NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Spurs jump into top 3; Lakers offload Russell Westbrook

9. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL) – Bennedict Mathurin, F, Arizona

The New Orleans Pelicans did considerably better during the second half of the season than they did in the first half, and CJ McCollum played a big part in that, but there are still plenty of holes this team will have to solidify during the offseason.

Including the Zion Williamson situation, but that’s an entirely different story for another day. With the 9th pick in the draft, Bennedict Mathurin could be a fit for the Pelicans. He would give the team some added wing depth and a player that could grow next to Brandon Ingram and Zion.

Looking at their roster, the Pelicans are loaded with talent. It’s hard to see why this team wasn’t better this year. However, the hope is that next season will finally be the year it all begins to click for the team. And Mathurin could be a part of that formula.