2024 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Hawks court chaos, Spurs speed up rebuild, Lakers surprise
By Cal Durrett
21) New Orleans Pelicans- Kel'el Ware
The New Orleans Pelicans could use more size, as they are unlikely to bring Jonas Valanciunas back next season, making them a possible landing spot for Kel'el Ware. The Pelicans will need to shore up their center rotation with only Larry Nance Jr. under contract for next season and while Ware may play behind him and whoever they acquire to start, he has significant potential.
After putting up 15.9 points on 58.6% from the field., 9.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game for Indiana, it's hard not to think that he can be a good NBA player. Especially since he's just 20, while also being 7'1 with a huge 7'4 and 1/2 wing span.
His size and athleticism make him a formidable shot blocker and a lob threat on offense. Ware definitely passes the eye test, though there were questions about his effort level and basketball IQ but if those issues can be solved, then he could be a value pick for the Pelicans.