Atlanta Hawks: 13 Players Hawks Could Select in 2019 NBA Draft

#1 — Zion Williamson, Freshman, Duke

Let there be no equivocation: Zion Williamson is one of the best prospects in recent NBA history. Not since Anthony Davis in the one-and-done era or perhaps even, blasphemously, LeBron James in the preps-to-pros era has a player come close to matching Williamson’s potential.

There are very few comps to Zion: I’ve heard Larry Johnson in his prime or young Charles Barkley, but neither of those players had the same verticality that Zion showcases on a night-to-night basis.

Beyond that, Williamson was literally the one thing that made Duke a formidable opponent in college ball, and when his teammates couldn’t make an entry pass to him in the post in the Elite 8, the Blue Devils lost to Michigan State by one point – ending what was one of the most entertaining NCAA team’s March Madness run before the Final Four.

In terms of his fit with the Atlanta Hawks, a frontcourt combination of John Collins and Zion Williamson would be among the most athletic frontcourts in the league – and easily the bounciest. Combine that with one of the best passers in the league in Trae Young and another strong facilitator in Kevin Huerter, and you have the makings of one of the best young cores in the NBA.

If the Hawks land Zion, that means they won the draft lottery. On that front: Basketball gods, please be kind. #ZionToATL