Atlanta Hawks: Best-Case Scenario 2019 NBA Mock Draft
By Chris Guest
No. 1 – R.J. Barrett
In this best-case scenario Mock Draft, the Atlanta Hawks won the lottery and will select #1 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Though Zion Williamson continues to nab national headlines for his singular combination of size, speed and athleticism, there is one clear-cut choice for the number one overall pick in 2019: Williamson’s teammate at Duke, R.J. Barrett.
Barrett is 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is already widely regarded as one of the best college prospects in recent memory; both he and his teammate Williamson are already starting to get lofty, out-of-control LeBron James comparisons, but with Barrett, there is some truth to that.
Barrett is the rare player that already has a fully formed NBA skill set that could automatically plug into any team in the league and help them on any given night.
A natural fluid athlete with supreme verticality and a lightning-quick first step, Barrett would give the Atlanta Hawks an immediate upgrade at the wing and help to build a culture around himself, John Collins, Trae Young and Kevin Huerter.
A talented ballhandler and capable passer, Barrett would be an easy choice for the Hawks at #1 overall were they to win the lottery.