2019 NBA Mock Draft: The lottery order is officially official
142. . F. Duke. Cam Reddish. 6. player
The Wizards need to simultaneously find someone they think can play who also brings at least a modicum of upside. Reddish checks both boxes. At 6-8 with long arms and decent awareness on defense, he should be able to get on the court for the Wizards in 2019. However, of anyone Washington might want at No. 6, Reddish presents the greatest potential to become an All-Star.
One comparison for Reddish that we can’t ignore is Rashard Lewis. Imagine how a player like Lewis would help Washington, particularly since they traded both Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. before this season’s trade deadline. Lewis made the All-Star team in 2005 and 2009 and was a lock for at least 17 points and 6 rebounds every night from 2001-2009. He shot 39 percent from 3 over the course of his career and his size at least made him a blockade defensively, even if his athleticism never blew anyone away.
The Wizards’ roster is barren. Outside of John Wall and Bradley Beal, it’s only Troy Brown and maybe Thomas Bryant you can count on long-term. Fortunately, Washington finally moved on from Ernie Grunfeld this summer so someone can begin the cycle of rebuilding the team, but it’s hard to know where they go.
That could mean they lean safer with their draft pick. Brown is a year away from being a year away and they probably want to avoid short deals for veterans like they’ve given out the past few summers. However, a prospect like Reddish could change things for Washington if he booms.