2019 NBA Redraft: Zion, Ja and Garland battle for top pick
Zion Williamson. 2. player. 211. . Point Forward. Memphis Grizzlies
Original Pick: Ja Morant, Murray State
Zion Williamson will not fall far, slipping a single spot to go No. 2 to the Memphis Grizzlies. His high-end outcomes are too overwhelming for him to go much further, although there is certainly a case for the Grizzlies selecting Ja Morant here as they did in real life.
When Williamson has been on the court, the Pelicans have been a very good team. His combination of speed, power and explosion with the ball breaks NBA defenses, and no one has found a solution for him yet. Whether he starts on the perimeter or seals his defender down low, there is almost no stopping him from getting to the rim at will.
The injuries are a real concern, and there is a very real outcome where Williamson plays partial seasons for the next few years before his body completely breaks down and he is forced to retire. That’s not likely, but it’s possible.
Jaren Jackson Jr. represents the perfect frontcourt partner for Zion, an elite rim protector who can shoot the 3-pointer comfortably. With Tyus Jones and Desmond Bane in the backcourt, the Grizzlies would likely be a playoff lock whenever Zion is healthy.