2019 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Way-too-early projections
147. . Forward, Fr.. Duke. Zion Williamson. 2. player
The Nets finally get their pick. In this scenario, they have a chance to strike gold with Williamson — a generational athlete an unrivaled ceiling. At 6-foot-7, 285 pounds, Williamson would be the second heaviest player in the NBA. He also has a 40+ inch vertical.
Conditioning will be a concern, but Williamson offers some underrated versatility on both ends. He’s quick enough to defend multiple positions, while his ball handling and passing is legit. He can’t shoot threes yet — at least not reliably — but he can get to the rim, power through contact and see the floor at a high level.
On the basis of athleticism alone, Williamson should draw serious No. 1 pick consideration next June. He’s the best pure athlete since LeBron James, and that isn’t an exaggeration. We haven’t seen someone with his combination of bounce, strength and mobility in recent memory. Maybe ever.