NBA Draft 2019 Big Board: Zion Williamson sits atop rankings; Rui Hachimura sees slight drop

With the passing of the trade deadline helping to illuminate the NBA’s likely lottery teams as well as the creeping approach of March, it feels like an appropriate time to examine the top prospects eligible for the 2019 NBA Draft.

Although Zion Williamson has emerged as one of the top college prospects in recent memory, the general perception of this class hasn’t changed much. It’s not great. That doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be good NBA players entering the league next season. It just means things might be a bit more uncertain than in higher quality classes.

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Before diving into our list of the top 60 prospects, we should take time to highlight a handful of arguable deviations from the consensus and the reasons why:

Jontay Porter, Missouri — Porter is missing his sophomore season after suffering a torn ACL and MCL, but the numbers he put up as a freshman are more than enough to justify his hype. The 6-11 big man is a plus shooter for his position, especially when considering his ability to knock down shots off movement. He’s also a very good passer.

There are plenty of reasons to be skeptical of Porter’s defensive prowess, to be sure. However, he still managed to post a solid block rate as a freshman and could survive in drop back defensive schemes.

Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga — According to KenPom’s individual player statistical comparisons, Clarke’s junior season most matches that of former Oregon big man Jordan Bell. Bell’s skill set was underrated entering the 2017 draft. There’s no need to make a similar mistake here.

Clarke’s a tremendously intelligent defensive player averaging 1.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per 40 minutes. Offensively, there’s room to grow, but he’s already posting a positive assist-to-turnover ratio, scores efficiently inside the arc and is an improving free throw shooter, suggesting some potential upside from range.

Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga — Hachimura is understandably receiving consideration for postseason accolades in college basketball. His draft hype, though, is a bit less reasonable.

The 6-8 forward has some interesting characteristics, but has yet to expand his range out to the 3-point line consistently, still shows a lack of understanding defensively and is already 21 years old. Hachimura may grow into a rotation player, but it’s tough to see him as a consistent contributor to winning right now.

Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State — The unranked (or severely underrated) freshman prospect who makes a dramatic rise has almost become a yearly trope. This year’s case may well be Iowa State’s Haliburton.

The 6-5 guard sports a meager 9.3 percent usage rate, but boasts an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio, steal rate and block rate. Haliburton exhibits the characteristics of a player with an immense basketball IQ, and it’s often those prospects who tend to grow at a surprising rate. Although he’s seemingly unlikely to declare for the 2019 draft, Haliburton is one to watch.

Quentin Grimes, Kansas — This class has largely disappointed — an impressive accomplishment for a group that entered the season with few expectations — and perhaps no player epitomizes its failings like Grimes. The Kansas freshman was once a consensus top-10 pick on Big Boards, but his lackluster performance this season has tanked his long-term outlook.

For some, Grimes’ theoretical potential based on his high school play makes him worthy of a top-60 selection. For me, his inability to score efficiently at the rim in the half court, lack of a projectable jump shot and abundance of turnovers are enough reason to stay away at this stage.

With those out of the way, here’s a look at our current top 60.