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The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off another disappointing campaign where they failed to make the playoffs. Zion Williamson was electrifying, but the Pels need some help in several areas in Free Agency and the 2021 NBA Draft.
To be frank, NOLA must add more weapons around their franchise star. Aside from Brandon Ingram, Zion has limited support on both ends of the floor. The Pelicans could turn to the draft to address their weaknesses, which are a lack of shooting and limited depth in their backcourt.
With that being said, here are four options for the Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Davion Mitchell, Baylor
No, he's not related to Donovan Mitchell. But Davion plays a lot like the Utah Jazz superstar. Mitchell is coming off a tremendous season with Baylor, where he led them to a National Championship after beating the previously undefeated Gonzaga Bulldogs in the title game.
Mitchell would be a solid addition for the Pelicans in a number of ways. He's a pure scorer who knocked down 45% of his threes and 51% of his attempts from the field in 2020/21. The Baylor star was arguably one of the most lethal finishers in the nation and wreaked havoc on basically every opponent, averaging 14 points per game for the Bears.
Just like Utah's franchise centerpiece, Mitchell is a high-level athlete who is quick and shifty off the dribble while showing the ability to score in every way imaginable. While it's unlikely he'd start right away with the Pelicans, he would definitely add an offensive punch off the bench. Also, his defensive skills have set him apart from the pack. The 22-year-old was one of the best defenders in college basketball and although he doesn't have great length at just 6 foot 2, Mitchell profiles to be a very solid two-way player at the NBA level. This could be a great pick for the Pelicans which gives them more shooting, defense, and guard depth.
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Corey Kispert, Gonzaga
You're looking at possibly the best shooter in this entire draft. The Pelicans posted an atrocious 34.8% clip from downtown last season, which put them 25th in the Association. This is arguably their biggest need. Kispert, who played four years for Mark Few in Spokane, averaged an impressive 18.6 points and five rebounds in his senior season while draining 44% of his attempts from three-point range.
He's a versatile shooter, too. Kispert is efficient in pull-up situations and off the dribble. The 22-year-old has a nice mid-range game as well and isn't limited to just shooting the long ball. The Pelicans need a player who can space the floor for Williamson and Ingram. Kispert can do just that. He makes opposing defenses work which can open up lanes for the New Orleans superstar duo. At 6 foot 7, Kispert is also capable of guarding numerous positions.
Between his shooting and spacing, this could arguably be the best pick of the lot for the Pelicans. Kispert would instantly slot into the first unit and make an impact.
James Bouknight, UCONN
James Bouknight might not be a great three-point shooter, but he is a very good scorer. Bouknight especially thrives either in mid-range or using his quickness to get all the way to the rim.
He averaged 18.7 points and 5.7 boards in 2020/21 with the Huskies but shot just 30% from long range. That's definitely a part of his game that must improve, especially if the Pelicans did go this route. As of right now, he's projected to go just outside of the top-five but there is definitely a possibility Bouknight is still available at No. 10.
The Pelicans need more scoring off their bench and he could certainly add a spark in that department for New Orleans. Bouknight may not be one of their main targets, but it wouldn't be a bad pick by any means.
