New Orleans Pelicans: Consensus NBA Mock Draft

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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 27: Onyeka Okongwu #21 of the USC Trojans : New Orleans Pelicans Mock Draft (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Mock Draft: Charlotte Hornets pick #3

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Center/ USC. Charlotte Hornets. Onyeka Okongwu. player. 170. 3

Onyeka Okongwu is a guy who has moved steadily up most big boards over the last few months.

With no consensus about who the best big man is, Okongwu is the choice here just because he fits best with what the Hornets already have.

Okongwu is a guy who will defend the rim, block shots and has a nice shooting stroke, which makes him a nice fit with Devonte’ Graham, PJ Washington and Miles Bridges.

Even though some have James Wiseman with a higher ceiling, Okongwu is probably the safer pick, as he is a skilled combo forward/center who can defend multiple spots at the very least.

At the most he becomes Bam Adebayo with a 3-point shot, a 3-and-D big who can defend all over the floor and create space on the offensive end.

With teams going away from traditional centers, guys like Okongwu who can block shots, run the floor, defend the wing and shoot are going to be a lot more popular. This would be somewhat of a surprise choice, but it makes a lot of sense and could propel Charlotte into playoff contention in the East.