NBA: Pelicans select Williamson first in 2019 NBA Draft

Zion to Pelicans, Ja Morant to Grizzlies, RJ Barrett to Knicks as trades add excitement to draft night

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Zion Williamson was selected the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans at the 2019 NBA Draft.

The draft ceremony held at the Barclays Center in New York on Thursday.

The 18-year-old forward played with 22.6 points 8.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game for Duke University last season and helped his team play in March Madness tournament.

"I don't know what to say. I didn't think I'd be in this position. My mom sacrificed a lot for me. I wouldn't be here without my mom," said Williamson to ESPN, in an interview in tears.

Despite the New Orleans Pelicans had only a 6% chance to select the top pick before the draft, they beat the odds and won the NBA draft lottery.

In second pick, Ja Morant from Murray State was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies.

The New York Knicks chose Duke shooting guard RJ Barrett in third pick.

Virginia forward De'Andre Hunter was taken with the number four pick in the draft.

The Pelicans owned the fourth pick as part of the deal that traded Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Atlanta Hawks have acquired number 4 pick from the New Orleans Pelicans, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

"Atlanta has acquired New Orleans No. 4 pick in the draft for No. 8 and 17 and 35, league sources tell ESPN. Pelicans are sending Solomon Hill, No. 57 pick and a future second-round pick," said Wojnarowski said on Twitter.

A complete list of all 2019 NBA Draft results in Round 1:

1) Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

2) Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies

3) RJ Barrett, New York Knicks

4) De’Andre Hunter, Los Angeles Lakers

5) Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers

6) Jarrett Culver, Phoenix Suns

7) Coby White, Chicago Bulls

8) Jaxson Hayes, Atlanta Hawks

9) Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards

10) Cam Reddish, Atlanta Hawks

11) Cameron Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves