2019 NBA Mock Draft: No one in the lottery wants to lose
Darius Garland. 6. player. 211. . PG. Vanderbilt
Over at The Athletic the past few weeks, draft writer Sam Vecenie has been releasing pages and pages of scouting notes of the 2019 class. Here’s the catch — Vecenie’s scouting is sourced, meaning the input he’s publishing comes straight from the coaches who are competing against these players every day. Both of the coaches Vecenie spoke with about Garland raved about his ability to make something out of nothing, particularly in the pick-and-roll:
"“They didn’t have to run a ton of stuff because he can make so many plays out of the simple stuff they were doing. He just makes those guys a lot better by being on the floor. “He has unlimited range. He can shoot from NBA 3 and beyond, and would shoot from there. We were really concerned there.”"
That was the first coach in Vecenie’s piece. The second was even more complimentary:
"“Just great feel, pace. Incredible quickness. Can shoot it. He would have stolen the hearts of college basketball this year, given the climate. And they’re not respectable without him. He’s so special. “He’s wise beyond his years on the court. He doesn’t play like a freshman. He can score in so many different ways. Guys can’t keep him in front. But he’s also able to make shots. … The shot-making with the quickness and feel is really impressive.”"
These are the same assistants who will be in contact with teams after the season and likely already are as NBA scouts do their homework. Garland is rehabbing a torn meniscus but already signed with Klutch Sports and looks well on his way to changing a franchise like the Grizzlies right away.