NBA Draft 2019: Looking at the No.1 overall picks from the last 5 years
The NBA draft 2019 is going to be held on 20th June 2019 and has one of the best talents in a long time in Zion Williamson, who is currently the consensus No. 1 pick.
This does not take away anything from the other players in the draft but Zion is on another level. With players like Ja Morant, RJ Barrett, Darius Garland in the draft, this will be one of the more interesting drafts in recent years.
With that in mind, let's take a look at all the No. 1 picks from the past five years and see how much they have progressed (or regressed) after entering the NBA.
DeAndre Ayton (Phoenix Suns): No.1 pick in 2018
In a draft which had flashy and headline grabbing players like Luka Doncic and Trade Young, the Phoenix Suns chose a player from Arizona itself at No.1, Center DeAndre Ayton from Arizona University.
Ayton has been one of the more consistent rookies from the 2018 NBA draft. Standing at 7 foot 1 inch with a massive 7 feet 5 inch wingspan, Ayton should have projected to be a good rim protector, if not a great one.
Yet, Ayton is a very proficient and polished offensive player. His movement on the court, running up and down and setting screens as well as his superb footwork has led him to record 39 double doubles this season for the Suns.
Ayton averaged 16.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 0.9 blocks per game in his rookie season. He will not be in contention for Rookie of the Year given how Trae Young and Luka Doncic performed, but he will definitely be a part of the All-Rookie team.
Defense is one of his major drawback, but he has steadily improved as the season progressed and held his own against bigger Centers like Giannis Anterokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Andre Drummond. He will only become better as he establishes himself behind Booker as their No. 2 star.
Career Statistics: 16.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 blocks in 71 matches for the Phoenix Suns