The FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft has become a yearly tradition, with our site experts from each of our NBA blogs sharing their team-focused expertise and making draft selections for the teams they represent. This year, we’re adding a twist with the picks being announced daily leading up to the draft and experts announcing each selection in a personalized video that can be found here and FanSided’s Instagram page and Twitter accounts.
Make sure to follow FanSided on Instagram and Twitter and check back here each day from now until the draft on Thursday, June 20 to see who your favorite team picked and for expert analysis of each selection.
1. New Orleans Pelicans — Zion Williamson, F, Duke
Selected by Ethan Krieger of Pelican Debrief
Williamson is a no-brainer with the No. 1 pick, easily having the highest ceiling of any prospect in this class, with one of the highest floors as well. He couples explosive athleticism and outlier strength with a surprising amount of skill — even if he wasn’t allowed to dunk in the NBA he’d still be one of the best finishers in the league because of his touch. There are questions about how well his shooting and handle will translate but Williamson is the kind of two-way prospect who could transform the Pelicans as they look towards a new era.
For more analysis on the Pelicans and their upcoming offseason, visit Pelican Debrief.
2. Check back tomorrow to see who the Memphis Grizzlies pick
Selected by Chris Kern of Beale Street Bears