2021 NBA Mock Draft 5.0 leading up to franchise changing night
By Mike Luciano
Scouting Report. SF. 17. player. 69. Pick Analysis. Gonzaga. Corey Kispert
The Pelicans have a star forward in Brandon Ingram and a sensational big man in Zion Williamson, but Willie Green will likely need to add a few more backcourt pieces, especially with the impending free agency of Lonzo Ball. Why not surround Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas with a shooter line Kispert?
Kispert will knock down any shot from anywhere on the court, and he pairs that with some surprising defensive acumen despite a lack of great athletic ability. Even as a rookie, Kispert should form one of the best shooting tandems next to Ingram in order to help take pressure off of Zion.
18. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Ziaire Williams. player. 149. SF. Stanford
Williams’ stock has taken a major tumble since the start of his time at Stanford, as his 185-pound frame and 37% shooting percentage will force some teams to cross him off of their draft board. Oklahoma City, however, can afford to gamble on him given their stockpile of picks.
Williams is already a great defender and passer for his age, so the next step would be improving his jumper. If that happens, the Thunder would’ve stumped upon a premium athlete with Sixth Man of the Year potential at this point in the draft. Barnes, Moody, and Williams would be quite a haul for Presti, and this pick is all thanks to the Heat.