15. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers) take Jared McCain
The Pelicans have tried drafting point guards in recent years, but they have not found their long-term answer at the position. Kira Lewis Jr. never found his footing, despite being a lottery selection in 2020. Dyson Daniels showed flashes as a rookie but could be used more as a secondary creator. New Orleans would love to find their answer of the present and future in this draft.
McCain has plenty to prove, but the 6’3 guard was the number 12 player coming out of high school last season. He must earn a significant role for Duke as a freshman, but McCain has shown deep shooting range and ability to get buckets. Can he run the Blue Devils offense and transform into a top-20 pick?
His defense is a bit of a question mark, but teams are intrigued. McCain will be 20 years old on draft night, despite being a freshman. He is a TikTok sensation and an extremely marketable player, which only adds to his appeal to NBA teams.
Duke is certainly a team to watch with three potential lottery selections on their roster. Jared McCain has a wide range at this point. He could go in the top 12 or outside the first round, which makes him a talent to keep a close eye on this year.