2019 NBA Mock Draft: Learning from the playoffs
27. . F. Duke. Zion Williamson. 1. player
This week, my podcast Locked On Suns, went on camera from the Arizona Republic studios to break down a take from the columnist over there, Greg Moore, who believes the Suns would be better-suited drafting Ja Morant over Williamson. His opinion in some parts drew from Morant’s fit in Phoenix but in large part was based on his belief Williamson will struggle to acclimate to the NBA.
He meant it in a bigger way than the typical struggles of a rookie athlete in an increasingly spaced-out, fast-paced grown man’s league. Williamson will surely make mistakes defensively, turn the ball over and sometimes zone out, just like his younger counterparts in the NBA. But with better spacing (there were only 18 NCAA tournament teams in the top 100 in college basketball 3-point rate), a quicker pace (the fastest men’s college team averaged just 96.9 possessions per game, a number quicker than all but two NBA teams), Williamson will have a wide-open floor to play a style that suits him better.
Next. The Step Back 2019 NBA Draft Big Board: March Update. dark
Duke’s lack of 3-point shooting damned the team in March. In the NBA, most rosters can space the floor well enough to manufacture a halfcourt offense when their playmakers drive to the basket. Williamson will enter the NBA capable of being a secondary ball-handler on spacious teams. He averaged nearly three assists per 40 minutes despite being Duke’s third ball-handler.
Teams with bigger playmakers dot the playoffs (see: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons) and others will join them soon (see: Luka Doncic and Justise Winslow). There’s no doubt Williamson will have every chance to excel in the NBA. Ignoring his talent because others have failed is a silly way to make a decision.