Clipperholics
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Clipperholics 2019 NBA Mock Draft: Vol. 1

By Ethan Smith

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: An overall view of the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: An overall view of the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 14: Zion Williamson poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 14: Zion Williamson poses for a portrait at the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

So the 2019 NBA Draft has an order after the draft lottery and teams can begin to strategize about how they want to attack the draft. So, who gets drafted where? Who do the LA Clippers get?

Hello everyone and welcome to the Clipperholics 2019 NBA Mock Draft. This is the first rendition of this mock draft and there will likely be at least one more after this one.

The lottery is complete and the New Orleand Pelicans won the (likely) opportunity to have Zion Williamson on their squad for the better part of the next decade or two. (Or trade him. Who knows!)

So, let’ get right into it. I will do in-depth analysis on each player with their strengths, weaknesses and their 2018-2019 collegiate statistics.

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. F. Duke. Zion Williamson. 1. player. 69

This was a no-brainer regardless of who had the pick, but many did not expect the New Orleans Pelicans, who has a six-percent chance to obtain the top pick, to be here to select Zion Williamson.

Williamson did nothing but impress at Duke, creating his own highlight reel of crazy dunks and impressive playmaking. Williamson averaged 22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG and 2.1 APG while leading Duke to an Elite Eight appearance and has been the clear number one pick all season.

With the Pelicans getting this pick, they have plenty of options ahead of the offseason. They could keep Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, Julius Randle and build something around that or explore trades, maybe with the Lakers, to create a young core that would pit Williamson with the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and maybe Josh Hart.

Nevertheless, the Pelicans get the right to have Zion Williamson regardless of what they do afterwards.

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. G. Ja Morant. Murray State. 2. player. 211

Again, another no-brainer here with Williamson off the board.

Morant was nothing short of amazing at Murray State with comparisons to Russell Westbrook sprouting up due to his exceptional explosiveness and playmaking.

Morant averaged a double-double in his lone season at Murray State, averaging 24.5 PPG and 10.0 APG and grabbing five boards as well. He became a fan-favorite after trouncing Marquette in the NCAA Tournament and many quickly realized how good he could potentially be.

The young guard will be the successor to Grizzlies veteran Mike Conley, who will likely be moved, possibly on draft night to the Phoenix Suns, who wanted Morant or Darius Garland but will have to hope they don’t miss out on both.

The Grizzlies have an easy choice here after Zion goes off the board and will get their guard of the future to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Co.