2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round as lottery nears

Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-9, 205 pounds
Slash Line: .435/.386/.785
Season Averages: 13.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 1.9 3PM

The last of the Boston Celtics draft picks and finally, their own, it lands 22nd overall. Probably higher than expected entering the season, when expectations were high for a healthy Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to fit into the young, upstart team that took the Cleveland Cavaliers to seven games in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals.

Maybe this pick becomes part of a trade for not a superstar, but to move up in the first round for general manager Danny Ainge‘s desired player. They can package this and the 14th pick to move into the top 10, or take the 20th pick and move into the back end of the lottery.

If not, intriguing options remain on the board, including Oregon’s Louis King. This is a long, athletic forward who is not pinned to a specific position, fitting with the Celtics’ already versatile group.

The physical profile, athleticism and ability to step out for three-pointers will carry King’s stock, and he only has one year of collegiate basketball under his belt. However, the overall shot percentage is low, and 2.1 turnovers to 1.3 assists won’t accomplish anything.

If King becomes a steady offensive player, this is a steal in the 20s. His measurables and speed might be enough to push him higher than No. 22, but the raw shooting game might necessitate slow advancement into an NBA rotation or time in the G League, for a talent-rich organization.