The New Orleans Pelicans opt for Wisconsin Badgers guard Nick Boyd in this 2026 NBA mock draft.
The 2026 NBA draft is fast-approaching and the New Orleans Pelicans need to decide if they want to move up or stick with the No. 58 overall selection as their only pick.
There is a lot of talent in this draft class and it feels unfortunate that the Pelicans could miss out, but that is the price paid for Derik Queen. Fans will get to enjoy him, rather than a middle-lottery pick like theirs ended up being.
If they do just wait for No. 58, there are still some intriguing options they could end up with. This class has a strong senior class, meaning there will be some older players with higher floors available late this year.
CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein released a mock draft on Tuesday afternoon that spanned all 60 picks in the draft. For New Orleans, down at No. 58, he ended up going with Wisconsin Badgers point guard Nick Boyd.
Here is what Finkelstein had to say about his selection:
"The Pelicans have 10 guaranteed deals already on the books for next season and hold four team options. The one spot they could use more depth is at the point, and Boyd provides an ultra-solid, battle-tested option."
New Orleans does indeed already have a lot of bodies ready for next year's team, meaning that they do need to be smart with who they add in the draft, as there aren't very many open spots on the roster. That is, if they don't make any moves.
In terms of point guard options on the roster right now, the Pelicans have Jeremiah Fears, Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole. Both Murray and Poole are expected to be on the trade block. If they trade even just one of them, adding another ball-handler would be smart.
New Orleans does have some bigger players who can handle the ball like Zion Williamson, Derik Queen and Trey Murphy, but having true point guards is never a bad idea.
Boyd has a lot of basketball under his belt and would end up being a solid option late in the second. He appeared in 154 collegiate games across six years and three schools.
Last season, for the Badgers, Boyd averaged 20.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game on 48.0/36.5/83.0 shooting splits. That is a solid baseline ability of scoring, which makes sense given that offense is certainly his calling card.
