2019 NBA Mock Draft: Learning from the playoffs
Darius Garland. 7. player. 69. . PG. Vanderbilt
During his introductory press conference last week, new Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin called guard Jrue Holiday a “franchise building block.” He’s absolutely right — combining attitude and two-way effectiveness, that’s exactly what Holiday is — but that’s beside the point. More important is the impact Griffin’s words might have for the Pelicans and other teams operating in the talent acquisition world this summer.
To give an example of how impressive the market could be for Holiday, take a look at this from Sporting News’ Sean Deveney:
"“League sources say the Suns are considered a top contender should Holiday be made available, the ideal fit for a team badly in need of a multifaceted veteran at the point. But Orlando would have interest, too, as would Chicago – though Holiday’s brother, Justin, did not have a sterling experience with the Bulls this season before being traded to the Grizzlies. If Griffin is intent on keeping Holiday, it is a signal that he will look to bring a quick turnaround for the Pelicans. That could be a benefit to the two teams most closely linked to Davis once his trade demand went public – the Celtics and Lakers.”"
A Phoenix package would center around the team’s 2020 first-round pick as well as perhaps Milwaukee’s pick in that draft, plus scoring guard Elie Okobo.
Orlando could offer its first-round pick this year plus someone like Wesley Iwundu. Even Chicago could put together something centered on rookie Chandler Hutchison and their pick this year or next if they wanted to be aggressive.
From a value standpoint, it probably makes sense to completely reset and move the 28-year-old guard. Thinking past Holiday’s time in New Orleans, Garland becomes an immediate option, though he did sign with Klutch Sports …