NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Pelicans reset with Zion; Lakers roll the dice on Garland

NBA Draft Zion Williamson (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NBA Draft Zion Williamson (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft Duke RJ Barrett (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Now that the tears have dried up, the New York Knicks should feel happy about getting one of the top 3 spots in the 2019 NBA Draft. They may not have lucked into Zion or Barrett, but the Knicks will get a solid consolation prize in RJ Barrett. Let’s remember, Barrett was the highest ranked high school prospect just last year. Even though he isn’t going No. 1, that doesn’t mean he’s not talented.

The talent is there, it’s just a matter of the Knicks – or any team that drafts him – getting the most out of him. Forget about free agency for a minute. Even if the Knicks don’t land a Kevin Durant and/or Kyrie Irving, they are still in a great spot with Barrett and Kevin Knox moving forward.

New York shouldn’t feel all that bad about not landing the first overall pick. While Zion would’ve been a great draw, Barrett is a player that could potentially develop into a superstar too.