NBA Mock Draft 2019: The Pelicans are in the driver’s seat

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 07: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball up the court against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on January 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 07: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball up the court against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on January 07, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 23: Nassir Little #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a dunk against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on February 23, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 23: Nassir Little #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a dunk against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on February 23, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

18. . F. North Carolina. Nassir Little. 14. player

Thinking about this Celtics draft is a far different math problem than before the Anthony Davis trade. All year, we assumed there was no way Boston would actually be making all three of their first-round selections. Yet without a Davis deal on the table, their options are limited, meaning the 2019 draft could be an important step toward building the next Celtics contender.

Rumors lurk regarding Boston’s interest in a playmaker like Mike Conley or Chris Paul, which makes sense. The Celtics cannot move off Gordon Hayward’s contract any time soon and are at the mercy of Al Horford and his decision on a $30 million player option for this upcoming season. Maybe it makes more sense to make a smaller deal for someone like Conley and remain somewhat competitive this upcoming season and using the summer of 2020 to truly recalibrate the roster. At that time, big men Horford and Aron Baynes will be off the books, while Conley and Hayward will become expiring contracts. The summer of 2020 is when Jayson Tatum will become extension-eligible, and Jaylen Brown’s rookie contract will expire. The cards will be on the table for the Celtics.

Which brings us back to this draft, perhaps useful to Boston as an opportunity to not only trade for a replacement for Kyrie Irving but also to restock the cupboard with interesting young players. Next season may look like the early years of Brad Stevens’ tenure in Boston, when the team was competing for the playoffs while developing talent in the background.

If that is the case, Little is an interesting bet. The Celtics consistently gamble on wing talent and Little’s athleticism and ball-handling are the foundation of an interesting player. Stevens’ drive-and-kick offense could help simplify the game for the one-and-done athlete and allow him to focus on defense and learning the NBA game.

Check out our full scouting report on Nassir Little.