New York Knicks: Duke basketball’s trio of stars worth an early look

Zion Williamson

Position: PF
Height: 6-foot-7
Weight: 285 pounds
Wingspan: 6-foot-10.5

For highlight clips alone, New York Knicks fans might be familiar with Zion Williamson. His athleticism almost literally jumps off the screen at 6-foot-7, 285 pounds. It’s freakish, even in the modern-day NBA of the highest leapers and players like Russell Westbrook that bolt in a flash.

This will bring Williamson the most notoriety of any of Duke’s top three before the 2019 NBA Draft, but there’s more to his game than just the Twitter and YouTube clips.

Born in 2000-born freshman, with the athleticism as its supplement, can push his way to the hoop with ease. Few will compete with him in transition in Durham, NC, as he uses his strength to overwhelm and create mismatches to find points.

Williamson can hit mid-range shots efficiently, but even in preseason games, there’s no sign of a three-point part of his skill set. If not developed in the NBA, and if the combination of power and athleticism doesn’t translate, it may make it difficult to adjust.

However, the 18-year-old rebounds, can block shots and will fill the stat sheet at Duke. Maybe in the NBA, too, if the shooting doesn’t come around.

As for skepticism of the “tweener” label, it arguably benefits incoming prospects, unlike past drafts. He’s versatile enough to play small forward, power forward or even center in small-ball situations, à la Draymond Green.

With Ntilikina, Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Knox all young forward in New York, a guard probably makes more sense. But, again, in today’s NBA, do positions matter?