NBA Draft 2021: Biggest needs for all 30 teams ahead of draft day

Milwaukee Bucks – No. 31

Biggest need: Forward

The reigning champions are set to bring back most of their key players. The two who may be moving are including fan-favorite forward Bobby Portis and ultimate glue guy P.J. Tucker, both of whom played big roles in the Bucks winning it all. There’s an argument that the backup point guard position could be a need to fill to upgrade from Jeff Teague but a healthy Donte DiVincenzo should be fine.

Former WCC Player of the Year and Gonzaga forward Filip Petrusev would be a nice offensive option and an eventual replacement for starting center Brook Lopez. Jay Huff of Virginia is the complete opposite, as he’d be a great defensive big to keep Milwaukee near the top of the league on that end. And Duke’s Matthew Hurt could be a surprise option here if they want to add a stretch forward to maximize spacing.

New Orleans Pelicans – No. 10, 34, 40, 43, 53

Biggest needs: Point guard, shooting guard

The Pelicans have a ton of individual talent, yet a ton of needs. The lack of shooting and spacing is a big concern, which Corey Kispert of Gonzaga can alleviate as the replacement for JJ Reddick. There’s also the perimeter that needs to be addressed, especially if starting point guard Lonzo Ball leaves as a free agent. Davion Mitchell would be a great option if he makes it to No. 10 unless they opt to give Kira Lewis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker more minutes.

With four second-round picks, look for New Orleans to trade up and get some frontcourt depth behind Zion Williamson and Steven Adams, mainly someone that can shoot. Matthew Hurt, Filip Petrusev, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl would be good options in the back half of the draft. But anyone that can play solid defense would help this franchise as well.