The Sixer Sense
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2019 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Way-too-early projections

By Christopher Kline

R.J. Barrett | 2019 NBA Draft prospect (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
R.J. Barrett | 2019 NBA Draft prospect (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Duke. R.J. Barrett. 1. player. 125. . Wing, Fr.

Barrett is the overwhelming favorite to go No. 1 next June, despite Zion Williamson’s growing popularity among draftniks. He’ll take on the bell cow role at Duke, likely emerging as their leading scorer and go-to playmaker once the season begins.

While shooting has been an issue in the past, it’s something Barrett is working to improve. He has been training with — you guessed it — Drew Hanlen this summer, which is quite the advantage for a collegiate player. Odds are he’ll be just fine.

At 6-foot-7, Barrett is a ready-made slasher with a high basketball I.Q. and defensive versatility. He’d be an easy fit in the Hawks’ up-tempo system next to Trae Young and John Collins, complementing both on the offensive end.