There was very little mystery at the top of the NBA Draft, as Duke's young and powerful Superman was selected with the first pick by the New Orleans Pelicans.
Already known by just his first name, Zion Williamson appears to be the kind of player who can not only score, rebound and block shots, but turn a seemingly deferential franchise into a commanding presence.
It takes a lot to turn potential into a consistent winner but Williamson appears to be that player.
Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett were selected with the No. 2 and 3 picks.
Here's how the first round went down Thursday night, along with grades for each of those picks
Williamson is a remarkable combination of speed, quickness, athleticism, power and ability. He looks quite unguardable at the NBA level based on his ability, and he has taken nothing for granted. He has worked hard to become a game-changing player.
Expectations will be huge for the 6'6", 272-pound Williamson, and with expectations come tremendous pressure. His ability to focus on the play and get the most out of his talent should be his primary weapon throughout his career.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant (Murray State, PG), Grade: A
Morant is a sensational open-court player and he will knock down shots, especially from the free-throw line. Once he picks up his defensive game, he won't have any weaknesses.
3. New York Knicks: R.J. Barrett (Duke, PG), Grade: A
The crowd roared its approval as commissioner Adam Silver read his name, and he should be a favorite at Madison Square Garden for years. He has a 6'10" wingspan, who can dominate in scoring, assists and rebounding.
He could have been shunted aside as Williamson's teammate, but that was never going to happen. Barrett was a consensus first-team All-American, and was Duke's full-time playmaker.
He has some weakness as a perimeter shooter, but his competitiveness should allow him to improve in that area.
Hunter is the best defensive player in this draft, and he has excellent feet that should allow him to guard nearly any player on the floor, other than centers.
The 6'7", 225-pound Hunter plays with a toughness and a will, and he will play with the Atlanta Hawks, who have put together a package to acquire him from the Lakers.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Darius Garland (Vanderbilt, PG), Grade: B+
Garland has an excellent shooting stroke, with excellent range and the ability to shoot off the dribble or the pass. He may remind some observers Portland guard Damian Lillard.
Garland was limited to five games due to an MCL injury, but he showed enough to warrant the No. 5 pick in the draft. He needs to work on his defense, but his ability to shoot and score will allow him to make a name for himself.
6. Phoenix Suns: Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech, SG), Grade: A-
Culver is one of the most improved players, and his best asset is his versatility. He is a big-time scorer who can guard multiple spots on the floor. He has wonderful hands, can create offense, and he should be a major asset for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who will get Culver in a deal with the Suns.
Culver needs to improve his shooting, but his upside is quite sensational because he has already come such a long way. He was not recruited coming out of high school and he has turned into a high first-round draft pick.
White has the kind of strength and speed that should allow him to take the ball to the hole, and if he can continue to improve on the defensive end, success should follow him.
8. Atlanta Hawks: Jaxson Hayes (Texas, C), Grade: B+
This pick will eventually go to the Pelicans, and Hayes will become teammates with Williamson. He is a brilliant athlete for his position, and that should make the Pelicans strong defensively in the front court.
Hayes is a brilliant leaper with excellent timing, and while his offense needs to develop, he will protect the rim. Hayes did not start as a high school player until his senior year, so his growth has been dramatic.
9. Washington Wizards: Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga, PF), Grade: B+
The Japanese-born player averaged 19.7 points per game and he is a powerful and strong player who can finish around the rim and he also has a fine mid-range game.
He has excellent work habits and has developed his game with the Bulldogs, and he is the first Japanese player to be selected in the first round.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Cam Reddish (Duke, SF), Grade: A-
While not as consistent or as dominant as Duke teammates Williamson or Barrett, he is a dynamic player with NBA range as a shooter. He handles the ball quite well, so that aspect should be a bonus for the Hawks.
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