2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Who gets the star big men at the top?

The Pelicans’ dreams came true this spring, with a trade for CJ McCollum and a frisky run that saw them push into the playoffs and give the Phoenix Suns everything they could handle in the first round. McCollum is towards the end of his prime but Brandon Ingram is still coming into his own and the return of Zion Williamson is what ultimately shapes the timeline of this team.

Daniels is a high-upside pick but also one polished enough to play an immediate role as the Pelicans look to build on the momentum from last season. He averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game with the G League Ignite team this season, with versatility as his most significant contribution. He can function as a primary ball-handler even if his shooting and finishing aren’t quite there yet and there’s every reason to think he can be a high-level defender who handles multiple positions. He may not be a future star but he can do a lot of useful things at both ends of the floor and still has a lot of room to develop.