1. Zion Williamson, Duke (Big Board: 2)
The Sixers’ odds of getting the No. 1 pick are very, very slim. If it somehow happens, I’m not sure Zion Williamson even makes basketball sense next to Simmons, Embiid and Markelle Fultz. But who cares, honestly? Williamson is intriguing because he’s one of the most unique prospects in recent memory.
At 6-foot-7, 285 pounds, Williamson has a reported 40+ inch vertical. He’s a freight train with Russell Westbrook-esque athleticism, running through teams in transition and finishing with impressive force and touch around the rim.
In addition to his physical attributes, Williamson is an excellent ball handler and passer, possessing quick dribble moves combined with solid vision. He’s not quite a primary initiator, but he’s good enough to push in transition and find open teammates.
The defensive ceiling is obviously high as well. His versatility, strength and game-breaking athleticism are all traits NBA teams should buy into. Conditioning has been a question mark in the past, but Williamson’s freakish nature should mitigate those concerns.
Williamson has stiff competition for the No. 1 pick in teammates Cameron Reddish and R.J. Barrett. He’s still an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime prospect who will electrify the college basketball scene all season.