2021 NBA Draft — 10. Josh Giddey, New Orleans Pelicans
Essentially a 6-foot-8 point guard, Josh Giddey is one of the most creative and instinctual passers on the board. He spent last season in Australia, where he put up strong numbers in the presence of grown men. He will need to improve as a shooter — important, given the makeup for New Orleans’ roster — but the value of jumbo playmakers in the modern NBA is hard to ignore.
The Pelicans may be looking for new playmaking avenues this summer. Lonzo Ball will command a significant payday in restricted free agency, and Eric Bledsoe is only a Pelican until they can find somewhere to trade him. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are both accomplished playmakers, but an unselfish ball-mover in Giddey’s vein could help a lot.
New Orleans is looking to compete, and Giddey is a savvy decision-maker who’s ready to contribute to winning at the next level. His impact will be dulled until he can figure out the jumper, but worse shooters have figured it out. His playmaking chops, combined with excellent change-of-pace ability, make him a worthy investment in the top-10.