Golden State Warriors NBA Mock Draft: Final predictions before July 29
By Tony Pesta
10. New Orleans Pelicans select: Corey Kispert, G
For many, drafting a prospect with such a limited ceiling as Corey Kispert in the lottery seems like a bad idea. However, scouts feel fairly certain they know what Kispert can offer an NBA team at this point — which is 3-point shooting and consistent effort on defense.
This makes Kispert the ideal pick for the New Orleans Pelicans, who are growing desperate to build a competitive roster around Zion Williamson. Offering an NBA-ready prospect who can catch-and-shoot at a high rate is an easy way to space the floor for Zion.
I’d liken this pick to when Phoenix took Cam Johnson in the lottery a few years back. Sometimes, it’s good to get a player who you know can specialize in a specific skill set. Hopefully, Kispert can bring consistency to NOLA.
11. Charlotte Hornets select: Franz Wagner, F
The Charlotte Hornets have happily waved goodbye to the Kemba Walker days and are ready to fully embrace LaMelo Ball and wherever he takes them. Alongside other prospects like Miles Bridges and Devonte Graham — the Hornets should be looking for a glue guy to bring it all together.
Enter Franz Wagner. The lanky forward can pass, shoot and handle the rock at a high enough level to be the connecter in Charlotte. His triple-threat presence will make life easier for Ball and he can fulfill a role similar to that of Nicolas Batum if all goes well.
Wagner averaged 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season in Michigan. He drilled a total of 89 3-pointers on solid 34.3 percent efficiency.