NBA Mock Draft 10th Pick: New Orleans Pelicans
Missed opportunities and inconsistency were the two major storylines that deprived New Orleans of a coveted playoff spot. Despite trotting out a young core which ranks among the best in the association, headed by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, last season was an utter disappointment for the Pelicans, failing to even clinch a play-in spot.
While there are rumblings of unrest with Williamson, the on-court product must be given redress as soon and as massive as possible. In fact, they may be headed in that direction, with the backcourt slated for a big revamp with Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart’s free agency and the status of Eric Bledsoe who proved to be a misfit in the Crescent City.
Davion Mitchell should be an instant fix to some of their problems, especially on defense. Ball is a great individual defender, but lacks consistency. Hart was best utilized as a help defender on the wings. Meanwhile, Bledsoe took a nosedive from his All-Defensive Team form. The Baylor product, one of the best defenders overall among his peers, deserves a deep look from New Orleans’ circle.