Fansided

2019 NBA Mock Draft: When trades enter the equation

By Brendon Kleen

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 15
Next
CHAPEL HILL, NC – FEBRUARY 11: Coby White #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers on February 11, 2019 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Virginia won 61-69. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – FEBRUARY 11: Coby White #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles the ball during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers on February 11, 2019 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Virginia won 61-69. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /

211. . G. North Carolina. Coby White. 8. player

Coby White knew it was time to pack his bags when he saw himself projected in the top ten in the 2019 class.

“(Projected to be) top 10… it was good for me to seize this opportunity and get paid for the game I love and do it for my family,” White told WFNZ in North Carolina.

Of course, White was a late bloomer this year. He didn’t really have control of the Tar Heel offense until midway through conference play, when coach Roy Williams realized White was the key to the efficient, up-tempo attack the coach wanted to run. Williams eventually encouraged his freshman guard to enter the draft after seeing White’s improvement over the course of the year.

White detailed what his growth process was like as a freshman:

“When I got to Carolina, Coach told me I had to become a point guard, and become a playmaker, and get my teammates involved and trust my teammates… I had to figure out the part of when to score, when to pass, and when to create.”

The Tar Heels entered the season without a traditional point guard. Williams likely knew all along the key to the team unlocking its potential would be White unfurling his wings, but such development takes time for young players. Sure, White made mistakes, but he played with confidence and his scoring ability opened up easy looks for his teammates.

The same will be true in Memphis. It will be a process. But rebuilding teams should always bet on guys who continue to get better, and the Grizzlies should bet on White.

Check out our full scouting report on Coby White.

Home/Golden State Warriors