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 is always a cool thing when NBA teams take local college players in the NBA Draft and those college players turn into productive players at the NBA level. With an already built-in fanbase, those players quickly turn into fan favorites and everyone is happy. With that in mind we take a look at a local product that could potentially find his way to New Orleans if the Pelicans decide they need a backup big man by profiling LSU power forward Jordan Mickey.
The Basics:
Age: 20
Height (with shoes): 6’8.25”
Weight: 238
Wingspan: 7’3.25”
Standing Reach: 8’10”
Max Vertical: 37.5
2014-2015 stats: 15.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 3.6 blocks in 34.9 minutes per game.
Draft projections: Early-to-mid second round.
Strengths:
The first thing that stands out with Mickey is his incredible shot blocking abilities. Mickey averaged a ridiculous 3.6 blocks per game this season and did it in a variety of ways as he showed off impressive instincts in blocking shots both by his man and after making rotations. With his massive 7’3” wingspan and some really nice mobility for a big man, Mickey was able to make up for his relatively small frame to be an impact defender. While that type of rim protection probably won’t translate to the NBA the same way his instincts and athletic gifts should at least provide some average to above average rotational defense.
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Mickey’s athleticism also shows in transition, where he was able to outrun other bigs and explode for finishes. With his length and athleticism, Mickey profiles to be able to play somewhere in the NBA despite standing just 6’8”.
Mickey also shot 39.7 percent on two-point jumpers this season per Hoopmath.com, which gives hope that his jumper can eventually be able to grow into a positive. If he is able to add that jumper to his game Mickey should be useful offensively as it would allow him to attack closeouts with his quickness and get to the rim where he can really do damage.
Weaknesses:
Mickey better be able to shoot because the rest of his offense is a giant question mark and could be what ultimately costs him a roster spot. Despite his athleticism and long wingspan, Mickey wasn’t a great finisher at the rim according to information that DraftExpress got from Synergy Sports. Considering that Mickey’s jump shooting is a work in progress and he is a bad pass, that poor finishing means his offense is a giant question mark in the NBA.
Mickey could also stand to add some weight onto his frame as he will be shorter than most power forwards he plays against in the NBA meaning he can’t afford to be pushed around. If he is able to do that and keep his quickness and mobility he could have a real shot in the NBA as it should help his finishing.
Projected role: A Joel Anthony type seems to be Mickey’s floor though how valuable that is in today’s game is still a question. If Mickey is able to consistently make a 16 foot jumper he could have great value though as a bench big man who could be a versatile defender and shot blocker.
Information from this post, including measurements, from DraftExpress.
Next: The Pelicans could also draft-and-stash Aleksandar Vezenkov
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