Mock draft shows Duke basketball player as lottery pick to Pelicans

Imagine a third Duke basketball product on the New Orleans Pelicans roster.

Matt Giles | Apr 16, 2023

Mock draft shows Duke basketball player as lottery pick to Pelicans /

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Duke Blue Devils

Dereck Lively II and Dariq Whitehead, likely the only Blue Devils to hear their names at the NBA Draft on June 22, arrived for their Duke basketball freshman campaigns at No. 1 and 2 on the 247Sports 2022 Composite and as projected 2023 lottery picks. But their stocks fell after preseason injuries stymied their adjustment to the college game.

That said, they improved as the season progressed, with each showing off a specialty that NBA teams desire. Lively, now 19 years old, became one of the nation's most formidable rim protectors, averaging 4.7 blocks per 40 minutes, while Whitehead, 18, turned in the 2022-23 Blue Devils' best 3-point percentage (42.9).

Given their undeniable potential, albeit relatively untapped, it's no surprise that some mock drafts now see them both being among the first 20 names off the board.

And this week's mock draft from Complex Sports has Lively back to being among the 14 projected lottery picks. It has him going No. 14 to the New Orleans Pelicans and Whitehead going No. 22 to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Pelicans, who already have two Duke basketball talents on contract in Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, could receive a top-four pick via the NBA Draft Lottery on May 16. Chances are they won't, though, and will end up at No. 14 since they finished with the best record among non-playoff teams this year.

Of course, it is still anyone's guess when Dereck Lively II and Dariq Whitehead will hear their names and which franchises will draft them. Much depends on their measurements and performances at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, May 15-21.

Even so, it's always fun to ponder more NBA Blue Devils teaming up.

In this case, it'd be Lively joining Ingram and Williamson in New Orleans and Whitehead playing alongside former Duke basketball sharpshooter Seth Curry in Brooklyn. However, it's worth noting Curry is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Apr 16, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.