During this time last year, RJ Barrett was considered as the favorite to become the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. But ever since Zion Williamson emerged, his draft stock fell, and now he’s expected to be selected third overall this June.

But there was no news about Barrett being upset about Williamson’s rise. Instead, the two became close friends and good teammates while playing for the Duke University Blue Devils.

RJ even said that it was Zion who taught him how to have fun while playing basketball.

Sit-down with Duke’s @RjBarrett6: Basketball motivations, touching a basketball for first time in France, improving his shot, Zion and Cam. “Zion taught me how to have more fun. His passion is unmatched. Cam taught me how to be smooth.” pic.twitter.com/JhZGqawHDY — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 16, 2019

Both players declared for this year’s draft, and even though Williamson is projected to go first and Barrett third, the possibility of them being teammates is significantly high, considering the fact that the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks might open trade negotiations during draft night.

The speculation is that the Pelicans will ask for the Knicks’ third pick this summer as the centerpiece for an Anthony Davis trade package. Should both sides agree to terms, then Williamson and Barrett will be the cornerstones of New Orleans for the foreseeable future.

There are still a lot of people who believe that RJ Barrett is the best player in this year’s draft, and they are not wrong. The athletic forward has the potential of becoming one of the best scorers in the NBA over the next five years.

If Barrett and Williamson end up wearing the same uniform next season, then the Pelicans will be one of the most intriguing teams in the league, as fans will constantly follow their progress until they live up to the expectations or not.

But for RJ, he’s not going to let pressure take away the fun of playing the game that he fell in love with since he was a kid.