By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2019 NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 20, and this time European prospects are not expected to make a real splash with very few exceptions.
Sekou Doumbouya, Goga Bitadze, Luka Samanic, Deividas Sirvydis, Joshua Obiesie, Adam Mokoka, Yovel Zoosman, Matas Jogela and David Okeke have made themselves available to the teams but who’s got the best chance to join one?
First round
There seems to be a consensus among the mocks about the first eight picks in the 2019 NBA Draft which are expected to be: Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, R.J. Barrett, Darius Garland, De’Andre Hunter, Jarrett Culver, Coby White, and Cam Reddish.
Beyond that, the variation’s start and increase with the later picks but the top European prospect in this year’s Draft, Sekou Doumbouya, is highly likely to end up among the lottery picks.
Sekou Doumbouya
DOB: December 23, 2000
Position: SF/PF
Height: 2.06 m (6′ 9”)
Nationality: French
The 18-year-old French forward is considered a ‘raw potential’ resembling the Toronto Raptors‘ Pascal Siakam. Doumbouya’s main advantage is his physical profile which gives him defensive versatility to guard multiple positions. He is also strong around the rim on both ends of the floor and showed a solid shooting touch from distance.
The downside would be his inconsistency on the shot and energy levels along with troubles handling the ball. However, keep in mind that he is only 18 years old and many teams are willing to bet on his future.
Doumbouya is expected to be drafted as the 9th pick by the Wizards or 10th by the Hawks. The Wizards are in a process of rebuilding and need the best available option while the Hawks‘ fast and athletic playstyle would fit Doumbouya perfectly.
Goga Bitadze
DOB: July 20, 1999
Position: C
Height: 2.12 m (6′ 11”)
Nationality: Georgian
Goga Bitadze arrives at the Draft as the most proved and tested European. He has played 13 EuroLeague games and averaged 12 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks winning the competitions Rising Star award.
The 19-year-old Georgian has great paint presence with his size but is also quite agile making him a good pick ‘n’ roll option. He doesn’t take as many deep shots but has shown great accuracy when he does (41% three-pointers) and will be able to stretch the floor.
Defensive end is the limiting factor for Bitadze as he can’t cover ground quick enough and will have major problems defending mismatches against shooters. However, he’s got great blocking ability and can be a strong rim protector if he adapts properly.
There are quite a few teams which could use Bitadze and he is expected to land between 10th and 20th pick. The Nets (17th) are in need of a center to backup Jarrett Allen and that seems to be the most probable spot for the 19-year-old. In case he stays free by then, the Spurs at 19th and the Celtics at 20th would also be interested.