2019 NBA Draft: Full Mock Draft 2.0 – Pelicans take Zion; who goes next?

#1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, F

School: Duke | Class: Freshman | Height: 6’7″ | Weight: 285 | Age: 18

Zion Williamson will be the #1 overall pick in next month’s draft. After a massively disappointing season in which the Pelicans went 33-49 primarily due to trade demands from Anthony Davis, it looks as if the 2018-2019 campaign paid off in the long haul. Williamson is the singular most anticipated prospect entering the NBA since LeBron James turned pro in 2004 — and for a good reason. He’s every bit the athlete LeBron was as a rookie, with Draymond Green passion and NFL linebacker measurements.

Standing tall and intimidating at 6’7, 285 pounds, Williamson is something of a physical marvel — or juggernaut — the likes of which the NBA hasn’t seen before. Equipped with extraordinary athleticism and an incredible ability to finish around the basket, the Duke sensation has drawn comparisons to that of Blake Griffin, Charles Barkley, and yes, even LeBron himself.

Now, how does Zion fit in New Orleans? The Pelicans, or any other lottery for that matter, can use upgrades at virtually every position. Williamson is as versatile a prospect as they come and will provide head coach Alvin Gentry with endless possibilities. Should Davis stay, a frontcourt pairing with him and Williamson would be a game planning nightmare for coaches across the league, and that might be an understatement. Look for Gentry, an offensive-minded coach, to open up Williamson’s game even more as a scorer, rebounder, facilitator, and overall game changer.

The selection of Williamson will undoubtedly be a benchmark moment in the history of the Pelicans franchise. With his strength, size, and unmatched passion for the game, this is as easy a selection as they come. He’s a can’t-miss prospect.

– Malcolm Banks (@BanksWorld2)