The New Orleans Pelicans’ lottery pick in the 2021 NBA draft will be an interesting selection based on the many paths the team could go. On one hand, the franchise could look to continue adding pieces to its core by seeking shooting to complement Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
On the other hand, with two restricted free agents in the backcourt, the team could look to bring in another young guard to fill those holes and ease the necessity to match offer sheets for both Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart.
The latest mock draft from For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky predicted the latter scenario with the Pelicans selecting Baylor’s Davion Mitchell with the No. 10 pick.
If the rumblings about Zion Williamson being frustrated in New Orleans are indeed true, the clock is ticking for the Pelicans to make the playoffs. They’d be wise to add someone who can contribute immediately, and after winning a title, Davion Mitchell can provide that spark.
The full 60-pick mock draft also means projections for the Pelicans’ four second-round picks as well. New Orleans took wing Josh Christopher of Arizona State with the No. 34 pick, big Filip Petrusev with the No. 40 pick, guard Rokas Jokubaitis with the No. 43 pick and guard Juhann Begarin with the No. 53 pick.
Given the team’s need to compete sooner rather than later and the already large young core on the roster, it does seem unlikely they will make all five picks this summer.
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