2021 NBA Draft mock: Golden State Warriors secure top-10 pick

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears sits on a ladder with the trophy after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Baylor Bears defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears sits on a ladder with the trophy after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Baylor Bears defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs 86-70. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
NBA Draft (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

3 – New Orleans Pelicans select Jalen Green

I know Cade Cunningham is the obvious choice at No. 1 for every team in the league. But, I’m just going to say it, Jalen Green is my favorite prospect in this class.

Green is a jaw-dropping athlete who rises up with incredible ease. This kid can fly and he isn’t afraid to cram one over his defender. Green showed great strength and resilience in finishing through and over contact against grown men in the G-League.

Some downsides to his game include being too reliant on 3-point shots and difficult pull-ups. Even so, his fluid mechanics on these looks is impressive and there’s no doubt he’s going to punish teams from everywhere on the floor at the NBA level.

Green’s potential is through the roof. He has all the makings of a high-volume creator in the backcourt. Place him on the New Orleans Pelicans to take pressure off the paint-dominant Zion Williamson and this is an elite duo from day one.