NBA Draft 2019: Mock Draft 3.0
We all know the drill at No. 1. It is no surprise. The New Orleans Pelicans will take the 6’7″, 250-pound phenom that is literally exploding out of his Nike — Zion Williamson.
New Orleans saw a spike of 2,000 season tickets within 24 hours of winning the NBA Draft Lottery. It is bigger than X’s and O’s with this pick. If all goes according to plan for Zion Williamson, you are talking about a brand that will change the economy of New Orleans.
Zion not only brings LeBron James-level athleticism and dominance, but he also handles the ball quite well and has even improved his three-point shooting, which has been known to be his biggest weakness. Despite his incredible hulk frame, Zion moves exceptionally well laterally and can switch positions one through five with ease. His honor student GPA and the fact he attended Duke is a small indication of how smart Zion is.
Another indication of his maturity and intellect is his passing and all-around awareness. If new General Manager David Griffin can somehow convince Anthony Davis to stay and try things out with Zion Williamson, then they will have the most dynamic frontcourt in the league in recent memory, if not all-time.
Jrue Holiday, Zion Williamson, and Anthony Davis under the tactical brilliance of Alvin Gentry makes for must-see TV, and the NBA will milk every bit of the buzz via nationally-televised games.
Will Zion come in out the gate averaging the 23 points, nine rebounds, and two assists per game on 68% shooting from the field that he did this past season at Duke? If he does, make way for the most dominant force since Shaquille O’Neal, except this guy is moreso a hybrid of Shaq and LeBron. Have mercy on us all.