2021 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Post-NCAA 2020-21 season

11

Corey Kispert Senior, Forward, Gonzaga

18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.4 blocks, 53% fg, 44% 3pt, 32 mpg

The New Orleans Pelicans are far too talented to be as bad as they have been this year. This team does not need to take any big gambles in the draft, with two young All-Stars on the roster, but rather surround them with players who fit well. Zion Williamson needs as much spacing as he can get, so going to get the best shooter in the draft would make a lot of sense.

Kispert played a big role for a phenomenal Gonzaga team and shot a blistering 44 percent from deep on nearly seven attempts per game. Kispert could easily slide in as an off-ball option at the two, potentially allowing for Lonzo Ball to move back to his natural point guard position and allow Kispert to take over as the off-ball spacer. The Pelicans are close to being playoff threats, but adding shooting is a must this offseason.

12

Davion Mitchell Junior, Guard, Baylor

14.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.9 steals, 0.4 blocks, 51% fg, 45% 3pt, 33 mpg

Davion Mitchell’s draft range has been all over the place, as mock drafts can’t seem to agree on what his value is as a prospect. I am probably somewhere in between on Mitchell, as I believe that he would make sense in the lottery for a team who isn’t far from making noise in the playoffs. Enter the Warriors, who are always looking for defense and could certainly use a facilitator off of the bench.

Mitchell will turn 23 early on in his rookie year, which is going to be a red flag for some teams, but his timeline should be absolutely no problem for Golden State, who is trying to win now with their current core. In fact, the Warriors would probably welcome his four years of maturation in the NCAA. His size is going to be a limiting factor for him as well, but Mitchell should carve out a solid bench role in the NBA.