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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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Arkansas Daniel Gafford (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Arkansas Daniel Gafford (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

player. 89. . PF/C. Arkansas. Daniel Gafford. 30

Age: 20
Height, Weight: 6-foot-11, 233 pounds
Slash Line: .660/.000/.591
Season Averages: 16.9 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.9 BPG

The Milwaukee Bucks will close the first round of the NBA Draft. Behind Giannis Antetokoumpo, they clinched the League’s best record and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, with more potentially ahead for a club looking for an NBA Championship.

So whoever arrives in the draft is a luxury. They can add to the frontcourt or backcourt and be fine. Maybe the former, though, if Khris Middleton is a threat to leave for a team like the New York Knicks in free agency.

In the meantime, Milwaukee can add an athletic big man to their frontcourt. Someone, like Daniel Gafford, who leaps off the court, rebounds well and finds baskets inside the arc.

Playing for an underwhelming Arkansas team, Gafford fell under the radar, but had a productive sophomore season as the starting center. The only part of his game that never came around was three-point shooting, which he attempted none of in two collegiate years. Also, the shot-blocking numbers might not translate to 2.0 per game without a consistent starting role, but if he can swat one per night and do some damage around the rim, it could be enough as a backup for a winning team.

If Gafford slips into the second round or is still available around this range, maybe the New York Knicks try to bolster their frontcourt since everything is a need.

Next. 25 greatest players in NYK history. dark

The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery will transpire on Tuesday, May 14, and officially decide where the New York Knicks, and the other 13 lottery teams, select in the first round. Zion Williamson lines up with them for now, but there is just a 14 percent chance for that to stick.

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