| Position | Team | Player | Player Info | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |  | Zion Williamson 6-6 280 PF Duke Fr. | Zion is a phenomenon, the likes of which we haven't seen since LeBron James from a media and fan interest stand point. He made true on all the hype surrounding him, which was not easy to accomplish. He's not only an athletic specimen, he proved to be incredibly consistent and coachable. He showed noticeable improvement as the season progressed, and even developed some confidence in his perimeter shot. His leaping ability seems to defy physics, and he's not just an explosive juggernaut. He also shows amazing body control and speed to make adjustments on drives as well as defend smaller guards on the perimeter. His ability to anticipate plays before they happen is one of the keys to his greatness. He also plays with emotion, like Sir Charles, opponents often appear to wilt in his presence. While there are still some wrinkles to his game that need ironing out, he's got the highest ceiling of anyone in the past few drafts. LeBron is destined to go down as the second best player to ever play the game, it seems a little unfair to place those kind of expectations on Zion. For him to have the same type of health, let alone ability, would seem to be a longshot. Why the Pelicans take Zion Williamson: AD has been moved and while the returns weren't what they might have been back at the trade deadline, it's obvious they were able to bring in a nice haul for the Brow. New Orleans and new GM David Griffin has a plan in place to build a team around Zion that will age like fine wine. They can lose for another season or two , add additional assets through the draft, and when the time is right make a push through trades and free agency to be complete team that can challenge. With Zion as their centerpiece, and a GM showing a willingness to exercise patience, the future appears bright for New Orleans. NBA Comparison: Charles Barkley |
| 2. |  |  | Ja Morant 6-3 175 PG Murray St. So. | Morant was the biggest break out star of this year's NCAA season. Entering the year he was seen as a mid first rounder at best by most talent evaluators. He had made a name for himself around 2018 draft time at the Chris Paul camp. But it was hard to envision him breaking out and becoming such an impactful player, efficient in both scoring and leading the nation in assists, and even drawing some consideration to be the number one overall pick. Morant doesn't have Zion's hype, but he deserves all of the recognition that came his way late in the season. Zion may have the higher ceiling, but if staying injury free is factored into the equation, Morant may have the higher floor. Why the Grizzlies take Ja Morant: Mike Conley was moved today, a day before the draft, clearing the path for Ja Morant to be the starter from day one. This pick is as etched in stone as the Pelicans taking Zion at one. Memphis was extremely fortunate to land the second overall pick, as there isn't a safer pick in the entire draft, and Ja has the potential to be a Westbrook type of athletic specimen, only with patience and a team focus. It's not every day that you land a point god. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson form an enviable nucleus to build around for the future. Watch out for the Grizzlies in 3-4 years! NBA Comparison: DeAaron Fox |
| 3. |  |  | RJ Barrett 6-7 210 SG Duke Fr. | Barrett was overshadowed on Duke's team due to Zion's excellence, but he's a high level talent in his own right. His game is a bit unorthodox as he doesn't have a clean shooting form and isn't the smoothest of athletes. But he has high level competitiveness and a winner's mentality. He may not have franchise level talent, but don't bet against him as he's got a lot of determination, as he proved in leading an undermanned Canada team to the 2017 U19 World Championships Gold Medal. Barrett can get caught up in playing hero ball and over-dribbling trying to create his own looks, but he's young and still developing his decision making. He's locked in as a top 5 pick with an excellent chance to be the third pick. Why the Knicks take RJ Barrett: The Knicks threw a giant curve ball by bringing Darius Garland in for a last minute workout. Most likely it will be forgotten when they select RJ Barrett. Is it possible that the Knicks would move down a spot and select Garland and the Pelicans would somehow get involved in a three team deal that involves adding picks from the Hawks. Atlanta seems to be as sold on Barrett as any team in the draft, apparently figuring he would fit well alongside Trey Young. Could Atlanta offer up enough assets to appease both New York and New Orleans is the question. A longshot at best, look for New York to grab the obvious pick at three. NBA Comparison: Danny Granger |
| 4. | |  | Darius Garland 6-2 175 PG Vanderbilt Fr. | The son of former NBA point guard Winston Garland, Darius was seen by many as the top PG prospect heading into the season. That was before his injury and Ja Morant establishing himself as a top 2 pick. He's an extremely fast point with great shooting ability and decent size. What he's missing is what should have been a year of development and college experience, which is more crucial at the point guard position. There are also question marks about his body strength and toughness, particularly coming off a knee injury. Why the Pelicans take Darius Garland: The Pelicans are actively trying to move this pick and Darius Garland is the player mentioned most often as the guy that teams would like to target. Chicago is a possibility to move up to 4 to select him. Jarrett Culver appears to be on top of the Pelicans draft board at 4 if they hold onto the pick. While Culver doesn't offer the same upside of other prospects, they are already hitting a home run with Zion, so going for a single instead of swinging for the fences pick is probably the line of thinking should they take him. NBA Comparison: Mo Williams |
