NBA Mock Draft 4.0: What if the New Orleans Pelicans Make the Playoffs?

New Orleans Pelicans: Mock Draft Pick #18-21

The Dallas Mavericks have the advantage of being able to add assets even though they are already good now.

With one of the best playmakers in the league in Luka Doncic, the Mavericks could decide to go with a shooter here, or take a risk on a project, as they don’t really need more youth.

They have the luxury of taking a risk on the potential of a guy like Aaron Nesmith, who may be the best shooter in the draft.

He has missed some time with injuries but Nesmith is shooting an outstanding 52.2 percent from 3-point range.

He is also one of the biggest question marks, as he only played 14 games and scouts haven’t seen much of him.

Nesmith can definitely shoot, but doesn’t do much else.

His assist and rebounding numbers are not impressive, and he’s not a good defender or ball handler.

His lack of overall game may hurt his stock a bit, but Nesmith is one of the players who could rocket up the draft board if he has good workouts.

Tyrese Maxey doesn’t necessarily fit the profile of the long, position-less wing that the Bucks seem to covet, but he would add another reliable scoring option for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Giannis needs to be surrounded by people who can guard their position, and Maxey is a determined defender, even if he is a bit undersized for his position.

He can guard the pick-and-roll and could be a defensive replacement for Eric Bledsoe, if the Bucks can find a way to move him in a trade.

Maxey is strong and has the kind of build to be able to finish in traffic and get his own shot, things Milwaukee lacks outside of the Greek Freak.

Maxey would work well with the Bucks’ second unit as an off the bench scorer and change of pace defender.

Like the New Orleans Pelicans, the Net are in a position to take whoever they want, as they should be loaded with talent once Kevin Durant returns.

The Nets will still try to replace Joe Harris’ shooting at the guard position and Jahmi’us Ramsey could be that guy.

Ramsey projects as a 3-and-D guard who can defend multiple positions and knock down 3-pointers at a high rate.

Ramsey is shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range on a fair volume of shots and would form a potentially dynamic backcourt with Kyrie Irving.

Ramsey projects as a plus defender, grabbing 1.3 steals per game, which would work well along the defenseless Irving.

The Philadelphia 76ers will come into the draft with a lot of young talent and no glaring weaknesses.

The 76ers have had a somewhat disappointing season and there are some rumblings of unhappiness, but that comes with playing in Philadelphia.

The 76ers will likely go for a high upside guy and very few players have the tantalizing combination of size and skill as Jaden McDaniels.

The 6-foot-10 McDaniels is projects as an above average defender and can likely guard multiple positions, which gives him value as a wing. The 76ers already have a young defensive-minded wing in Matisse Thybulle, but may decide that McDaniels is too tempting to pass on.