The Smoking Cuban
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NBA Draft: 2019 Mock 2.0: If the Dallas Mavericks land in top 4

By Kohl Rast

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Michigan State Spartans in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Michigan State Spartans in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: Brandon Clarke #15 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

9. 18. . . F. Gonzaga. Brandon Clarke

The Gonzaga Bulldogs had one of their best teams in school history this year with two likely first round picks terrorizing opponents left and right. Although we came into the season believing that Rui Hachimura was the better prospect for the NBA, Brandon Clarke caught everyone’s eye and is now considered a top 10 player by many NBA experts.

The Boston Celtics are about to have a very interesting offseason after a disappointing playoff run and lots of questions surrounding their star player, Kyrie Irving. With the top three point guards off the board and potentially three more first round picks after this one, Boston can feel comfortable drafting who they see as the best player available.

Clarke is a good scorer who attacks the basket well and can get some open midrange looks that will go down as well. He is pretty active on the boards on both ends but definitely got used to being one of the biggest guys in his conference. That will change in the NBA. Clarke was considered one of the better defensive players in the league as well, something that should convert to the NBA very easily.

Clarke plays a lot like a power forward, but he is undersized for that position at 6’8″, 215 lbs. His outside shot has shown some potential but it is not NBA ready so his best case role with a team as a small ball 4 is tough to utilize without that shot. His incredible athleticism will help him find a role on any team, though.

Player Comparison: Taj Gibson

Clarke plays a lot like a more athletic Taj Gibson. Gibson is right around the same height and weight as Clarke and has great footwork that has helped him become a good post scorer and a solid defender for many years. Clarke is hoping to take that to the next level with a more attacking mindset.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves