2019 NBA Draft: Updated lottery Big Board for the new year
By Roger Acker
![DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 05: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) during the 2nd half of the Duke Blue Devils game versus the Hartford Hawks on December 5th, 2018, at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 05: Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) during the 2nd half of the Duke Blue Devils game versus the Hartford Hawks on December 5th, 2018, at Cameron Indoor Stadium (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/1128de09786297b2d0e7dab5dc42404dad20bc8b40157a000596a5fa0e50d442.jpg)
2. R.J. Barrett, Duke
After being the consensus top prospect going into the year, R.J. Barrett has maintained his top-two spot even after a disappointing year so far.
Barrett is best attacking the basket and using his craft to score at will. He can be unstoppable at times when his shot is on and the 3-pointers are falling, and good luck stopping him in transition.
However, his 3-point shot is a work in progress (32 percent) and free throws are a heavy concern (65.2 percent). The turnover problem has been evident during games like Gonzaga, where tunnel vision and over-aggressiveness leads to bad shots and missing open teammates.
Again, Duke can’t shoot, and NBA spacing will work wonders, allowing Barrett to attack a defense. Keep in mind, he’s having a disappointing year and his stock has declined, but he’s still averaging 23.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
1. Zion Williamson, Duke
As the only can’t-miss player in the draft, Zion Williamson has taken the country by storm. He’s a fit for almost any team, is constantly improving and will make whatever team drafts him must-watch TV.
What stands out most? His athleticism? Ability to impact the game without touching the ball? Advanced passing abilities? High defensive IQ? Aggressiveness? His historically great efficiency? All of the above?
Next. Week 12 NBA Power Rankings. dark
Williamson is still far from a perfect prospect though. He can’t shoot, he can’t… well, shooting is pretty much it. However, his touch is advanced and he’s shooting 70.8 percent from the free throw line. Also, he’s only 18. He can still make a catch-and-shoot 3 now, and will only get better as he continues to put in the work.