Mock Draft 3.0: NBA Draft comes into focus with lottery set

There are two things we know about the New Orleans Pelicans that influence the selection of A.J. Griffin here. First, they desperately need to add shooting around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Second, they clearly love drafting and acquiring Duke Blue Devils, given Ingram and Williamson both went through Durham, NC.

Add another in Griffin, who is one of the best shooters in this class. He hit 45 percent of his 3-pointers last season and has the shot versatility to take (and make) them off-the-dribble or on catch-and-shoots. There are injury concerns, and his defense needs work, but shooting is one of the most important skills and one Griffin already has in the bag.

This is the first instance where my personal draft board clashes a bit with consensus, and it results in Tari Eason leaping up to ninth and the San Antonio Spurs. The former LSU Tiger was the centerpiece of their offense and defense, and in particular racked up a high number of steals and blocks doing everything on defense. His jumpshot needs some work, but that is San Antonio’s specialty, and he looks like a true difference-maker defensively.