Latest NBA Mock Draft Has LSU's Cam Thomas Going To The New Orleans Pelicans

by Staff Reporter

July 28, 20218 Comments

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor updated his 2021 NBA Mock Draft, and has LSU shooting guard Cameron Thomas going to the New Orleans Pelicans in the 1st round with the 17th pick.

O'Connor did not have any other LSU players in his Mock Draft but here's what he had to say about Thomas:

quote:
Pick No. 17 - New Orleans Pelicans - LSU Guard Cameron Thomas.

"Thomas is a bucket-getter who could provide an immediate spark for the Pelicans in the same way he did for LSU as a freshman. Though he needs to make progress as a defender, his scoring ability is lottery caliber."

"Score-first guard with a vintage game who has a knack for getting buckets."

PLUSES
-Throwback isolation scorer who thrives from midrange. He has every move in his bag to create off the bounce. And he has the confidence to launch from anywhere, including way beyond the 3-point line.

-Skilled off-ball cutter who can relocate or come off screens from all angles and drain shots thanks to pristine footwork.

-Good interior finisher who draws a ton of fouls using pump fakes and his body. When he sees open space, he attacks, especially in transition.

-He has the physical tools to be an impactful defender if his fundamentals improve.

MINUSES
-A bit of a ball-stopper who lacks passing vision. He may need to change his game to thrive in a motion offense, though his ideal role early in his career could just be as a bench spark plug.

-Needs to lock in defensively. He doesn’t stay in a stance, falls out of position, and rarely puts in extra effort.