{"id":897132,"date":"2019-04-22T11:39:18","date_gmt":"2019-04-22T16:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/?p=897132"},"modified":"2019-04-22T14:09:51","modified_gmt":"2019-04-22T19:09:51","slug":"2019-nba-mock-draft-1-0-dols11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportsdaily.com\/news\/2019-nba-mock-draft-1-0-dols11\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 NBA Mock Draft 1.0"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s that time of year again. <\/span><\/p>\n

College basketball is now over \u2013 sadly \u2013 and it\u2019s time for the NBA Draft. <\/span><\/p>\n

There is no question Zion Williamson will go first overall, and I don\u2019t think any GM would be crazy enough to pass on him, but there seems to be a battle for the second pick. <\/span><\/p>\n

With some late bloomers and some guys who came in with high pedigree that have fallen a bit, there is still a lot of talent in the lottery and end of the first round. <\/span><\/p>\n

Which franchises\u2019 will get their star of the future? Who will be the steal of the draft? Who will take their team from a playoff team to a championship caliber team? <\/span><\/p>\n

These are all questions everyone can\u2019t wait to find out. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here is the first \u2013 of many \u2013 mock drafts before June 26.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. New York Knicks – Zion Williamson (Duke, F)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The biggest star to take head into the NBA since LeBron James, Williamson will change the future of any franchise that is lucky enough to draft him. People have talked all year long about the beating his knees and body will take, being 280 pounds and playing above the rim like he does. <\/span><\/p>\n

While his jumper is a work-in-progress, Williamson will make an immediate impact on the defensive end, and more importantly, in transition. The NBA being extremely transition oriented, his frame will be difficult to stop, even by guys who are 10 years older than him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

2. Phoenix Suns \u2013 Ja Morant (Murray State, PG)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The most exciting player not named Zion Williamson, Ja Morant is almost as explosive on the offensive end. His athleticism at the point guard position is something we haven\u2019t seen since Russell Westbrook, and yes, he\u2019s that explosive. <\/span><\/p>\n

Averaging 24.5 points per game this year, he also led the NCAA in assist rate at 51 percent. His ability to score while also be a playmaker for others is shown with his exceptional pick-and-roll ability, something every team looks for out of a point guard in the NBA. <\/span><\/p>\n