NBA Mock Draft 2019: Zion Williamson & R.J. Barrett Are Names to Watch

No. 3 Phoenix Suns: PF Zion Williamson, Duke

No. 4 Washington Wizards: SF Keldon Johnson, Kentucky

Everyone knows Zion Williamson from the viral dunk videos, but that has no impact on his NBA status. For all of his notoriety, Williamson has a wide range in next year's draft. His size makes it easy to wonder what his position will be at the next level. This has become less and less important in the current NBA, but it will still be something worth keeping an eye on.

Williamson fits most naturally as a power forward, but he will be undersized in the NBA. The right NBA team will be hoping this can be overcome by his freakish athletic ability. Williamson and Barrett make Duke must-see TV for draft nerds this season.

Williamson showed off a solid jumper in McDonald's practices here in Atlanta, and it will be interesting to see if he shows off this range during Duke games. Williamson paired with DeAndre Ayton would make the Suns a League Pass favorite for 2019. Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo makes the case for why teams should not be worried about Williamson's size.

"Today’s NBA is dominated by unorthodox players who can take over on the ball and generate shots for themselves and others,"Woo writes. "To consider him the top prospect is to believe in his immense athletic gifts transcending the question of positionality. What’s for certain is that Williamson is something we’ve never seen before, and while some teams may be afraid to take the chance, others will see enormous potential."

---

Kentucky's Keldon Johnson Is Being Overlooked

Keldon Johnson is one of the players I left McDonald's week most impressed by. The first thing that sticks out about Johnson is his motor. While his game is much different, his energy reminded me of Russell Westbrook. Johnson has plenty of offensive ability but has no problem getting his hands dirty on defense.

Johnson has already surpassed Kentucky head coach John Calipari's expectation. This summer, Calipari noted he envisions Johnson playing a bit of point forward for the Wildcats.

"Keldon has been, wow," Calipari said per 247 Sports. "I knew he'd be good but I didn't realize he has a chance of being this good...Right now, if you ask me the most consistent shooter we've had it's been Keldon. He's been the most consistent. His size, I had to put him against Reid yesterday because we're down a big guy and he did not back down. They were physically going at each other. And you know what else? I'm playing him at point guard some because he can really get in the lane and he sees people. He's pretty special."

The Wizards have clearly regressed since being considered one of the Eastern Conference contenders in prior years. Washington would be wise to explore trade scenarios for John Wall, but his massive contract makes it difficult for the Wizards to get fair value in return.

0 Comments