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2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full lottery impact on the first round

By Rob Wolkenbrod

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum takes the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum takes the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Western Kentucky Charles Bassey (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Western Kentucky Charles Bassey (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Age: 18
Height, Weight: 6-foot-11, 245 pounds
Slash Line: .627/.450/.769
Season Averages: 14.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 0.3 3PM

After a Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets, the Portland Trail Blazers remain alive in the playoffs. They have a chance to knock off the Golden State Warriors and make their first NBA Finals since 1992.

Whenever their postseason run ends, though, the opportunity exists to build on this success in the draft. They will not draft until 25th overall, but talent remains this low in the first round to help push this team to another level.

Upgrading the frontcourt makes sense for Portland. Enes Kanter played well, but he can make more money as a free agent. Meyers Leonard‘s contract proved to be a bust in on-court value, as well. However, hovering over them is Jusuf Nurkic‘s gruesome leg injury in the regular season, with his status ahead unknown, thus requiring depth with Zach Collins.

This is where Charles Bassey enters.

If not for playing at Western Kentucky, Bassey’s stock would be higher than the low ’20s. Sure, there are questions with his game, including frequent turnovers and a far-from-developed offensive game, but his ability to work the boards and block shots is notable enough to make him a first-round pick. A 7-foot-3 wingspan helps all of this.

The athleticism and physical frame should propel Bassey into an NBA role. A team this low can also take it slow with the 18 year old and stash him in the G League. Either way, this is a talented player worthwhile of a pick somewhere in the first round.

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