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NBA Draft: Ranking the last 10 No. 1 overall picks of the decade

By Alec Liebsch

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court with Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft
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7. DeAndre Ayton

DeAndre Ayton wasn’t even a bad pick, and he can only claim seventh on this list. The fact that Trae Young and Luka Doncic are already better than Ayton is not what knocks him down on this list.

The talented big man from Arizona has been quite productive in the NBA, but the issue is that the sample is small. After an injury on opening night, he was sidelined until December 30th with only one appearance sprinkled into that 31-game gap.

He did appear in 71 games last season, so the entire 101-game fragment is better to look at. That brings his career averages to 17.1 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 59.5% true shooting. Good numbers indeed.

Ayton’s appeal coming out of college was his versatility. He can make plays for others, has a projectable shooting stroke, and has the blend of size and skill to become a good post player. But 5s in today’s league have to focus on one of these things: is he a pick-and-roll beast, or a post behemoth?

He must choose a path to become the best version of himself. As a popper and roller with Devin Booker, he can make plays for himself and others. As a post player he can also be effective, but his skills must be refined. In 2020 there are few players who can thrive in the post; even Joel Embiid needs more than strength to eat down there.

Ayton’s best days are ahead of him. But what they look like remains to be seen.

6. Zion Williamson

Speaking of small samples, Zion Williamson has far outperformed what I expected early on. The Pelicans have been very patient with his knee injury, so he’s only played 19 games in the NBA, but those 19 have been a sight to see.

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In just 29.7 minutes a night, the highlight waiting to happen is putting up 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists on 62.4% true shooting. In the halfcourt he’s a force; in the open floor he’s unstoppable.

His defense seems a step too slow, as it is for most rookies, and he definitely moves in unique ways. But the Pelicans have put him in the best spots to succeed, pairing him with playmakers and shooters at all times.

Williamson is living up to the hype early. He was one of the most productive freshmen in NCAA history at Duke, and he was on pace to be one of the most productive rookies in NBA history. The arrow is pointing straight up.

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