2021 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0: At the quarter mark of NBA season

7

Moses Moody Freshman, Guard, Arkansas (NCAA)

17.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 44% fg, 39% 3pt, 33 mpg

The Pelicans lack of success this season is something I have brought concern to for some time: playmaking. Lonzo Ball does not appear to be the point guard of the future in New Orleans. Finding his replacement in this draft is not likely, as no players at that position are worthy of being drafted here. Thus, Ball likely will accept a qualifying offer this year, so drafting a starting shooting guard of the future should be the next move.

Moses Moody is a great fit on almost any roster, as he is a three-and-D wing with good size, athleticism, and off-ball shooting. His off-ball style will keep touches in the hands of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram and create more space for them to work with inside. The Pelicans still have a great core. This is not the year they make the Playoffs, but adding Moses Moody would be another great add to their core.

8

Ziaire Williams Freshman, Forward, Stanford (NCAA)

12.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, 37% fg, 32% 3pt, 31 mpg

Pick Via Miami Heat (Pick Swap)

Ziaire Williams had a tough start to his NCAA career, but since has put together a string of solid basketball games. One of the most talented players in this draft, Williams has great size at 6ft 8, is a playmaker, and is very quick for a wing.

Scoring efficiency is the name of the game for Williams, who shows flashes of great potential at times but has otherwise been subpar. He has loads of talent, but it simply hasn’t shown consistently, yet.

For Oklahoma City, this is an opportunity to acquire one of the top high school recruits in the nation and a player who without a doubt has star potential. Stockpiling talent will be the name of the game for Oklahoma City going forward, so grabbing the clear best prospect on the board is the way to go.