3. R.J. Barrett, Duke Blue Devils
R.J. Barrett came into the preseason as the early favorite for the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His stock has dropped, slightly, in favor of teammate Zion Williamson but he still put together a solid year for the Duke Blue Devils on the wing this past season.
Barrett registered 22.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as the Blue Devils‘ volume scorer in 2018-19. He became the first player to record a triple-double in the regular season since Shelden Williams achieved one during the 2005-06 campaign as a senior. He put up 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 94-78 victory over the NC State Wolfpack back on Feb. 16.
With his versatility at 6-foot-7, Barrett has untapped point-forward skills that would make him of great use with the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s a longshot for the No. 1 pick given Zion Williamson is ahead of him but crazier things have happened. If he goes to New Orleans, Anthony Davis could have a change of heart, who knows?