1. New Orleans
Projected pick: Zion Williamson, Duke
Zion Williamson still has a lot to prove when it comes to playing at the next level. But it would be a mistake for any team not to recognize the sky-high potential and pick him at number one. If anything, Zion will sell arena tickets and team merchandise and that could be reason enough for a bottom-tier, small-market team to draft him. Specifically for the Pelicans, this pick relieves a lot of pressure in terms of trying to keep an unhappy Anthony Davis in the roster.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
Projected pick: Ja Morant, Murray State
If you're going to base it on what the Grizzlies need now, a player like Duke's RJ Barrett might be a better fit. But Mike Conley is already 31 years old and the Memphis will be looking to draft their point guard of the future and Ja Morant is definitely a player capable of taking on that role. He's one of the best assist men we've seen in a while and should be a great pick for Memphis.
3. New York Knicks
Projected pick: RJ Barrett, Duke
Make no mistake about it: the Knicks will be fuming at the missed opportunity to draft Zion Williamson. But at #3 and the possibility of drafting Zion's teammate, RJ Barrett? That's not a bad place to be at all. Early in the college season, there were talks about Barrett being more NBA ready than Williamson. While that may not be the case now, Barrett has proven that he is as capable as Zion in the scoring department and has legitimate passing skills to boot. It was reported that the Knicks would have traded Zion anyway if they had picked him so there's no reason why they might not do the same with Barrett.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Projected pick: Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech
If the Lakers still want to trade for Anthony Davis, then they may be drafting for the Pelicans. Regardless of what happens to this pick, Jarrett Culver is a solid option. He has the size and the ability to finish inside and projects to be a possible top-level scorer in the NBA. He's not a sure fire star, though, but his floor is high enough to merit being picked at the #4 spot.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected pick: De'Andre Hunter, Virginia
There's nothing like a good showing at a National Finals game to boost your draft stock immensely and that's exactly what De'Andre Hunter did. After scoring 27 points and 9 rebounds in the NCAA championship game while limiting opposing star Jarrett Culver to only 15 points from a poor 5-for-22 shooting clip. The Cavaliers are ranked dead last in terms of their defensive rating this season and a versatile defender like Hunter (who has garnered multiple Defensive Player of the Year honors) is exactly what they need to rectify that.
6. Phoenix Suns
Projected pick: Coby White, North Carolina
This was a tough one but we know they Phoenix needs to plug that hole at point guard immediately. Darius Garland might be the better player but after only having 5 games under his belt due to injury, we felt like Coby White would be the safer pick at #6. The Suns have an exciting young core that hasn't found success yet and drafting an injured player this high might set them back considerably. White also has the size advantage over Garland which can only help in guarding bigger guards and helping to improve the Suns' dismal defense.
7. Chicago Bulls
Projected pick: Darius Garland, Vanderbilt
Kris Dunn is not a long time solution at point guard. He's good but we feel like Darius Garland will be an upgrade for the Chicago Bulls. Garland might be the the second best point guard in the draft but comes with a knee injury and only five games played in college. The Bulls are in no position to compete for a title any time soon nor do they have a roster that they can really build on yet so it makes sense for them to risk this pick on what could end up as a Kyrie Irving-esque player.
8. Atlanta Hawks
Projected pick: Cam Reddish, Duke
The Atlanta Hawks already have two young and promising players in Trae Young and John Collins. All they need to do know is fill in the gaps in between. Cam Reddish's draft stock has taken a hit due to his inconsistent play for Duke but the upside is undeniable and he could be the perfect pick to slot in with Young and Collins.
9. Washington Wizards
Projected pick: Jaxson Hayes, Texas
What the Wizards need to address this draft is their lack of rim protection. The 6'11 Jaxson Hayes brings exactly that. And with John Wall and Bradley Beal carrying most of the scoring load and drawing double teams all night, Hayes can operate freely inside as a decent post up man or an alley-oop finisher.
10. Atlanta Hawks
Projected pick: Bol Bol, Oregon
Bol Bol suffered a foot injury early in the college season which is an immediate red flag especially for big men like him. But after posting averages of 21 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks it's hard to disregard his potential even if he only played nine games. Plus he shot over 50% from beyond the arc. It's a small sample size but the Hawks might see Bol as worth risk and a good addition to play beside Collins and Young.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves
Projected pick: Romeo Langford, Indiana
A shooting guard who shoots only 27% from beyond the arc won't fly in today's NBA. That's what Romeo Langford shot for in his lone season with Indiana. There should be an asterisk on that, though, since he reportedly played through a thumb injury that he has since had surgically repaired. If he proves he has the touch outside to go along with his already proven ability to drive and finish from the pick and roll, then Minnesota might have a very serviceable player for the foreseeable future.
12. Charlotte Hornets
Projected pick: Sekou Doumbouya, France
Sekou Doumbouya is only 18 years old and doesn't have stats that will wow you. But he's already playing with pro teams in France and has also played in the Eurocup. He has bounce, the ability to cut and finish inside, and the size and speed to matchup well with multiple positions. The French connection with Tony Parker and Nicolas Batum could play a role why Doumbouya could end up with Charlotte but many teams should seriously consider this kid.
13. Miami Heat
Projected pick: Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga
If Rui Hachimura had played with Japan's national team against Gilas, then we might not have reached the FIBA World Cup in China at all. That's how good this kid is, routinely scoring over 20 points when he does suit up for Japan's national team. His exposure to international basketball along with his solid growth within the Gonzaga program puts him at a good position to be picked at #13 by the Miami Heat who could be looking for a solid option who will eventually take the reins from their aging forward pool.
14. Boston Celtics
Projected pick: Goga Bitadze, Georgia
The Boston Celtics have been undersized for a couple of years now. And while Aaron Baynes has addressed their lack of size, a much needed upgrade from the draft would go a long way for Boston. Goga Bitadze is one of the top international prospects in this year's draft and has been playing professional basketball since 2015 (note that he's only turning 21 this year). He's a rising star in Europe and while he shouldn't be considered in the level of a Kristaps Porzingis or Luka Doncic in terms of upside, he should be a good addition for the Celtics with his ability to function as a stretch five to go along with decent paint production and rim protection.