Ja Morant & R.J. Barrett Lead NBA Draft Odds To Be #2 Pick at NJ Sportsbooks

The NBA Draft will take place at the Barclays Center on June 20th. Before that, the new NBA lottery system will take place, where the top four picks will be determined. Leading up to that date, the debate will be more focused on who will be taken with the second overall pick rather than the first. Zion Williamson is the huge odds on favorite to go first overall, as DraftKings Sportsbook has the odds currently set at -2500. With a huge NBA Consensus favorite like that, we’ll take a look at three who have a chance of being taken second overall.

2019 NBA Draft #2 Pick Odds

Ja Morant (-125) PG Murray State

Widely expected to be the first guard off the board, Morant completed his sophomore season for the Murray State Racers with a tremendous amount of praise. He became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists per game in a single season. Overall, he played 33 games averaging 24.5 PPG, 5.7 RPG and 10 APG. Despite being a point guard, Morant possesses exceptional passing abilities and is a huge reason why he averaged 10 assists per game.

Some discussion has even taken place that Morant could challenge Williamson for the number one pick overall. While it seems unlikely, Morant boasts explosive skills as both a ball-handler and scorer. When being compared to other players in the NBA, one of the names that most often comes up is De’Aaron Fox of the Kings and Rajon Rondo of the Lakers.

Depending on how the NBA Lottery ping pong balls fall, he’ll end up either part of the Knicks, Cavaliers or Suns. Regardless of the team, his talent has people talking and holds a strong lead as the odds on favorite to go second.

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R.J. Barrett (+110) SF/SG Duke

In his freshman year at Duke, Barrett averaged 22.6 PPG, with 7.6 RPG and 4.3 APG. Playing alongside the expected number one overall pick Williamson, Barrett stands at 6’7” and 208 pounds playing on the wing. His natural athleticism and quickness headline his strengths as well as his ability to attack the paint. He also became the first Duke player since 2006 to record a triple-double, which led many to believe that his time in Duke would be a short one.

The knock on Barrett has been his inconsistencies, especially with his shot. He fails to consistently create separation to get off his jump shot which in turn contributes to his streakiness. Barrett also struggles from the free throw line and owns a career 57.5% on 92 attempts. With this in mind, he seems likely to fall into a Top 5 pick overall rather than a second pick.

Despite some knocks against him, Barrett was one of the teams more consistent scorers with at least 13 points in every game and topped his season with six games of at least 30 points. At his young age, Barrett will have plenty of time to develop and has the potential to become a force in the NBA.

Zion Williamson (+1100) F Duke

So what are the chances that Williamson falls to the second overall pick? You’re getting some huge odds here on DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook, especially with how heavily he’s favored as first overall. Judging by how many analysts of scouts feel, this has very little chance of happening.

During his freshman year at Duke, Williams averaged 22.6 PPG and 8.9 RPG before being eliminated in the Elite Eight to Michigan. Despite some inconsistencies with his shot Williamson is considered not only a top prospect but one of the best draft prospects of all time. It would take something quite drastic to occur between now and the draft for Williamson to fall form the top spot.

As I mentioned, Morant has generated some buzz as potentially taking over the top spot. It would be a huge blow to both the Suns and Cavaliers, who would likely be looking to take Morant is the Knicks not only got the first pick but passed on Williamson. Both the Suns and Cavs are in need of someone like Morant. The Suns continue to look for their point guard of the future and Morant, who was overlooked in his early days, fits the bill.

Unless you have some secret information that you’re withholding from the world or just like to throw money away, you could toss it on Williamson being selected second. I will say though, your chances aren’t looking good. About the same as the Knicks odds to win the NBA Championship.

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