2019 NBA Draft: Pre-NCAA Tournament Mock Draft 2.0
As the NCAA Tournament is set to begin on Friday, it is time to take a look at what how the 2019 NBA Draft could look for the Chicago Bulls and beyond.
In the 2.0 version of this 2019 NBA Draft mock up, picks one though 36 will be analyzed to give fans an idea of what not only the Chicago Bulls, but the rest of the NBA may be doing on draft night. The lottery order is set on current NBA standings.
1: New York Knicks- Zion Williamson, F, Duke
As the consensus first overall pick, the Knicks taking Williamson first overall will not surprise anyone. The 6-foot-7 and 285 pound tank is possibly the most athletic prospect since LeBron James.
Posting averages of 22.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks on 69 percent shooting, Williamson is no-brainer to an atrocious New York team. The Knicks don’t currently have a franchise cornerstone.
For me, Williamson’s knee injury is not much of a concern. His basketball skills outweigh that concern. He hasn’t yet shown the ability to put the ball on the floor, his jumper looks awful, and he doesn’t have a true position. However, Williamson is much too talented to pass up for the Knicks.
2: Phoenix Suns- Ja Morant, G, Murray State
Many mocks have R.J. Barrett as a lock for the second overall selection. However, Morant is a better fit in Phoenix. The Suns’ point guard situation this season has been awful, as Tyler Johnson is the best on the roster currently.
Morant would bring in a do-it-all point guard to Phoenix to complete a high-ceiling, young stating lineup. Morant’s ability to get his teammates involved is going to be exciting to watch alongside future stars Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton.
Morant’s college stats were incredible, posting averages of 24.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 10 assists, 1.8 steals, and .8 blocks on 50 percent shooting. Concerns for Morant include his college competition playing at Murray State (it will be interesting to see how he plays in the NCAA Tournament), quick emergence, and most concerning, his three point shooting.
If Morant can develop an outside shot, which it appears he has the ability to do, he will be a problem next to Booker.