New York Knicks: 2019 NBA Draft targets who stepped up on March 22
3. Zion Williamson, Duke
Slash Line: 12-for-16/1-for-2/0-for-2
Stat Line: 25 points, three rebounds, one steal, one block
It’s not often Zion Williamson fails to lead a list involving anything with the 2019 NBA Draft, and he even had a standout night for Duke against North Dakota State. With 25 points, three rebounds, one steal and a block on 12-for-16 shooting, he matched the ridiculous expectations set in the regular season.
Williamson showed no ill effects of the knee injury that held him out in February, as the case in the ACC Tournament. His athleticism is there and the production has not faded. As this remains, so does the Blue Devils’ spot among the favorites to win the National Championship.
Could Williamson have soared higher than these numbers? Maybe so, as some of his teammates, including Cameron Reddish, struggled with outside shooting. A team effort, obviously, is needed to advance, but this likely No. 1 pick can almost single-handedly lead this team to the promised lead.
Williamson is the fantasy selection for the New York Knicks. “Tank for Zion” has existed on social media for a reason, as his polarizing play has captivated the NBA, before he even steps foot onto a pro court.
However, the Knicks have just a 14 percent chance at the first pick, which they probably need to select him. Anything lower probably means one of the draft’s other prospects, which is not a total loss, but not who fans may want.