Dunking With Wolves
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NBA Mock Draft 5.0: New No. 1 pick for Wolves, Bulls take Toppin

By Dylan Jackson

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks drives against Finn Delany of the Breakers during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks drives against Finn Delany of the Breakers during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 29: Isaac Okoro #23 of the Auburn Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 29, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – FEBRUARY 29: Isaac Okoro #23 of the Auburn Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on February 29, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Isaac Okoro. 13. player. 69. . Forward. New Orleans Pelicans

Isaac Okoro is one of, if not the best defender in this draft class. He can guard almost anyone on the floor and New Orleans should absolutely select him here if at all possible. David Griffin is a smart basketball mind and has built a strong foundation for the Pelicans so far through his tenure.

Adding even more defensive ability to a team that already has Jrue Holiday, Lonzo Ball, and Zion Williamson could create matchup nightmares for opposing teams. The one holdup on this pick would be that New Orleans desperately needs more shooting. Getting a player that is not going to give you much from that aspect could limit Okoro’s minutes early on. Still, though, the shot is not completely hopeless and could come around eventually.

Isaac Okoro is a great athlete, elite defender, above-average passer, and always plays with high intensity. He has more potential than most at becoming a star in the NBA, but will, at the very least, stick around simply because of his defense and playmaking.