2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks play it safe, Wizards go big, Spurs fill two needs
By Cal Durrett
21) New Orleans-Zach Edey
Although he was one of the most dominant players in college basketball this past season, 7'4 center Zach Edey may fall well outside the lottery. That could be good news for the New Orleans Pelicans, who will be in the market for a new starting center this summer. Drafting Edey would give them a potential long-term fit, though it's questionable whether his game will fully translate.Defensively, his lack of lateral quickness may make him exploitable in the pick-and-roll.
On the other hand, he may have a lot of success dropping back and using his massive 7'9 wingspan and frame as a deterrent. Offensively, he doesn't project to be a three-point shooter, but he is a skilled scorer in the paint and could feast on the offensive glass given his size.
Still, his lack of spacing might not jive well playing next to Zion Williamson, who also can't shoot outside the paint but there aren't likely to be any centers that will be available this summer who can. Taking that into account, the Pelicans should take the best center available and Edey will probably be it.