The Pelicans learned the hard way in the 2020-21 season that the best way to maximize Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram is to surround the pair with shooting and defense. After not prioritizing either skillset last offseason, New Orleans looks set to focus on both aspects in the upcoming offseason.
That prioritization will start in the 2021 NBA Draft where the Pelicans will have the No. 10 pick. The latest mock draft from For The Win by Bryan Kalbrosky projects the Pelicans taking one of the best shooters and defenders at the point guard position in Baylor’s Davion Mitchell.
Here’s Kalbrosky’s breakdown on Mitchell:
Baylor’s Davion Mitchell was the breakout star of the NCAA tournament and would fill a hole desperately needed for the New Orleans Pelicans since trading away Jrue Holiday.
Mitchell, who shot 44.7 percent from beyond the arc last season, is someone who could help the front office find the shooting help that they desperately needed last season.
Last season, Mitchell averaged 14.0 points on 51.1% shooting from the field and 44.7% shooting from the 3-point line on 4.7 attempts per game. Oddly, he shot just 64.1% from the free-throw line, though he also added 5.5 assists as well.
With the Pelicans, Mitchell would immediately step in as the best perimeter defender not named Lonzo Ball on the roster – and given Ball’s impending free agency, he may be the team’s best guard defender next season. Regardless if Ball stays, Mitchell’s shooting and defense should help him get time on the floor from day one.
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