, plus he draws praise for his makeup and worth ethic, but there are lingering concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at the upper levels.
24. Cleveland Indians- Brett Baty, Third Baseman, Lake Travis HS (Texas): Baty is somebody with tremendous upside and possibly could go higher than this. Some scouts believe he's the best high school hitter and not Riley Greene as he's also shown to hit for average and power. There are teams that won't touch him in the first round because of his age while others don't think he'll last 20 picks.
25. Los Angeles Dodgers- Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy: With the first of two first round picks, the Dodgers go with a high school righty with a ton of upside in Espino. He offers plenty of good pitches and has big velocity and spin rate.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks (compensation pick)- Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell: Johnson was a shortstop without much of a bat before transferring to Campbell, where he was moved to the mound full-time. He needs a lot of work because of his relative inexperience on the mound, but if he has one of the liveliest arms in the draft.
27. Chicago Cubs- Kody Hoese, Third Baseman, Tulane: The Cubs would love a college arm to fall to them, but they settle here on Hoese. He made some swing changes in summer ball last year that unlocked his natural strength and turned him into a big time power threat.
28. Milwaukee Brewers- Rece Hinds, Third Baseman, IMG Academy (Florida): The Brewers have hit on a some of high school hitters the past few years (Keston Hiura being the most recent). Hinds has as much raw power as anyone in the Draft, although there are swing-and-miss concerns too.
29. Oakland Athletics- Hunter Barco, LHP, Bolles School-San Jose (Florida): Barco is arguably the best lefty high school arm in this draft. His fastball sits in the mid-90s with movement, he owns a good, but inconsistent slider and a solid changeup.
30. New York Yankees- Tyler Callihan, Third Baseman, Providence HS (Florida): Callihan profiles similar to Brett Bady due to his being old for the high school class. He is someone else that's worth a first round pick due to the fact he can flat out hit.
31. Los Angeles Dodgers (compensation pick)- Maurice Hampton, Outfielder, Memphis University HS (Tennessee): Hampton is somebody that's committed to playing both baseball and football at LSU, and it would take a big offer from someone to pry him away from college to play pro-ball. If he refines his tools in center field, he could be a 25-25 guy.
32. Houston Astros- J. J. Goss, RHP, Cypress Ranch HS (Texas): The Astros have hit jackpot on high school pitching of late (latest example Forrest Whitley). Goss is somebody that has similar raw tools to Whitley and he has a great curveball and slider and would slide right in to the Astros collection of good young pitching prospects.
1. Baltimore Orioles- Adley Rutschman, Catcher, Oregon State: Rutschman is the heavy favorite to go first overall according to many people in the industry. He would immediately become the Orioles catcher of the future and he could get to the big leagues faster than a lot of folks due to his switch hitting ability and he provides a lot of power.
2. Kansas City Royals- Bobby Witt Jr., Shortstop, Colleyville Heritage HS (Texas): The Royals are a team that wants top tier talent to build around and in their system. Enter Witt, who is a five-tool prospect that hits for a ton of power and projects to be a shortstop long term would immediately become the Royals top prospect.
3. Chicago White Sox- Andrew Vaughn, First Baseman, California: The White Sox have options with this choice. They decide to go with the highly touted first baseman in Vaughn. He is arguably the best all-around hitter in this draft and he would be a fine long term replacement for Jose Abreu, if they choose to move on from him.
4. Miami Marlins- J. J. Bleday, Outfielder, Vanderbilt: The Marlins are a team that lacks college position players in their system. Bleday is someone that scouts thought had some power to go with his bat and he's displayed it this year in college. The front office apparently love Bleday although shortstop CJ Abrams can't be ruled out either.
5. Detroit Tigers- Riley Greene, Outfielder, Hagerty HS (Florida): Greene is the best high school hitter in this draft and the Tigers snag him here. They could go with a college hitter here, but they settle on Greene here, who is a below average defensive player that could end up a longterm DH.
6. San Diego Padres- CJ Abrams, Shortstop, Blessed Trinity HS (California): The Padres are getting a steal here with Abrams falling to them at six and he's someone I had slotted third to Chicago two weeks ago. He is one of the best hitters and athletes in this draft. If it doesn't work out for him as a middle infielder, than he could work out in center field.
7. Cincinnati Reds- Nick Lodolo, LHP, TCU: The Reds have a farm system that's loaded with hitters and high school pitchers, but it lacks collegiate arms. Lodolo is the first pitcher taken off the board as he's the best pitcher in the draft and he's someone that has three good pitches.
8. Texas Rangers- Hunter Bishop, Outfielder, Arizona State: The Rangers system lacks college hitters and they take one here in Bishop. The Orioles apparently like him too, but taking him number one overall is a bit of a stretch. Bishop is somebody who's stock has risen from the start of the season to put him in this position.
9. Atlanta Braves (compensation pick)- Corbin Carroll, Outfielder, Lakwood HS (California): The Braves have options here with this selection. Carroll is somebody that can rake and makes great contact with a nice left-handed swing, has a ton of speed that works on offense and defense.
10. San Francisco Giants- Bryson Stott, Shortstop, UNLV: The Giants have options here and they tend to go with the highly touted shortstop in Stott. He is the best college infielder in the draft class and he projects to be an impact hitter with enough defense to stick at short.
11. Toronto Blue Jays- Alek Manoah, RHP, West Virginia: The Jays are a team that needs more pitching as they have some young great hitters. Manoah is the best college righty pitcher in the draft and he's somebody that has improved his walk rate from last year to this year.
12. New York Mets- Zach Thompson, LHP, Kentucky: Many folks are linking Thompson to the Mets and it would be a solid draft choice here. If it weren't for injury concerns, he'd go in the top ten of this draft, but he has put together a great season.
13. Minnesota Twins- Jackson Rutledge, RHP, San Jacinto (Texas): The Twins will almost likely take one of the highly touted college arms if one of them falls to them, but here I have them taking Rutledge. He's shown high velocity and is an analytics darling and that's something the Twins would like.
14. Philadelphia Phillies- Josh Jung, Third Baseman, Texas Tech: Jung is somebody that was thought out to be a top ten or even top five pick prior to this season. He's having a down season, but is still producing solid numbers and he's worth a first round choice due to his past success.
15. Los Angeles Angels- Matthew Allan, RHP, Seminole HS (Florida): The Angels have drafted a lot of position players in the first round the past few seasons, but this time around they take a high school arm in Allan. Scouts love his curveball and his fastball, but if he falls far, he may be heading to college rather than the pros.
16. Arizona Diamondbacks- Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary-Grove HS (Illinois): The Diamondbacks are a team that Matthew Allan falls to them, but instead they go with another high school righty. Priester is somebody that is one of the fastest risers of the spring and has a great curveball.
17. Washington Nationals- Shea Langeliers, Catcher, Baylor: If it weren't for Adley Rutschman, Langeliers would have been the best catcher in this draft. He doesn't have Rutschman's offensive upside, but he's one of the best defensive catchers of the last decade and is hitting better this spring despite a broken hamate that sidelined him for just three weeks.
18. Pittsburgh Pirates- Logan Davidson, SS, Clemson: The Pirates are a team that's taken chances on high school guys a ton the past few years. Here, they take the college position player in Davidson who is a switch-hitting shortstop that plays good defense and runs the bases well too.
19. St. Louis Cardinals- George Kirby, RHP, Elon: The lack of college arms that are first round worthy will push guys like Kirby up the draft boards. He is someone that is a great strike thrower and he lead the country in strikeout-walk ratio to back it up.
20. Seattle Mariners- Will Wilson, Shortstop/Second Baseman, North Carolina State: Wilson is solid across the board, with a nice swing, decent pop and the arm and quickness to potentially land at short long-term. He has below-average speed, which means he may wind up at second, but he’ll likely hit.
21. Atlanta Braves- Brennan Malone, RHP, IMG Academy (Florida): The Braves go with a high school arm with their second first round choice. Malone is somebody that displays four good pitches and I wouldn't rule out him going ninth to the Braves or between 10 and 15.
22. Tampa Bay Rays- Michael Busch, First Baseman/Outfielder, North Carolina: Busch is someone that is very polished and mature as a hitter, but he doesn't have a clear position. He hits for a ton of power and many folks he's a first baseman long term.
23. Colorado Rockies- Kameron Misner, Outfielder, Missouri: Misner is the college prospect with the best tools package among college position players. He has a good lefty swing and significant power potential, plus he draws praise for his makeup and worth ethic, but there are lingering concerns about his ability to make consistent contact at the upper levels.
24. Cleveland Indians- Brett Baty, Third Baseman, Lake Travis HS (Texas): Baty is somebody with tremendous upside and possibly could go higher than this. Some scouts believe he's the best high school hitter and not Riley Greene as he's also shown to hit for average and power. There are teams that won't touch him in the first round because of his age while others don't think he'll last 20 picks.
25. Los Angeles Dodgers- Daniel Espino, RHP, Georgia Premier Academy: With the first of two first round picks, the Dodgers go with a high school righty with a ton of upside in Espino. He offers plenty of good pitches and has big velocity and spin rate.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks (compensation pick)- Seth Johnson, RHP, Campbell: Johnson was a shortstop without much of a bat before transferring to Campbell, where he was moved to the mound full-time. He needs a lot of work because of his relative inexperience on the mound, but if he has one of the liveliest arms in the draft.
27. Chicago Cubs- Kody Hoese, Third Baseman, Tulane: The Cubs would love a college arm to fall to them, but they settle here on Hoese. He made some swing changes in summer ball last year that unlocked his natural strength and turned him into a big time power threat.
28. Milwaukee Brewers- Rece Hinds, Third Baseman, IMG Academy (Florida): The Brewers have hit on a some of high school hitters the past few years (Keston Hiura being the most recent). Hinds has as much raw power as anyone in the Draft, although there are swing-and-miss concerns too.
29. Oakland Athletics- Hunter Barco, LHP, Bolles School-San Jose (Florida): Barco is arguably the best lefty high school arm in this draft. His fastball sits in the mid-90s with movement, he owns a good, but inconsistent slider and a solid changeup.
30. New York Yankees- Tyler Callihan, Third Baseman, Providence HS (Florida): Callihan profiles similar to Brett Bady due to his being old for the high school class. He is someone else that's worth a first round pick due to the fact he can flat out hit.
31. Los Angeles Dodgers (compensation pick)- Maurice Hampton, Outfielder, Memphis University HS (Tennessee): Hampton is somebody that's committed to playing both baseball and football at LSU, and it would take a big offer from someone to pry him away from college to play pro-ball. If he refines his tools in center field, he could be a 25-25 guy.
32. Houston Astros- J. J. Goss, RHP, Cypress Ranch HS (Texas): The Astros have hit jackpot on high school pitching of late (latest example Forrest Whitley). Goss is somebody that has similar raw tools to Whitley and he has a great curveball and slider and would slide right in to the Astros collection of good young pitching prospects.
Friday, May 17, 2019
2019 NHL Mock Draft: Third Edition
Here is the third edition of my 2019 NHL Mock Draft.
1. New Jersey Devils- Jack Hughes, Center, USNDT: Hughes is somebody people have been talking about since last year in terms of young up and coming impact draft prospects. He's going to come in and have an immediate impact on a team that needs young assets to go with Taylor Hall and former number one overall pick Nico Hischier.
2. New York Rangers- Kaapo Kakko, Right Wing, Liija (TPS): The Rangers have to be thrilled for making this big of a jump in the lottery. Kakko is somebody that will jumpstart this rebuild as he broke a ton of scoring records in Liija. He will also make an immediate impact and would be yet another prospect to add to a suddenly loaded prospect group featuring Vitaly Kravstov and K'Andre Miller.
3. Chicago Blackhawks- Alex Turcotte, Center, USNDT: Turcotte is somebody that is very a dynamic two-way center that's stock is rising. He's playing in the Under-18 World Championship and is thriving in the tournament, which is making people think he could be the third guy off the board on draft night.
4. Colorado Avalanche (from Ottawa Senators)- Dylan Cozens, Center, Lethbridge (WHL): Cozens is somebody I'm very high on and I feel has a ton of potential. He's very dynamic and would give the Avalanche a great number two center behind Nathan MacKinnon down the road.
5. Los Angeles Kings- Bowen Bryam, Defenseman, Vancouver (WHL): The Kings have options with this pick as they could trade the pick, take a forward, or go defense like I have here. Bryam is the best defenseman in the draft and the Kings need more young defenseman as Drew Doughty is aging.
6. Detroit Red Wings- Kirby Dach, Center, Saskatoon (WHL): The Red Wings go with a big center here in Dach. He has a nice combination of speed and skill and maybe could be a number two center behind Dylan Larkin if he were to land here.
7. Buffalo Sabres- Cole Caufield, Center/Wing, USNDT: The Sabres could go in a bunch of different directions here. Caufield is someone who's draft stock is rising due to his versatility he provides and he could pan out into a top six forward.
8. Edmonton Oilers- Vasili Podkolzin, Right Wing, St. Petersburg (KHL): Podkolzin is someone that was outstanding in the World Junior, but wasn't putting up stats offensively in Russia. I can see Podkolzin slipping further than this due to contract concerns with the KHL, but at the same time due to his upside, I can see him being picked in the top three.
9. Anaheim Ducks- Trevor Zegras, Center/Wing, USNDT: Zegras is somebody that is a versatile player and has smart vision. He's a good two-way player too and he would be someone the Wild would move around in their lineup because of his versatility.
10. Vancouver Canucks- Victor Sodestrom, Defenseman, Brynas (Superelite): The Canucks go defense for the second straight year as they take Sodestrom to go with Quinn Hughes. He's someone that is a smart player that could be great offensively and is reliable defensively.
11. Philadelphia Flyers- Matthew Bodly, Right Wing, USNDT: Bodly is yet another USNDT player taken in the lottery. He has a ton of size and score the puck from both sides of the wing and is someone the Flyers would take a chance on.
12. Minnesota Wild- Peyton Kerbs, Left Wing, Kootenay (WHL): Kerbs is somebody that is a dynamic offensive force like some of the other wingers in the top of the draft. He's fast and has a good hockey IQ which the Sabres would like.
13. Florida Panthers- Philip Brodberg, Defenseman, AIK (SWE): The Panthers could go a number of directions with this pick. Brodberg is someone that is a good offensive defenseman that has good vision as well as controls the game well in all zones.
14. Arizona Coyotes- Alex Newhook, Center, victoria (BCHL): Newhook is such a fast riser right now that it this area of the draft is where I believe he'll be taken if the draft was being held tonight. He is somebody that is a big offensive force and he has blazing speed.
15. Montreal Canadiens- Raphael Lavoie, Center/Wing, Halifax (OHL): Lavoie is someone who's draft stock is rising that could be a immediate contributor for the Canadiens. He is a physical player, but also someone with speed and can wire a heavy shot.
16. Colorado Avalanche- Arthur Kaliev, Left Wing, Hamilton (OHL): Kaliev is somebody that can flag out score. Some people have concerns with his skating ability and his two-way game, or else he would be in the conversation for a top ten or even a top five pick.
17. Vegas Golden Knights- Thomas Hardley, Defenseman, Mississauga (OHL): Hardley is somebody that is an excellent two-way defenseman and is probably a steal with this pick. He is somebody the Knights would pair with Shea Theodore down the road.
18. Dallas Stars- Ryan Suzuki, Center, Barrie (OHL): The younger brother of former Knights first rounder Kurt, Ryan may end up being the better prospect. He's a great skater and has good vision for the game as well as great playmaking skills.
19. Ottawa Senators (from Columbus Blue Jackets)- Samuel Poulin, Left Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): Poulin is someone that could go this high or fall into the second round. His size, combined with above average puck handling, shooting, and play-making skills makes him an attractive ‘power forward’ NHL prospect.
20. New York Rangers (from Winnipeg Jets)- Moritz Seider, Defenseman, Adler (SEL): The Rangers go defense here with their second first rounder to continue building their defense depth. Seider is somebody that is a great-two way defenseman and is a force to be reckoned with.
21. Pittsburgh Penguins- Cam York, Defenseman, USNDT: The USNDT lottery dominance continues as the Penguins take York. He's somebody that could be a top four D-man on someone's roster and he is someone was thought out to be a lottery pick a few weeks ago, but his stock has dropped.
22. Los Angeles Kings (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Connor McMichael, Center, London (OHL): McMichael is somebody that is very crafty and a type of player that the Kings add to what might be a long rebuild. He's also great at finishing and he stood out among a London Knights team that's loaded with scorers.
23. New York Islanders- Tobias Bjornfot, Defenseman, Djurgarden (Superelit): Bjornfot is one of the faster risers with about a month to go until the draft. He's a fluid skater with escapability who can log big minutes. His quick release on his wrister helps create rebounds of seemingly harmless attempts.
24. Nashville Predators- Bobby Brink, Right Wing, Sioux Falls (USHL): The Preds take the fast rising winger here. Brink isn't the fastest skater, but has good footwork and agility, allowing him to weave in and out of traffic and around defenders.
25. Washington Capitals- Matthew Robertson, Defenseman, Edmonton (OHL): Robertson is somebody that provided very good two-way play this past season. He seems like somebody the Capitals would take a chance on.
26. Calgary Flames- Brett Leason, Center/Wing, Prince Albert (WHL): Leason is somebody rare in the sense he was undrafted last season and now projected to be a late first or second round pick and that says a lot on how much he has improved as a player. He can flat out score and has good size and plays a power game.
27. Tampa Bay Lightning- Ville Heinola, Defenseman, Lukko (SM-Liiga): Heinola is somebody that is very good at attacking and making odd-man situations. His moves make people remind him of Rasmus Dahlin.
28. Anaheim Ducks (from Buffalo Sabres via St. Louis Blues)- Lassi Thomson, Defenseman, Kelowna (WHL): The Ducks go defense with their second first rounder with Thomson. He's someone that has the upside of being a top four pairing and is a good skater, but needs help on his defensive game.
29. Carolina Hurricanes- Jakob Pelletier, Center/Wing, Moncoton (QMJHL): The Hurricanes take a versatile forward here with their first rounder. Pelletier is somebody that has great tenacity and skill as well as generating chances off the forecheck.
30. Buffalo Sabres (from San Jose Sharks)- Anttoni Honka, Defenseman, JYP (SM-Liiga): The Sabres go defense with their second first rounder and settle on Honka. He is someone that agile puck rusher and distributor who can elude pressure in a variety of ways.
31. Boston Bruins- Phil Thomasino, Center/Wing, Niagara (OHL): Thomasino is somebody that is versatile and has a knack of making plays with a ton of speed. That's something that the Bruins like in players.
2. New York Rangers- Kaapo Kakko, Right Wing, Liija (TPS): The Rangers have to be thrilled for making this big of a jump in the lottery. Kakko is somebody that will jumpstart this rebuild as he broke a ton of scoring records in Liija. He will also make an immediate impact and would be yet another prospect to add to a suddenly loaded prospect group featuring Vitaly Kravstov and K'Andre Miller.
3. Chicago Blackhawks- Alex Turcotte, Center, USNDT: Turcotte is somebody that is very a dynamic two-way center that's stock is rising. He's playing in the Under-18 World Championship and is thriving in the tournament, which is making people think he could be the third guy off the board on draft night.
4. Colorado Avalanche (from Ottawa Senators)- Dylan Cozens, Center, Lethbridge (WHL): Cozens is somebody I'm very high on and I feel has a ton of potential. He's very dynamic and would give the Avalanche a great number two center behind Nathan MacKinnon down the road.
5. Los Angeles Kings- Bowen Bryam, Defenseman, Vancouver (WHL): The Kings have options with this pick as they could trade the pick, take a forward, or go defense like I have here. Bryam is the best defenseman in the draft and the Kings need more young defenseman as Drew Doughty is aging.
6. Detroit Red Wings- Kirby Dach, Center, Saskatoon (WHL): The Red Wings go with a big center here in Dach. He has a nice combination of speed and skill and maybe could be a number two center behind Dylan Larkin if he were to land here.
7. Buffalo Sabres- Cole Caufield, Center/Wing, USNDT: The Sabres could go in a bunch of different directions here. Caufield is someone who's draft stock is rising due to his versatility he provides and he could pan out into a top six forward.
8. Edmonton Oilers- Vasili Podkolzin, Right Wing, St. Petersburg (KHL): Podkolzin is someone that was outstanding in the World Junior, but wasn't putting up stats offensively in Russia. I can see Podkolzin slipping further than this due to contract concerns with the KHL, but at the same time due to his upside, I can see him being picked in the top three.
9. Anaheim Ducks- Trevor Zegras, Center/Wing, USNDT: Zegras is somebody that is a versatile player and has smart vision. He's a good two-way player too and he would be someone the Wild would move around in their lineup because of his versatility.
10. Vancouver Canucks- Victor Sodestrom, Defenseman, Brynas (Superelite): The Canucks go defense for the second straight year as they take Sodestrom to go with Quinn Hughes. He's someone that is a smart player that could be great offensively and is reliable defensively.
11. Philadelphia Flyers- Matthew Bodly, Right Wing, USNDT: Bodly is yet another USNDT player taken in the lottery. He has a ton of size and score the puck from both sides of the wing and is someone the Flyers would take a chance on.
12. Minnesota Wild- Peyton Kerbs, Left Wing, Kootenay (WHL): Kerbs is somebody that is a dynamic offensive force like some of the other wingers in the top of the draft. He's fast and has a good hockey IQ which the Sabres would like.
13. Florida Panthers- Philip Brodberg, Defenseman, AIK (SWE): The Panthers could go a number of directions with this pick. Brodberg is someone that is a good offensive defenseman that has good vision as well as controls the game well in all zones.
14. Arizona Coyotes- Alex Newhook, Center, victoria (BCHL): Newhook is such a fast riser right now that it this area of the draft is where I believe he'll be taken if the draft was being held tonight. He is somebody that is a big offensive force and he has blazing speed.
15. Montreal Canadiens- Raphael Lavoie, Center/Wing, Halifax (OHL): Lavoie is someone who's draft stock is rising that could be a immediate contributor for the Canadiens. He is a physical player, but also someone with speed and can wire a heavy shot.
16. Colorado Avalanche- Arthur Kaliev, Left Wing, Hamilton (OHL): Kaliev is somebody that can flag out score. Some people have concerns with his skating ability and his two-way game, or else he would be in the conversation for a top ten or even a top five pick.
17. Vegas Golden Knights- Thomas Hardley, Defenseman, Mississauga (OHL): Hardley is somebody that is an excellent two-way defenseman and is probably a steal with this pick. He is somebody the Knights would pair with Shea Theodore down the road.
18. Dallas Stars- Ryan Suzuki, Center, Barrie (OHL): The younger brother of former Knights first rounder Kurt, Ryan may end up being the better prospect. He's a great skater and has good vision for the game as well as great playmaking skills.
19. Ottawa Senators (from Columbus Blue Jackets)- Samuel Poulin, Left Wing, Sherbrooke (QMJHL): Poulin is someone that could go this high or fall into the second round. His size, combined with above average puck handling, shooting, and play-making skills makes him an attractive ‘power forward’ NHL prospect.
20. New York Rangers (from Winnipeg Jets)- Moritz Seider, Defenseman, Adler (SEL): The Rangers go defense here with their second first rounder to continue building their defense depth. Seider is somebody that is a great-two way defenseman and is a force to be reckoned with.
21. Pittsburgh Penguins- Cam York, Defenseman, USNDT: The USNDT lottery dominance continues as the Penguins take York. He's somebody that could be a top four D-man on someone's roster and he is someone was thought out to be a lottery pick a few weeks ago, but his stock has dropped.
22. Los Angeles Kings (from Toronto Maple Leafs)- Connor McMichael, Center, London (OHL): McMichael is somebody that is very crafty and a type of player that the Kings add to what might be a long rebuild. He's also great at finishing and he stood out among a London Knights team that's loaded with scorers.
23. New York Islanders- Tobias Bjornfot, Defenseman, Djurgarden (Superelit): Bjornfot is one of the faster risers with about a month to go until the draft. He's a fluid skater with escapability who can log big minutes. His quick release on his wrister helps create rebounds of seemingly harmless attempts.
24. Nashville Predators- Bobby Brink, Right Wing, Sioux Falls (USHL): The Preds take the fast rising winger here. Brink isn't the fastest skater, but has good footwork and agility, allowing him to weave in and out of traffic and around defenders.
25. Washington Capitals- Matthew Robertson, Defenseman, Edmonton (OHL): Robertson is somebody that provided very good two-way play this past season. He seems like somebody the Capitals would take a chance on.
26. Calgary Flames- Brett Leason, Center/Wing, Prince Albert (WHL): Leason is somebody rare in the sense he was undrafted last season and now projected to be a late first or second round pick and that says a lot on how much he has improved as a player. He can flat out score and has good size and plays a power game.
27. Tampa Bay Lightning- Ville Heinola, Defenseman, Lukko (SM-Liiga): Heinola is somebody that is very good at attacking and making odd-man situations. His moves make people remind him of Rasmus Dahlin.
28. Anaheim Ducks (from Buffalo Sabres via St. Louis Blues)- Lassi Thomson, Defenseman, Kelowna (WHL): The Ducks go defense with their second first rounder with Thomson. He's someone that has the upside of being a top four pairing and is a good skater, but needs help on his defensive game.
29. Carolina Hurricanes- Jakob Pelletier, Center/Wing, Moncoton (QMJHL): The Hurricanes take a versatile forward here with their first rounder. Pelletier is somebody that has great tenacity and skill as well as generating chances off the forecheck.
30. Buffalo Sabres (from San Jose Sharks)- Anttoni Honka, Defenseman, JYP (SM-Liiga): The Sabres go defense with their second first rounder and settle on Honka. He is someone that agile puck rusher and distributor who can elude pressure in a variety of ways.
31. Boston Bruins- Phil Thomasino, Center/Wing, Niagara (OHL): Thomasino is somebody that is versatile and has a knack of making plays with a ton of speed. That's something that the Bruins like in players.
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