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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No.

1 – The Athletic

Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion
Williamson clearly No. 1

By Sam Vecenie (/author/sam-vecenie/) 4h ago

There  i  a new pla er at  the  top  of The Athletic‘  2019  N A Draft   ig  oard.

Duke  forward Zion  William on, the 6-foot-7,  280-pound  alien  that  i  currentl


endangering rim  around the countr  and  reaking  tati tical projection  tem , ha
forci l  taken the top  pot from hi  teammate R.J.  arrett   dominating the fir t month
of the college  a ket all  ea on. Given that he  egan the  ea on on thi   oard at No. 2, it’
not exactl  a  ignificant leap. And  et, the  partan urg,  outh Carolina native ha
dra ticall  exceeded the h pe expected of him a  a  ocial media  en ation entering college
a ket all.

A  di cu ed in hi  pre ea on profile (http ://theathletic.com/478869/2018/08/27/2019-


n a-draft-pro pect -zion-william on-pre ea on- couting-profile/), William on i   e ond
reproach in regard to the “ju t a dunker” in ult hurled at him   fooli hl   imple-minded

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

people. It’  genuinel  difficult to overempha ize ju t how remarka le William on ha   een


to  tart the college  a ket all  ea on,  o let’  tr  to do it with num er , followed   the
opinion  of tho e who matter.

Fir t, William on ha  put up num er  at a prodigiou  rate thu  far. He’  averaging 20.8


point , 8.8 re ound , 2.4 a i t , 2.0  teal , and 2.3  lock  over ju t 26 minute  a night.
ince 1992, onl  one high-major pla er ha  had a five- -two  ea on (averaging at lea t
two point / lock /a i t /re ound / teal )– former Duke  tandout  hane  attier.
William on, however, i  al o dwarfing  attier’   coring output (19.7 point  per 40 ver u
31.8 for William on), exceeding him on the gla , and to ing up a true- hooting
percentage that i  five point   etter during a  ea on in which  attier wa  a full three  ear
older than William on i  now.

a icall , William on i  producing at a hitherto un een rate over hi  fir t eight game .


ince 2009, the previou  record for P R, an all-encompa ing metric that mea ure
production, in a full  ea on   a high-major pla er i  35.9   Wake Fore t’  John Collin  in
2017. P R i n’t a perfect metric, and pla er  have gone on eight-game run  like thi  in the
pa t.  ut William on’  P R right now i  a ridiculou  44.1. The odd  are, William on will
pro a l  regre  at  ome point.  ut  o far, William on ha n’t ju t  een the mo t productive
fre hman or draft pro pect in the countr . Rather, William on ha   een the mo t
productive and efficient pla er in the countr  on a per-minute  a i . Period. And he ju t
turned 18 in Jul .

ut if  ou don’t  elieve the num er  or  ou don’t  elieve me,  ou  hould pro a l   elieve


the evaluator  who will  e making the deci ion.

“Ju t don’t overthink thi  one,” one a i tant GM  aid. “(William on) i  No. 1 right now.”

I reached out to  even different N A executive  and a ked a  imple que tion: “if the draft


wa  held toda , knowing what  ou know right now, who would  ou take at No. 1?” The e
were executive  of differing re pon i ilitie . Two were people who worked primaril  in
anal tic  department . Three were front office executive  who work directl  under their
general manager . And two were  cout  who have  een around to practice  and game
throughout the cour e of the entire month  of Octo er and Novem er. All  even came
ack with the  ame re pon e: Zion.

“He’  alread  a matchup nightmare in college pla ing on a ro ter filled with average-to-


a ove-average  hooter ,” a  cout  aid. “That’  onl  going to  e a  igger pro lem once he
get  onto the N A floor, where he’ll even have more  pace to attack.”

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

I pla ed devil’  advocate and pu hed  ack on a few, in order to tr  and get further in ight.


One que tion I po ed wa  a out hi   hooting. Hi  17 percent from 3 and 67 percent from
the line ha  certainl  ha  rai ed  ome que tion ,  ut tho e who had familiarit  with him
previou l  pointed to the fact that the   elieve hi  mechanic  have improved over the la t
ear. An off ea on or pre-draft proce  reall  refining hi  new mechanic  could make a real
difference.  till, it’   omething worth monitoring. Another que tion I a ked wa   impl
a out hi  athletici m and hi  reliance on it to  e  ucce ful. What if he  tart  to lo e hi
explo ivene  earl  on? One high-ranking executive  rought up a good point.

“ o (William on) i  18 now,” the executive  aid. “He’ll pla  hi  fir t N A  ea on at 19.


He’ll  e 23 when hi   econd contract  tart .  ven if we get him for eight  ea on  and that
take  u  all the wa  through hi  team-controlled  ear , that onl  get  u  through hi  age-26
ea on. And if he end  up  eing good enough to  e with u  for eight  ear  a  a No. 1
overall pick, we pro a l  won’t complain  ecau e he’ll have  een a good pla er. I don’t
think we  hould worr  a out hi  athletici m falling off   then unle  he get  hurt.”

Indeed, potential injur  que tion  were the one  that po ed the  igge t point of concern,


e peciall  given William on’  thick frame.  ver one involved noted how William on’
medical record  will  e par ed clo el  — potentiall  even more  o than pa t potential No.1 
pick  who did not (or, in hi  ca e, ha  — knock on wood —  et to) mi  time due to injur
in their collegiate career .  ecau e there ha   een no one quite like William on in the pa t
—  o explo ive,  et not the  igge t, longe t, or mo t  killed pla er de pite hi  o viou
talent — it’  hard to project what hi  future  od  look  like.

Until executive  get their hand  on tho e, no one will call William on’  coronation a  the


No. 1 pick a  ure thing.  ut in the a ence of that information, the  will go off of what
the  have now. And what the  have now i  a pro pect that ha  ticked a majorit  of their
oxe   o far thi   ea on and de erve  to  e ranked No. 1 on thi   oard right now.

till, we’re in earl   tage . It’  worth remem ering that thi  i  a proce  that won’t end until


the end of June, when commi ioner Adam  ilver  tep  to the podium and make  hi
announcement.  ecau e William on i  ranked here now doe  not mean he’ll  e ranked
here in Januar , let alone after the com ine or on June 21. Thi  draft, particularl , ha
alread  thrown evaluator  for a  it of a loop a  the   earch for pro pect  worth  electing
that could  e read  to contri ute  ooner rather than later — a  eparate  tor  for later thi
week.  ut thu  far, due to hi  pla , he’  earned the right at thi  moment to  e called the top
pro pect in the draft.

H I h d f d
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How I  hape m  draft  oard


It’  worth exploring how thi   oard operate . Fir t, it doe  not take team fit into
account. In a lot of wa , that’  a  ill  ta k, given that ever  team i  looking for  omething
different  chematicall  or in term  of ro ter fit.  o ton’   oard will look different than
Phoenix’   oard. Portland like  to pla  drop pick-and-roll coverage under Terr   tott ,
which put   low-footed  ig  into pla  for the  lazer  more than it would Golden  tate,
which like  to  witch ever thing.  o what thi   oard trie  to do i  to take the general
direction of the N A and  lot pla er  who I think will pla  a role at the next level in the
large t variet  of  ituation . In that vein, with the wa  the N A i  going, wing  tend to end
up marginall  higher on m   oard than  ig .  impl  put, ever  team need  more perimeter
pla er  who are multi-po itional defender . A good example of that i   ol  ol, who
feature  at No. 13 here de pite the fact that mo t executive   elieve he’ll  e picked in the
No. 5 to 10 range a  of right now. For more on him, read m  recentl  relea ed  couting
profile. (http ://theathletic.com/679111/2018/11/30/2019-n a-draft-pro pect - ol- ol-a-
fa cinating-conundrum-for-n a-gm /)

Al o, I don’t rank fre hmen at thi  earl   tage of the  ea on who  lot out ide of the top 50.


Wh ? Fir t, it’  rare for fre hmen to declare for the draft when the  are out ide of the top
50.  econd, I’m cognizant of the role thing  like thi  pla  in  haping the narrative of
teenager ’ game . After di cu ion  with pla er , coache  and executive , the re pon i le
thing to do i  to leave them off right now  o a  not to potentiall  fill their head  with more
information. Particularl  thi  time, that affected Talen Horton-Tucker out of Iowa  tate,
who would have featured in the top-60,  ut wa  not in the top-50.

Third, I get input and information from N A executive , college coache  and other


evaluator  during the proce  of  lotting pla er . It’  critical to have conver ation  with
folk  around the  a ket all communit  to get a well-rounded picture of a pla er’  future.
ometime , it’  a out hi   ackground and off-court ha it .  ometime , it’  a out hi  work
ethic. Other time , it’  ju t a conver ation a out whether we think a gu  can pla . The e
conver ation  happen dail .  ut at the end of the da , thi  i  m  ranking, and while it i
reflective of the general tenor of N A team , it’  not nece aril  what the con en u  would
e either.

The  ig  oard 2.0 

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

What did you think of this story?

MEH SOLID AWESOME

Sam Vecenie (/author/sam-vecenie/) covers the NBA Draft, college basketball and the NBA for The Athletic. His
podcast, the Game Theory Podcast, is regularly ranked among the top podcasts on iTunes. Previously, he worked for
CBS Sports, SB Nation, Sporting News, and Vice. Follow Sam on Twitter @Sam_Vecenie
(https://twitter.com/Sam_Vecenie).

55  COMMENTS

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Add a comment...

Noah B. 2h ago

Tyler Herro?

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Noah B. Tyler Herro would have been in the 60-70 range. But as noted in the procedural notes,
I do not rank freshmen beyond 50.

Neeraj R. 2h ago

I don’t think Daniel Gafford goes to Arizona..

Kevin O. 2h ago

Thanks for this!

Rhonda D. 1h ago

Killian Tillie is not 6-5... 6-10 or 6-11, I think.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Rhonda D. There may be some chart errors. It takes a village to build this thing out lol.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Okay, I think we're clear on these.

Jonathon W. 1h ago

Good job Sam,


My biggest critic is still having Quentin Grimes at 12, while people like Luegentz Dort and Coby
White behind him.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Jonathon W. Yeah, I think it's worth mentioning that it's still very early in the season. Grimes
has played just 7 games so far, and this isn't our only sample of him in terms of evaluation. He
dominated this summer at the U18 where he won MVP (over Coby White), was terrific at all of
McDonald's, Jordan Brand, and Hoop Summit, and was considered a more highly-ranked
prospect based off of his AAU/HS career than both Dort and White. Kansas guys tend to take
some time. Still, I've slid him from No. 6 to No. 12 here to reflect that it hasn't been smooth sailing
so far.

Ray S. 1h ago

No Kevin Porter Jr report?

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Ray S. Coming soon. Like, as in, maybe in two days.

Max R. 1h ago

What are your thoughts on Dort? I really wanted him to go to MSU and loved him as a recruit. Seems
like he has a more well rounded game than I had thought coming into college.

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Claiborne S. 1h ago

Does michigan state have any nba talent on their roster?

Dylan K. 39m ago

@Claiborne S. Marcus Bingham is probably the one to watch, but he's at least 2 years out from
having a chance to go pro. He's rail thin right now (as in he is 6'10 but under 200 pounds thin)
but has a really smooth shooting stroke and a 7'4 wingspan.

Cody M. 1h ago

What type of player do you see Cassius Winston is at the next level?

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Cody M. I'll answer Claiborne's question here as well: Cassius Winston and Josh Langford were
within the first 10 to miss the board (Langford particularly was No. 103). Winston's game is being
held back by defense, currently. It's hard to see him as anything other than a defensive liability in
the NBA. due to his size and inability to really bother even college guards right now. Still, his of-
fensive game is obviously superb.

Langford: There's an athleticism question there, in terms of just how good he'll get to in terms of
being able to defend at the next level. Also, his handle isn't particularly refined, and he's strug-
gled to finish a bit against bigger, stout defensive teams. But we're also at the point now where
he's a 40%+ 3-point shooter with size over a 2+ year sample of college hoops, and he's improved
a ton in terms of being able to create for himself. I'd bet that he'll be on here at some point this
year.

Joshua W. 1h ago

What do you think the ceiling is for Edwards? Could he sneak into the 1st round with a better last 2/3
of the season than what he has shown so far (a high volume scorer and shooter with defensive
shortcomings?)

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Joshua W. (assuming this is Carsen Edwards). Yeah, I think end of the first is a reasonable ceil-
ing. Totally in that mix right now. One big thing with Carsen, though: with the increased distribu-
tion responsibilities has come a somewhat substantial turnover increase. (up to 4 per game as of
publication). I'd like to see that number drop as he gets more used to his role this year.

Joshua W. 58m ago

@Sam Vecenie Thanks for the reply!

Ryan C. 1h ago

"...Williamson is producing at a hitherto unseen rate..."


Am I wrong in having my first thought here being Dr. Strange smacking Tony in Infinity War? You
(Vecenie) seem like the type of guy to sneak that in there.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Ryan C. if I did sneak it in, it was unconsciously haha. But yes, I'm a pretty big Marvel fan.

Steve S. 1h ago

Your missing Daulton Hommes Point Loma Nazarene U he is top 20. Check him out

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Steve S. I'm familiar with Hommes. I'm pretty skeptical of his handle and lateral quickness right
now. There's obviously a lot there in terms of his ability to score the basketball and shoot it from
distance at 6-8. I think his best bet is to grad transfer up to a place like Gonzaga or Washington
(he's from Washington state originally) and show that he can really ball out at a higher level.
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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Steve S. 56m ago

@Sam Vecenie
Good points but all signs point to NBA combine - nba scouts at many practices - he’s getting
compared to Wally Szcerbiak and getting 2nd round talk. Will be a steal for any team. I mean
Robert Franks not even close to his ability - so he should at least be in your top 100- thanks for
replying

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1m ago

@Steve S. fewer than half of the teams in the NBA have been to his practices. He's good and
he's certainly on the radar. But like...this is no sure thing at all right now.

Beau M. 1h ago

I love seeing a player like Dylan Windler at 36. A do-it-all kind of guy who is often under appreciated
or unknown because he’s at an OVC school. Great great player.

Andrew B. 1h ago

Have you looked at Kyle Alexander of Tennessee? Good size, improved every year. Some semblance
of an outside shot. Can protect the rim and guard on the perimeter.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 1h ago

@Andrew B. Yeah, Alexander is interesting, but he falls into the category of "making the NBA as
a true 5-man is probably the hardest thing to do right now." Roster spots for 5s are dwindling.
The standard is incredibly high right now for bigs. He's certainly interesting in that he's big, long
(7-4 wingspan), athletic. But unless he really becomes a knockdown shooter, I'm not sure what
his offensive role is at the next level, and I'm not sure defense at this stage is so overwhelmingly
positive that it makes up for that question mark. To me, he's kind of a perfect G-League develop-
mental guy (or, even better for him, try to go over to Australia for a year to develop).
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Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Matty W. 1h ago

I know that you have Ignas Brazdekis ranked 50th, and therefore you probably don't spend a ton of
time talking about him and scouting him, but he has been nuts in the first month of the season. He is
a freshman excelling in Beilein's offense and he has crazy poise and scoring ability. I'm wondering if
you see if shooting up the list if he continues to play this way the whole season, because on a pure
statistical basis, he's been out-preforming a lot of the guys you have going in the first round.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 26m ago

@Matty W. So yeah, here's the deal with Iggy. I've gotten more questions on him than anyone, so
I'll just answer extensively in one spot.

First and foremost, I'm a big fan. He's 6-7, knows how to move without the ball to get space and
separation, and obviously he can shoot it. He's also a tough defender who gives a ton of effort.
He's fiery, and I really like guys who are as physical as he is. He's the kind of guy I want to bet on.
To be frank, I thought No. 50 was a pretty aggressive ranking for him.

Here's where I'm worried: Athleticism here is still a pretty real NBA concern on defense. Iggy is
smart on that end and has taken to what Yaklich/Beilein want him to do well. But it also says
something, IMO, that Michigan has been better on defense with him off the floor as opposed to
when he's been on it -- especially in their games against high-major competition (vs. Nova, PC,
UNC, Purdue, NW, Michigan had a 74 DRTG with him off the floor, and an 88 DRTG with him on
it). That's a bit noisy, and the overall number is still good at 88. But I think Michigan has done
more to insulate him rather than him being a true difference maker on that end, too.

On offense, over 75% of his offense has come from spot-ups, transition opportunities, back-cuts,
and O-Rebs. The spot-up stuff is useful obviously, as he's a terrific shooter who can put the ball
on the deck and attack a closeout. He's also a tough finisher inside who does a good job embrac-
ing contact and using his natural touch -- against NBA bigs, explosiveness will be a question
here. He times cuts well, too. But a lot of that stuff doesn't really involve him creating for himself
at all, either. He won't be asked to hit the offensive glass in the NBA for the most part (O-Reb
rate has declined significantly the last five years in the NBA). Transition buckets tend to be emp-
ty calories in regard to NBA translation unless you're the one creating them via steals, quickness,
or an incredible ability to finish above the basket in early sets. It's more of a translation issue
than anything given the scheme.

On the plus side, Iggy has performed perfectly in the scheme that is asked of him. But he also
might be in a better situation for success than any player in the country because A. John Beilein
is probably the best offensive coach in the country and B. his scheme -- involving a ton of back-
cutting, spot-up opportunities, read-and-react stuff -- is the perfect fit for Brazdeikis' game. He's
actualized fully, whereas most other players in the country don't have that luxury. Plus, coming
into the season, he wasn't the primary responsibility to stop for opposing defenses.

https://theathletic.com/694201/2018/12/05/the-athletics-2019-nba-draft-big-board-zion-williamson-moves-up-to-no-1/ 14/23
12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Finally, it's worth noting he turns 20 in January, so he's pretty old for a freshman. Think you're
seeing that maturity with his early success, but it leaves ~6 months less room for upside than,
say, even Ja Morant, a sophomore at Murray State, let alone guys like Zion or RJ Barrett who
he's ~18 months older than.

And yet STILL: all of these words might make me sound like I'm negative on him as a player,
when I'm really not at all. I think he's a pretty damn-near 40% 3-pt shooter as a true skill set, and
I buy his feel for the game being super high. I love how competitive he is. He's been amazing so
far. If he stays at this rate all season, and adjusts well to being the guy defenses start to key on
primarily (something that, IMO, is probably coming soon), he'll end up rising into the first round.
But right now, I still have questions on his translation to the next level given what he's being
asked to do right now as well as sample size questions to see exactly where he fits into the mix
once the start of the seaosn moves into the middle portion.

Justin H. 1h ago

Where does Justin Wright-Foreman fall? How can he move into this top 100 list?

Sam Vecenie STAFF 22m ago

@Justin H. I would bet that he'll be in the top-100 at the end of the season when the underclass-
men decide to return to school. He's within the next 20 guys already, and realistically is in the
same tier as the guys at the end of the list. He's just such a terrific pull-up shooter and scorer.
One thing he's done better this season: distribute. But he still struggles to finish inside against
some of the bigger, more athletic teams (like Maryland this season, Dayton and Clemson last
season).

Zach B. 1h ago

Hi Sam, appreciate the article. Question for you - given Iggy Brazdeikis’ surprisingly strong defense
so far and ability to score on all three levels, why the ranking at 50?

Kevin P. 1h ago

What are your thoughts on ehat Oshae Brissett needs to do to move up? To me, he’s a high level ath-
lete with an improving jumper, but I’m a biased Cuse fan

https://theathletic.com/694201/2018/12/05/the-athletics-2019-nba-draft-big-board-zion-williamson-moves-up-to-no-1/ 15/23
12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Sam Vecenie STAFF 20m ago

@Kevin P. he's gotta start shooting it and finishing inside. He's not a great vertical athlete, so he
struggles a bit on the interior (it's gotten better this year, but he's still only at a 43% 2-pt rate).
And his jumper hasn't fallen this season, even if it's improving (he's only at 28% from 3). I love
how he rounds out his game with toughness and length defensively. He does all the little stuff.
Now he needs to add the big stuff.

Evan K. 1h ago

Love the board, Sam! How closely are you monitoring the Moreyball three true outcomes
(3PA/FT/Shot at rim) for prospects? It seems to me that since the Rockets style is "easier" (even
though it's not) to duplicate, a lot of teams will likely hyper-focus on how prospects fare in those
three categories. Do you have an opinion on that, and if that kind of focus will create any dangerous
blindspots during the scouting process?

Sam Vecenie STAFF 17m ago

@Evan K. yeah, I generally focus in a lot on 3-point shooting, halfcourt finishing at the basket,
and FT rate -- although FT rate is often mixed in regard to its translation rate to the next level.
But it's all situational, because very few teams run true "Moreyball" style offenses, and therefore
you must consider the context of why each prospect is performing one way or another (for in-
stance, is Player X struggling at the basket becuase his team has no spacing and 3-point threats
around him?).

Evan K. 13m ago

@Sam Vecenie Thank you for the answer Sam! So fascinating to see all the layers that go into an
evaluation and projection.

Vladimir P. 1h ago

Iggy will be a lottery pick by year's end. Ambidextrous and fearless.

https://theathletic.com/694201/2018/12/05/the-athletics-2019-nba-draft-big-board-zion-williamson-moves-up-to-no-1/ 16/23
12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Tyler C. 1h ago

Have you considered or come across Charlotte’s Jon Davis at all? Thanks

Sam Vecenie STAFF 14m ago

@Tyler C. I have! Good chance he'll be ranked at the end of the year when underclassmen return
to school. Good scorer, obviously athletic and can get some separation. The two big things hold-
ing him back: turnovers and shooting. He's been an inconsistent shooter and scorer over his ca-
reer unfortunately (52 TS% last year). However, the TOs and wildness have always been some-
thing of a staple of his game, never getting below the 15% mark in TO rate. Part of that is role,
becuase he's asked to do SO MUCH for Charlotte. But he screams G-League guard to me that a
team develops for a year to see if there's some untapped potential.

Lamar J. 59m ago

If Bruno Fernando continues to produce like a double-double machine this season how high can he
move up by draft time

Sam Vecenie STAFF 12m ago

@Lamar J. that's a good question. If he went late first, it wouldn't be totally out of the question.
The best thing he could prove going forward is that he can act as a rim protector against good
teams. Lot of his best games in that regard have come against low/mid-majors. He gets a little
over-aggressive at times. Fouls were obviously an issue last season.

Seth I. 55m ago

Do you expect Culver to reach the pre-draft hype that Zhaire Smith had last year? I know he is not
as freaky of an athlete, but as a Tech fan he is clearly a more polished player. BTW pictures of Culver
and Zhaire together Culver is noticeably taller, 6-6 easily.

https://theathletic.com/694201/2018/12/05/the-athletics-2019-nba-draft-big-board-zion-williamson-moves-up-to-no-1/ 17/23
12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Sam Vecenie STAFF 10m ago

@Seth I. I don't think that the Internet's Zhaire Smith hype ever really matched up with NBA
teams' Zhaire Smith hype. So in that regard, I'd bet that it does not. But if you made me predict
whether or not Culver goes O/U 16th on draft night....well...that's exactly where I have him ranked
now! I think I'd say Culver goes higher on draft night if you nailed me down to one side of the
bet.

David K. 50m ago

Haven't seen Lamar Stevens brought up anywhere. Does he have any shot at the next level or is he
too much of a tweener?

Sam Vecenie STAFF 9m ago

@David K. He was within the next 10 guys. Great frame, good athlete. Has to shoot it, IMO.

Andrew B. 45m ago

Any chance you think Terrance Davis of Ole Miss could crack your big board? I’ve seen him on some
others, seems like he is playing better this year than last, especially passing the ball.
Anyway awesome work as always.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 8m ago

@Andrew B. I had Terence ranked for a good portion of last year. But he needs to be a lot more
efficient than he is now, even in spite of the leap he's made in that regard this year. Obviously a
great athlete. But he's gotta shoot and finish.

Dylan K. 43m ago

Would you consider showing how players rise/fall on your list next to their name?
https://theathletic.com/694201/2018/12/05/the-athletics-2019-nba-draft-big-board-zion-williamson-moves-up-to-no-1/ 18/23
12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Blake D. 19m ago

I like the rankings but saw that Iowa State's Talen Horton-Tucker was absent. Wondering the reason-
ing behind that.

Sam Vecenie STAFF 8m ago

@Blake D. Go back up to the top, and read the intro. He's mentioned.

Blake D. 6m ago

My apologies. Got carried away with the big table. Thanks!

Andy B. 13m ago

Does Zion's apparently all world personality play any role? Or is that just for the advertising billions?

Chris W. 10m ago

Luguentz Dort should be at number six IMO.

READ MORE

(/694035/2018/12/05/sizing-up-the-19-former-nba-players-as-college-coaches/)

https://theathletic.com/694201/2018/12/05/the-athletics-2019-nba-draft-big-board-zion-williamson-moves-up-to-no-1/ 19/23
12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

Sizing up the 27 former NBA players as college coaches

(/694035/2018/12/05/sizing-up-the-19-former-nba-players-as-college-coaches/)
LeBron James hears Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, but he isn't
going to listen

(/694701/2018/12/04/lebron-james-hears-magic-johnson-and-kobe-bryant-but-he-isnt-going-to-listen/)
The 68: Gonzaga is No. 1, but Duke, Kansas, Michigan and Virginia
are all making excellent cases for the spot

(/693356/2018/12/04/the-68-gonzaga-is-no-1-but-duke-kansas-michigan-and-virginia-are-all-making-
excellent-cases-for-the-spot/)
A warning shot and the threat of revolt: Inside the Bulls' waning
faith in Fred Hoiberg, belief in Jim Boylen

(/692735/2018/12/04/bulls-hoiberg-boylen-coach-change/)
KenPom: What we can glean from November shooting statistics

(/691584/2018/12/04/kenpom-what-we-can-glean-from-november-shooting-statistics/)
Isola: No need for Giannis Antetokounmpo to freak out over a
step-over

(/692778/2018/12/04/isola-no-need-for-giannis-antetokounmpo-to-freak-out-over-a-step-over/)

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12/5/2018 Sam Vecenie’s NBA Draft Big Board update: Zion Williamson clearly No. 1 – The Athletic

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