NBA Mock Draft: Who do the Knicks take at 8th and 27th?

13. New Orleans Pelicans, Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova

After landing the biggest prize in recent draft history last year in Zion Williamson, the Pelicans will look to add to their young core with the 13 pick, as they continue to shop veteran guard Jrue Holiday on the trade market.

You could argue that Kira Lewis Jr. is the best player available at this spot, but New Orleans might not want to draft someone who could get in the way of Lonzo Ball. The best pick could be Villanova’s Saddiq Bey. The 21-year-old isn’t going to jump out of a gym anytime soon, but he offers 3-and-D potential that would fit in nicely with the young players already on the Pelicans’ roster.

14. Boston Celtics, Kira Lewis Jr., PG, Alabama

The Celtics have three picks – 14, 26, and 30 – in the first round. They are an obvious team who could use their extra picks to move up and grab a player they don’t think will fall to them when their name first comes on the clock.

If neither Aaron Nesmith nor Saddiq Bey are available, Boston might convince themselves to select a guard in Kira Lewis Jr. While they already have Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart to man most of the ball-handling duties, Lewis Jr. would give them added depth and a different dimension on offense with his speed and athleticism. And perhaps he becomes a trade chip down the line.