NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Blazers jump into top 3; Mavs find Luka Doncic some help

15. New Orleans Pelicans – Dereck Lively II, C, Duke

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be battling for an official spot in the NBA Playoffs but this is a team that despite their hot start to the season, will be looking to take another step forward during the offseason. And one prospect that they could target after the lottery is Dereck Lively II out of Duke. He has the chance to be a strong defensive presence right away and has the potential to develop an offensive game to make him a good overall center in a few years.

With the uncertainty regarding Jonas Valanciunas and his future with the Pelicans, the team could look to address the future of the position with Lively at No. 15.

16. Atlanta Hawks – G.G. Jackson, F, South Carolina

The Atlanta Hawks are likely a team that is going to undergo quite a bit of change during the offseason. Specifically in the frontcourt, the Hawks have plenty of questions heading into the offseason. However, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if the Hawks looked to add another wing with high potential. G.G. Jackson is an interesting prospect that could make sense.

Even though he’s somewhat of a long-term project, I believe that his high-end potential and ceiling are something that could end up paying big dividends to whichever team ends up drafting him.