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2019 NBA Draft Odds: Zion Williamson Favored over RJ Barrett to Go No. 1 Overall

Joseph Zucker

In what isn't a surprising development, Zion Williamson is opening as the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft in the eyes of one oddsmaker. 

According to ESPN.com's Ben Fawkes, DraftKings listed Williamson at -2000 (bet $2000 to win $100) to go first overall, with Duke Blue Devils teammate RJ Barrett the second-favorite at +550 (bet $100 to win $550).

In his most recent mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Williamson to be the No. 1 pick, with Barrett at No. 3. Murray State star Ja Morant was No. 2 in Wasserman's mock and is +650 to come off the board first in the 2019 draft.

Assuming he forgoes his final three years of eligibility at Duke, Williamson is far and away the best player in this year's draft class. Wasserman argued in January that he might also be one of best college players to hit the NBA ranks over the last 10 years.

He's averaging 22.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.9 blocks through 25 games with the Blue Devils. He's also flashing some range. A .292 three-point percentage isn't good but at least shows Williamson is attempting to expand his offensive repertoire.

The Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers all have the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick (14 percent), with the Chicago Bulls (12.5 percent) and Atlanta Hawks (10.5 percent) right behind, per Tankathon.

Williamson is so good that his fit should be irrelevant. The team that wins the draft lottery will select him and figure out the rest later.

   

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