Pelicans select Zion Williamson with No. 1 pick
With the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Duke forward Zion Williamson.
Few prospects in recent memory created as much excitement as Williamson throughout his freshman season in Durham. The 6-foot-7, 285-pound powerhouse dominated on both ends of the floor, providing an above-the-rim interior presence and disrupting all activity on the defensive end.
Comparisons to LeBron James have followed Williamson due to his massive build and excellent versatility, but those expectations should be tempered early on. Williamson's primary role will be as an elite transition player and a lob-catcher with brute power. However, he has the potential to develop the legitimate secondary playmaking abilities that he showed with the Blue Devils.
The 18-year-old finished the season averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks. He shot an impressive 74.7 percent on 11 shots per game from inside the 3-point line.
Bio
Position: PF
School: Duke
College Experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 285 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Max Vertical: 45 inches
Strengths
- Dominant combination of power and athleticism that allows him to absolutely bully the opposition.
- Extremely fast for his build. Can get down the floor in a hurry.
- Versatile on both ends with superstar potential.
- Can defend and switch against every position. Can become elite in playing passing lanes and protecting the rim.
- Underrated playmaker. On-ball skills can occasionally lead an offense thanks to good ball-handling and vision.
Weaknesses
- No guessing what happens with his body as he continues to age. Could continue packing on pounds and potentially reduce his athleticism.
- Inconsistent shooter with less-than-ideal shot form.
- Not incredibly long.