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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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AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Jaxson Hayes #10 of the Texas Longhorns plays defense against the Iowa State Cyclones at The Frank Erwin Center on March 02, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Jaxson Hayes #10 of the Texas Longhorns plays defense against the Iowa State Cyclones at The Frank Erwin Center on March 02, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

7: Atlanta Hawks- Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas

With their second top-ten pick, Atlanta decides to fill a need. Contrary to last years big-man-loaded draft, 2019 has some of the thinnest talent at the center position we’ve seen in a very long time.

With Dewayne Dedmon’s contract expiring this offseason, and the fact that he is not the long term solution, the Hawks will take the first big man off the board.

Hayes’ numbers don’t exactly scream superstar, as he is averaging 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game on 72.8 percent shooting. As a rim-protector, Hayes has drawn comparison to fellow Longhorn Jarrett Allen of the Brooklyn Nets, who has turned into quite a nice player.

Although going the shot-blocker route in the top 10 is not typical, the Hawks fill a gap at center with this pick. Hayes is not a modern big, as he has never attempted an outside shot in his collegiate career and is not a great passer. However, defense will always have a place on the floor.

8: New Orleans Pelicans- Jarrett Culver, G, Texas Tech

New Orleans is a mess. With Anthony Davis’ days numbered, the search for a new franchise cornerstone begins.

This search begins with the sophomore guard from Texas Tech. Culver is a pretty solid all-around player. In his second season at Texas Tech, he averaged 18.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, shot 48.6 percent from the floor and 32 percent from three. In his second season, he took a step forward as a volume scorer, but other aspects of his game rescinded, including his three-point shooting and defense.

The plus side of this is that we know Culver has the ability to do both of those things, as he displayed in his freshman season. The Pelicans are going best player available here, which simultaneously fills a need at the small forward spot.

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