NBA Draft 2019: 5 best fits for R.J. Barrett

By Ian Levy | May 23, 2019

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: RJ Barrett poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 14: Zion Williamson poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are not taking Barrett with the No. 1 overall pick, that honor will fall to Zion Williamson. However, Anthony Davis has made clear that Zion doesn’t change anything about his desire to leave New Orleans and the Knicks, with the No. 3 pick are one of the most obvious trade packages. If Barrett were to head to New Orleans, likely with Kevin Knox and either Mitchell Robinson or Dennis Smith Jr. he’d have the opportunity to be just a piece of a talented young roster looking to grow together, without the pressure of having to carry the future.

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Barrett and Williamson couldn’t get Duke to a National Championship but the pair seemed to develop excellent chemistry on and off the court. For a team like New Orleans, looking to both jumpstart a rebuild and re-energize their fanbase, Barrett and Williamson seem like an ideal tandem.

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