The New Orleans roster already has a distinct Duke University flavor, with two of its frontcourt starters (Brandon Ingram at small forward, Zion Williamson at power forward) hailing from the Durham, N.C., institution. Based entirely on recent updates to national mock drafts, a couple websites are projecting the Pelicans to add another Blue Devils product (center Dereck Lively). Two weeks have passed since the mid-May draft lottery, causing analysts to shift some of their projections, partly due to workouts, the combine in Chicago and the pre-draft rumor mill. Here’s a look at what sites are now projecting New Orleans to do with the No. 14 pick, including a handful of changes since May 16. All opinions and quoted comments are from the respective media entities and do not reflect those of the Pelicans organization:
BLEACHER REPORT
Nick Smith Jr., guard, Arkansas (previously No. 13 to Toronto)
“The Pelicans need all the shot-makers they can get around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Smith can be a bit streaky, but when he has it rolling, he’s a scoring threat from everywhere with enough handles and quickness to create his own scoring chances.”
12-13: Jordan Hawkins, Keyonte George
15-16: Cason Wallace, Bilal Coulibaly
Previous update: Jett Howard, guard/forward, Michigan (now No. 20 to Houston)
ESPN.COM
Dereck Lively, center, Duke (previously No. 25 to Memphis)
“The dearth of big men in this class gives him the ability to be a riser on draft night, especially as teams consider the fact that he was the No. 1 recruit in his high school class entering the season. He seems to have plenty of upside left to tap into as his frame continues to fill out.”
12-13: Nick Smith Jr., Jordan Hawkins
15-16: Keyonte George, Kobe Bufkin
Previous update: Keyonte George, guard, Baylor (now No. 15 to Atlanta)
NBA DRAFT ROOM
Dereck Lively, center, Duke
“Protects the rim and is a game changer on the defensive end. Is having a very strong draft season and moving back up draft boards.”
12-13: Gradey Dick, Cason Wallace
15-16: GG Jackson, Bilal Coulibaly
Previous update: Keyonte George, guard, Baylor (now No. 11 to Orlando)
USA TODAY
Leonard Miller, forward, G League Ignite (previously No. 20 to Houston)
“He became a walking double-double with the Ignite in February, recording seven in the month (in eight games), and he should be able to bring that production to the NBA. We are a bit higher on Miller than most at this point of the process and believe his stock will continue to rise.”
12-13: Keyonte George, Nick Smith Jr.
15-16: Kobe Bufkin, Jordan Hawkins
Previous update: Jordan Hawkins, guard, Connecticut (now No. 16 to Utah)
No change at No. 14 from mid-May update
THE ATHLETIC: Kobe Bufkin, guard, Michigan
CBS SPORTS: Kris Murray, forward, Iowa
FOR THE WIN: Kobe Bufkin, guard, Michigan
NBA.COM CONSENSUS: Nick Smith Jr., guard, Arkansas
NBC SPORTS: Kobe Bufkin, guard, Michigan
NEW YORK POST: Jordan Hawkins, guard, Connecticut
THE RINGER: Nick Smith Jr., guard, Arkansas
SB NATION: Brice Sensabaugh, guard, Ohio State
SPORTING NEWS: Jordan Hawkins, guard, Connecticut
YAHOO!: Jalen Hood-Schifino, guard, Indiana