It is that time of year again. With the NBA Draft just a few weeks away it is time to start looking at players that the New Orleans Pelicans can potentially draft. While most of the players that we profile will be second round players since the Pelicans currently only have a second round pick, there will also be a few first round talents mixed in with the bunch as well. Considering the Pelicans are pretty set in the backcourt and at power forward the profiles will focus on wing players that fit into a small forward role and backup big men, places the Pelicans can stand to get a bit better.
It will be difficult for the New Orleans Pelicans to find their way into the First Round of the NBA draft, but it could give them the opportunity to fill a huge hole on the bench. A player with the upside to be a key contributor right out of the draft would be huge for the Pelicans. Justin Anderson brings the intangibles in many areas that could fill in nicely to the rotation in New Orleans and bring a fresh face opposing teams would have to try and contain along with the various scoring options on the Pelicans. Virginia was one of the best regular season teams in the college ranks last year, and Anderson was one of their shining stars. Bringing him to New Orleans would be massive for the team’s future.
The Basics:
Age: 21
Height (with shoes): 6’6.25″
Weight: 231
Wingspan: 6’11.75″
Standing Reach: 8’5″
2014-2015 stats: 12.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 45.2% 3-point percentage and 1.7 APG in 27.8 MPG at Virginia
Draft Projections: Late First Round.
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Strengths:
Justin Anderson has a lot of promise going forward with the improvements he’s made from the past season. On offense, his shooting has seen drastic improvement. His shooting percentage overall and his shooting percentage from behind the arc both saw over a 15% improvement this past season, finishing 46.6% from the field and 45.2% from long range. He also uses his quickness and explosiveness to get to the hole and run in transition. Offensively has the capability to be a spot-up shooter and transition player on offense.
On defense, his size gives him major advantages going into the NBA level. Changes direction on defense quickly for his size and uses his quick mobility to harass on the defensive end. Has a lot of room to grow on the defensive end with the tools he has and with the right coach, could end up being a fantastic defensive player at the professional level. Played on a fantastic defensive team in Virginia’s defensive scheme, which can account for his lack of power numbers on the defensive end. Has very high potential, especially on the defensive end.
Weaknesses:
While Justin Anderson’s jumper has seen massive improvement, the rest of his offensive game is very mediocre. Doesn’t do much with the ball in his hands, as his ability to create off the dribble is very limited. Only attacks the basket head-on when the ball is in his hands, lacking any creative moves to get past his defender. Has had spouts of being a streaky shooter and can get in funks with his shot that limit his offensive involvement even more. Needs to work on recognition and awareness of the game around him.
That goes for the defensive end as well. At times fails to grasp what kind of player he’s guarding and adjust to that player’s strengths or weaknesses. Even with his role in Virginia’s system of defense, lacks much individually to merit a high draft position, with just 1.0 SPG and 0.9 BPG. Has had struggles with his fundamentals as a defender, especially with his footwork trying to stay in front of his man. Could have struggles to adjust out of the Virginia system of defense and into the NBA, where being able to keep up with your man and handle iso’s are key to a player’s success.
Projected Role:
Justin Anderson will more than likely be in the back-end of an NBA rotation as the 2015-2016 NBA season begins. He has the tools and physical attributes to be a player that has an opportunity to make immediate contributions out of the gate. Will more than likely start off as a “spot-up shooter” type prospect with the chance to develop his defense into an imposing threat off the bench. Will have to work a lot to improve on the areas he’s weak in, yet could find a way to mimic the style of NBA player such as DeMarre Carroll or Trevor Ariza.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, it would take some movement in a trade to get into the later-first round. The deal would probably have to involve someone like Ryan Anderson or Tyreke Evans for the Pelicans to obtain a pick in that range. If they got him, he would fill in as an immediate backup to Quincy Pondexter, filling an oddly similar role to the starter. He would come into the game to be a spot-up threat to defenses, opening up the floor for the driving guards and post-up bigs of New Orleans. If the New Orleans Pelicans could find someway into sneaking a deal to get Justin, he would be an immediate contributor that can play to the type of fast-paced basketball new coach Alvin Gentry loves. An immediate fit for the team that could be a major piece going forward.
Stats, measturments, and information came from Draft Express