The New Orleans Pelicans could target defensive menace Tamin Lipsey in the 2026 NBA draft, this mock draft his them selecting him.
The New Orleans Pelicans have just a second-round pick to work with this offseason, for now, which could hurt them in a draft that has just 71 entrants. Still, though, this is a strong senior class that could still allow them to find some interesting talent.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo recently released a new 2026 mock draft that covers both rounds, allowing for a look at who the Pelicans might take. In this mock, they went with Iowa State Cyclones point guard Tamin Lipsey with the No. 59 selection.
The senior spent four years in his hometown of Ames, Iowa. He was a decorated player, making multiple All-Big 12 teams and All-Defensive teams. His lockdown defense is one of his biggest calling cards.
This past season, Lipsey averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists on 45.9/31.6/65.6 shooting splits. He led the conference with 2.3 steals per night and averaged that same amount for his career. He is a defensive menace that is constantly applying pressure and trying to force turnovers.
At this point of the draft, having that motor makes up for a lot. Similar to Micah Peavy, who did have a little bit more scoring prowess than Lipsey.
Lipsey would fill any void left by Jose Alvarado on the bench. Streaky shooting and defensive intensity off the bench. He is someone who can be trusted with the ball and playmaking responsibilities when called upon, carrying a high assist-to-turnover ratio.
While it wouldn't really address one of the major holes on the roster, it wouldn't take much thinking to see why New Orleans could consider someone like Lipsey that late into the draft.