Fansided

2019 NBA Mock Draft: When trades enter the equation

By Brendon Kleen

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Philadelphia 76ers won the game 111 - 110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers reacts during game against the Florida State Seminoles in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CT – MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers reacts during game against the Florida State Seminoles in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

. PG. Murray State. Ja Morant. 3. player. 69

After swapping picks with the Suns in the Jrue Holiday trade we made up, New Orleans quickly replaces Holiday by drafting Morant, who some fringe draftniks seem to believe may have a better career than Zion Williamson. We don’t agree with that belief, but of course this is a home run scenario for the Pelicans to get the rights to Morant as an immediate building block replacement for Holiday.

They are different players of course, but Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry has always preferred to push tempo, find good shots early in the clock, and run things predominantly through his point guard. Gentry adjusted when he got to New Orleans to create a role in which Holiday would thrive, but that has meant playing the All-Defense guard alongside another creator at all times. Rajon Rondo was here last season, and Elfrid Payton this year. Getting rid of Holiday eliminates the need for that sort of roster construction and could allow New Orleans to play bigger and improve their defense overall.

Regardless, Morant is the type of talent who pushes those questions to the background.

Here’s what the Pelicans are looking at after their two megadeals in this wild hypothetical draft night:

G – Morant, Marcus Smart, E’Twaun Moore, Tyler Johnson, Elie Okobo, Romeo Langford

F – Jayson Tatum, Semi Ojeleye, Solomon Hill, Julius Randle, Josh Jackson, Kenrich Williams

C – Aron Baynes, Robert Williams III, Christian Wood

That’s not a 2020 playoff competitor, but it’s a hell of a reset.

Check out our full scouting report on Ja Morant.

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