NBA Draft 2019: Mock Draft 3.0
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Forward. Princeton HS. Darius Bazley. 16. 38
The Orlando Magic race to turn the card in as they select Darius Bazley from Princeton High School in Ohio. The 6’9″ point-forward is desperately needed on an Orlando team that surprisingly made the playoffs this season despite starting a meager D.J. Augustin at point guard.
Darius is a guy that brings playmaking and versatility not only for himself but for his teammates as well. Darius handles the ball very well with both hands as a natural lefty. Being a lefty is also usually a great sign of a clever player, one creative and deceptive, but also a capable shooter. Darius is also very active on the court, known as a walking triple-double threat in the preps circuit.
Darius looks to make smart plays on the court and has a great feel for scoring and creating baskets for others, especially at his size. Originally supposed to attend Syracuse and then passing on the G-League to work with New Balance and prepare for the NBA, Darius was an elite recruit coming out of high school one year ago.
Bazley is in the midst of Penny Hardaway and Nicolas Batum, or at worst, Dante Exum. There is a reason super-agent Rich Paul has made this kid a priority and New Balance made him the first to receive a multi-million dollar deal of its kind. Darius is no doubt one of the top-five talents in this 2019 NBA Draft if he reaches his full potential.