NBA Draft 2019: Barrett, Williamson battle for top pick in mock draft
By Brian Rauf
No. 1-5
1) Phoenix Suns – Zion Williamson, PF/SF, Duke
Zion is the perfect match for the Suns. They want to play small and fast but need a four man who can play alongside Deandre Ayton in the frontcourt. Williamson can dominate inside with quickness and skill to also play on the perimeter. That versatility – and his athleticism – will make him a star no matter where he lands in the NBA, but Williamson’s skill set fits in perfectly in Phoenix.
2) Chicago Bulls – R.J. Barrett, SF/SG, Duke
I still have Barrett at No. 1 on my big board because he’ll be an elite scorer from Day 1 and can do everything on the court. The Bulls, who have a major need on the wing and a true No. 1 scoring option, would be ecstatic if they got to draft Barrett.
3) Atlanta Hawks – Cameron Reddish, SF, Duke
The Hawks are trying to build themselves into a fast-paced team full of shooters. Enter Reddish, who might be the best shooter in this class and, at 6-8, has the size and athleticism to be a force at either the two or the three.
4) Cleveland Cavaliers – Bol Bol, C, Oregon
Cleveland desperately needs a young star in the post-LeBron era, and while any of the Duke trio would be preferred for them, they’d be happy with Bol Bol as a consolation prize. The 7-2 center is the perfect modern-day big man thanks to his ability to defend the rim (2.9 bpg) and shoot the three (50.0 percent). “Unicorn” bigs are tough to come by, so I don’t think the Cavs would pass on Bol.
5) New York Knicks – Sekou Doumbouya, SF/PF, France
Dounmbouya will be the first international player taken in this draft and the Knicks (who have shown a preference for international players in recent years) are in need of his skillet. The 17-year-old who already has plenty of FIBA and professional experience, but still has a ton of upside as a versatile 6-9 forward.