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2019 NBA Draft: Pre-NCAA Tournament Mock Draft 2.0

By Aaron Peterson

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) and Duke Blue Devils guard Tre Jones (3) at the end of the of the ACC Tournament championship game with the Duke Blue Devils versus the Florida State Seminoles on March 16, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) and Duke Blue Devils guard Tre Jones (3) at the end of the of the ACC Tournament championship game with the Duke Blue Devils versus the Florida State Seminoles on March 16, 2019, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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SPOKANE, WA – FEBRUARY 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs looks on from the bench in the second half against the Pepperdine Waves at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 21, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Pepperdine 92-64. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WA – FEBRUARY 21: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs looks on from the bench in the second half against the Pepperdine Waves at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 21, 2019 in Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga defeated Pepperdine 92-64. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

21: Oklahoma City Thunder- Brandon Clarke, F, Gonzaga

Going with Clarke here doesn’t make a ton of sense at first, but bolstering the bench rather than picking a need makes more sense for OKC. An interesting story, Clarke transferred to Gonzaga after two seasons at San Diego State, which may bring up some concern for scouts about the legitimacy of his success this season.

In addition, Clarke does not shoot the three ball well or often, siting at 28.6 percent on the season. At the wing spot in today’s NBA, this is almost required. However, the rest of his scoring arsenal and great rebounding abilities will give hope for the Thunder.

Averaging 16.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.0 blocks on 69 percent shooting, it is easy to see why he is hard to pass on. His defensive numbers are ridiculous, and his inside scoring ability could really aid the Thunder Bench and provide a consistent backup to Paul George.

22: Portland Trail Blazers- P.J. Washington, F, Kentucky

Washington was one of the highest rated prospects in the 2017 high school class, but after what he felt was a sub-par freshman season, he decided to return to Kentucky to boost his draft stock.

In his second season, he averaged 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, .8 steals, and 1.2 blocks on 51 percent shooting. His three-point percentage is solid, at 41.9 percent, but he only took around two per outing.

His defensive ability is solid, along with his rebounding, but he may be slightly undersized for his position. However, Portland needs a long-term solution at the power forward, and Washington fits the bill. Portland has to be excited to have a guy like him on the roster who not only fills that need, but also has a high ceiling.

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