NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Wizards snag star building block; Bronny James makes debut
23. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL) - Kel'el Ware, C, Indiana
With a second first-round pick thanks to a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, it wouldn't be all that surprising if the New Orleans Pelicans elected to add to their frontcourt. Perhaps even an addition to the center position. Kel'el Ware is a 7-foot center out of Indiana that could be in play for the Pelicans. In his sophomore season with the Hoosiers (after moving on from Oregon after his freshman season), Ware is averaging 17 points and nine rebounds on 64 percent shooting from the field and 50 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Jonas Valanciunas is currently the starting center for the Pelicans but in the final year of his contract with the team, there are some uncertainties when it comes to the long-term future at the position for the Pelicans. If New Orleans wanted to address those concerns, it wouldn't be all that surprising. Ware could be a fit.
If Ware continues to show his versatility and potential on both ends of the floor, there's no question that he's going to be a first-round pick in this year's draft class. Could it be by the Pelicans?