2021 NBA Draft Mock: Golden State Warriors land two picks
By Tony Pesta
Tennessee. 69. Pick Analysis. G. Keon Johnson. 8. player. Scouting Report
New Orleans Pelicans
After an astronomical start, the New Orleans Pelicans’ rebuild has hit a bit of a speed bump. They’ve clearly hit on young prospects like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, both of which have appeared in the All-Star Game already.
Yet, the Pelicans find themselves outside of the playoff picture due to lackluster development from Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and a poor shooting season from JJ Redick. In order to fix this and inject some scoring in the backcourt, they can target Keon Johnson.
Johnson is averaging nearly 11 points for Tennessee and is a more versatile offensive presence than Lonzo Ball, who has made strides as a shooter but would benefit from having a scorer next to him.
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Stanford. Ziaire Williams. player. G. 9. 149
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have the deepest collection of NBA Draft picks but it’s important they hit on at least a few of them if they want to be back in the playoffs anytime soon. Ziaire Williams seems like a good start at ninth here.
Williams is a 6’8″ forward with strong athleticism. He isn’t shooting the ball particularly well at Stanford but he’s flashed potential as a three-level scorer who can create his own shot. This would bode well next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunders’ young core.