The 2019 NBA draft has concluded and some very exciting young players have finally achieved their dream of making the NBA. Here is my analysis of the top 5 picks of the draft.
Zion Williamson, the number 1 pick by the New Orleans Pelicans, is the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James. Coming out of Duke after one year. he is extremely athletic and one of the most explosive basketball players in the world already. He shot 82% in transition in college and had the highest player efficiency rating ever. He is big and strong, yet very quick. He can work in the post and drive from the point.There is nothing to suggest that Zion Williamson won’t be a mega star in the NBA. With a good front office, a lot of talent around him, and an entire city behind him, Zion is ready to be a Pelican.
Ja Morant, the number 2 pick by the Memphis Grizzlies, is a point guard from Murray State Univeristy. A year ago it was a question as to wether or not he would even be drafted. He then attended Chris Paul’s camp and had an incredible season and is now going number 2 overall. In Memphis he will have the tall task of replacing Mike Conley, one of the best guards in the league. He led the nation with 10 assists per game and can pass with either hand. He also averaged 24.5 points per game. Ja Morant is an elite passer and an great scorer and will be an excellent addition to a rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies team.
RJ Barrett, the number 3 pick by the New York Knicks, is a shooting guard from Duke who won the Jerry West award for the best shooting guard. He led the ACC in scoring with 860 points scored in his freshman year. He can drive into the paint and score on anyone and is also an excellent rebounder. He’s strong and has good handles making him fantastic in transition. The Knicks have a great prospect and a lot of cap space to sign some big free agents this off season.
Through a series of trades, the Atlanta Hawks ended up with the number 4 pick in the draft and drafted De’Andre Hunter, a forward from Virginia University. He was the ACC defensive player of the year and was instrumental in Virginias national championship win scoring 27 points. He’s an excellent 2-way player and a fantastic defender who shot 44% for three. The Hawks got a very good player and a great three point shooter who Trea Young can dish it out to. De’Andre Hunter will be a fantastic addition to the rising Atlanta Hawks squad.
Darius Garland, the number 5 pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is a point guard from Vanderbilt. Despite having only played 5 games last season for Vanderbilt due to a knee injury, he averaged 16 points per game in those games. He was ranked the number 1 point guard coming out of high school and is an excellent shooter. He has a quick shot and can shoot from anywhere. The Cavaliers will have to figure out how to use both Garland and Collin Sexton at the guard spot, but Cleveland got a great guard in Darius Garland.
The Contender 