NBA Mock Draft 5.0: A.J. Griffin rises; Knicks acquire Zion Williamson

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NBA Draft prospect Bennedict Mathurin (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports) /

10. New Orleans Pelicans (mock trade via NY) – Bennedict Mathurin, F, Arizona

With their second pick (a hypothetical one thanks to the mock Zion Williamson trade with the Knicks) in the lottery, the Pelicans will take a chance on a prospect that has quickly grown on me over the last few weeks.

Bennedict Mathurin is coming off a sensational freshman season with Arizona and it will likely catapult him into becoming a top 10-12 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He has good size and has star potential.

He likely improved his draft stock with an impressive second-round game in the NCAA Tournament in which he finished with 30 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.