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New York draft of the 2019 NBA draft was held at the Brooklyn Barclays Center in New York, USA. Although the draft was not noticeable in comparison to the previous year, a number of top level athletes participated to fill the scarcity of each team.

New Orleans Pelicans, who has a total first place nomination, named Zion Williamson (18, 201cm) as expected. Williamson from Duke University has excellent athleticism and maneuverability. In the college league (NCAA) last season, he averaged 22.6 points (FG 68%), 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks

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The Memphis Grizzlies chose Ja Morant (21, 191cm) in second place. Ja Morant from Murray State University is a typical dual guard type player with both pass and off-shoot ability. Not long ago, Memphis who declared to be rebuilding by leaving both Marc Gasol and Mike Conley as franchise stars of the team, is expected to maintain a team based on Ja Morant.

R. J Barrett (18, 201cm) was called by the New York Knicks in third place. Barrett, who led the Duke team with Williamson, had 22.6 points (FG 45.4 percent), 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists on average in 38 games of the College League (NCAA) last season.

De’Andre Hunter (21, 201cm)was selected by Atlanta Hawks. Hunter, who has a long wingpan of about 219cm, is the best of the drafts. he can be a good resource especially for Atlanta where there is not enough forwards.

In addition, the fifth-ranked Cleveland Cavaliers named Darius Garland (19, 188cm) and Minnesota Timberwolves ranked Jarrett Culver (20, 196cm) respectively.

Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura (21, 203cm), who has been attracting much attention as an anticipated player in Japanese basketball, has been named by the Washington Wizards in overall rankings. Hachimura became the first Japanese national player to be selected for the NBA draft.

2019 NBA Rookie Draft Nomination Result

  • Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans)
  • Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies)
  • R.J Barrett (New York Knicks)
  • De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks)
  • Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
  • Jarrett Culver (Minnesota Timberwolves)
  • Coby White (Chicago Bulls)
  • Jaxson Hayes (New Orleans Pelicans)
  • Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards)
  • Cam Reddish (Atlanta Hawks)