2019 NBA Mock Draft: A crazy lottery throws everything into question
13. player. 110. . G. Indiana. Romeo Langford
Langford was considered a top-five prospect before early-season struggles and all-around poor play from the Hoosiers this season pushed him down most public draft boards. He is still fighting his way back up in teams’ minds and is now pegged in the 10-20 range.
“It doesn’t bust my ego, but does make me have something to prove and I like that,” Langford said of falling down in the draft. “That fuels my fire to make me have to earn my respect back. It’s going to make me go even harder.
“I’m not the top guy. People are down on me. I just have to prove them wrong. That’s going to make me even better. People say I don’t love the game that much?”
The disappointing season has led to questions about Langford’s passion and leadership, though that feels like a huge overreaction. Langford was actually part of the reason Indiana improved at the end of conference play and made a late push for a NCAA tournament bid.
Here’s what Langford said about people who doubt his work ethic and drive:
“You can ask the guys I played with. They know I’ve got it. I don’t feel like I’ve got to show emotion by yelling all the time to have that dog mentality. Look at Damian Lillard. He doesn’t yell all the time but nobody questions his passion.”
Langford seems to be a no-nonsense young man who will keep getting better. Physically, he fits perfectly into the modern NBA with long arms and a strong frame at the guard spot. Teams as high as Phoenix at No. 6 should consider the Indiana playmaker.