NBA Draft 2019: Top preferred teams to get No. 1 pick for Zion Williamson

NBA Draft 2019: Top 3 preferred teams to get No. 1 pick for Zion Williamson

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 13: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies at State Farm Arena on March 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Atlanta Hawks (10.5% chance of landing No. 1 pick)

In what was the worst roster collective of talent on paper in the preseason, the Hawks fought hard all year long and was competitive throughout. Trae Young made a legit case for Rookie of the Year, putting up 19.1 ppg and 8.1 apg. Big man John Collins has shown all-star capabilities this past season, going for nearly 20 ppg and 10 rpg a game.

Throw in sharpshooting wing Kevin Hunter and the growing development of Taurean Prince, Atlanta has a nice nucleus of players to build on. Williamson would slot in perfectly at the power forward spot, forming a deadly pick and roll duo with Young. Where he’ll really help is on the defensive end with his energy and size for a team that was dead last this season in points allowed (119.4 ppg).

There are several key aspects that would benefit Williamson by going to the Hawks. The obvious one is being in the Eastern Conference, giving him a quicker path to the playoffs. The city of Atlanta itself is a market that the forward could thrive at if the fans would fully support the franchise (was an issue in their last set of playoff runs). Williamson’s name would be a great sell for the fans and with the host of celebrates that are already there, he’ll have no shortage of Hollywood-like fanatics.

The Hawks could really ascend up the NBA power rankings if things go right, starting with the lottery. Atlanta could also get the No. 8 pick from the Mavericks thanks to last year’s draft trade unless the pick falls to five or lower, allowing the Mavs to keep it this year. Otherwise, the Hawks can get another possible all-star to go along with Williamson.

And lastly, Atlanta is a prime position when it comes to the salary cap. They likely won’t land anyone but once Kent Bazemore’s contract expires, they’ll have room for two max players. If Williamson is as good as advertised, the other top-10 pick works out and both Young and Collins continue to grow into NBA stars, the franchise could become real contenders in a short time.

Next. Best/worst fits for each potential lottery pick. dark

Unless the Knicks get the No. 1 spot and keep Williamson to play with a couple of other superstars from free agency, the former Duke star will end up on a struggling franchise in need of a jolt. Of all the reasonable options, the Atlanta Hawks are the best situation for Williamson to grow on – and off the court, while playing for a team with a pathway to the playoffs in a short period.

We’ll see who lands the Zion ping pong ball.

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