2019 NBA Mock Draft: Getting familiar with the top of the 2019 class

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 20: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free-throw line against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Madison Square Garden on December 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

. F. Duke. Zion Williamson. 1. player. 156

What a magical surprise it would be for Cleveland to land in the top spot here and have the draft save the Cavaliers once again. LeBron James’ first departure yielded Kyrie Irving — the King’s latest absence has dropped Cleveland back to the bottom of the standings, in pole position for Williamson, a generational talent.

The young freshman (he won’t turn 19 until July) is the only first-year college player since 2009 to combine rim protection, playmaking and scoring at the level Williamson brings those skills. His ability to dominate as a help defender, primary playmaker and athletic finisher comes through the NCAA once in a generation. He’s breaking advanced statistics: a 40.7 PER, a plus-56.1 individual net rating per 100 possessions, a 20.2 offensive box plus-minus. You know most of the guys who have produced like this as teenagers by only their first names.

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Williamson would reignite the Cavs. He’s the type of talent you reorganize your entire franchise around — a marketing magnet and on-court stud. While the top four teams in the lottery this year all get the same odds at the top pick, there is a five-horse race for that spot right now. Many of the teams in the mix haven’t been bad for long and can afford to wait it out a little longer with their fans.

Williamson is worth a year of misery. He’s worth prolonging a rebuild. He’s going to be great.

Check out our full scouting report on Zion Williamson.