NBA Mock Draft 2019: The Pelicans are in the driver’s seat
Duke. Zion Williamson. 1. player. 69. . F
“You turn around, and all of a sudden you’re getting dunked on, and you can’t even figure out what’s going on.”
That’s Clay Kiloreen, who played with Williamson in high school and realized quickly how special his teammate would be, based on the sheer athleticism as well as the incredible work ethic.
The next set of teammates to realize Williamson’s immense potential will be the young trio of Lakers who were traded to the Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis, as well as whomever New Orleans can trade for or draft using the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft. This trio is made up of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, and while the sheen has worn off a bit on Ingram after three seasons of subpar shooting and a scary blood clot situation, everything else looks perfect to help maximize Williamson.
Ball and Williamson will immediately form one of the league’s most electric transition attacks, with Ball as the hit-ahead initiator and Williamson going back to his roots as a dynamic finisher who can tear down baskets. Kiloreen only could have dreamt of the terror Williamson would create for opposing teams in the pros.
Next. The Step Back 2019 NBA Draft Big Board: March Update. dark
Many will worry about the Pelicans’ lack of shooting, but they’re not expecting to compete for a championship in 2020 by any means. They simply padded their floor a little bit with the deal while also absorbing draft capital that allows them to keep building and insulates them in case they get good quickly. Question No. 1 is how New Orleans builds out the frontcourt, but regardless of the answer, Williamson makes the Pelicans must-watch basketball in 2019-20.