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.
One of the biggest needs for the New Orleans Pelicans is players who can play at an NBA level right out of the draft. With the 56th pick in the draft, that’s going to be tough for the Pelicans organization to find. A guy like Larry Nance Jr, who played four seasons at the University of Wyoming and improved every single year could be that kind of player. A grinder at the power forward position, who it not afraid to get at it on the defensive end would be an interesting choice for New Orleans with their late pick in the draft. Nance might also just be the most NBA-ready player left on the board for the New Orleans Pelicans at pick number 56.
The Basics:
Age: 22
Height (with shoes): 6’8.5″
Weight: 227
Wingspan: 7’1.5″
Standing Reach: 9’0″
2014-2015 stats: 16.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.4 APG and 1.2 BPG in 36.0 MPG as a senior at Wyoming
Draft Projections: Late Second round.
More from Pelicans News
- How will the Pelicans round out rotation without Trey Murphy III
- Why you can’t blame Brandon Ingram for all Team USA’s failures
- New Orleans Pelicans avoid potential disaster with latest injury reports
- 3 New Orleans Pelicans whose role will increase next season
- Pelicans getting the fans involved with their upcoming festival
Strengths:
Larry Nance Jr’s size is perfectly fit for the power forward position in the NBA. Standing 6’9″ with a 7’1.5″ wingspan and a quick explosiveness, Nance’s athleticism is one of his biggest strengths. He’s one of the best passing power forwards in the draft and has shown the ability to score near the basket and with range. He’s improved his shooting from last year, with the biggest increase being in his catch-and-shoot percentage. Has shown he can use his quickness and physicality to score the ball around the basket effectively. His prowess for dunking has resurfaced since his ACL surgery in February of 2014.
While he has some major skills on offense, his defensive ability is what really takes the cake. He was known as one of the best defensive players on the West Coast in college basketball last year, averaging 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks per 40 minutes on the floor. Has shown a lot of improvement this year in his pick-and-roll defense and has the ability to guard taller players on the block. Does a great job at face-guarding post players and uses his physical strengths to make life difficult for post players inside. Has the physical attributes to show what he can do on both ends of the floor and have a long NBA career.
Weaknesses:
While his offensive game has some strong points, there are a lot of worries about his consistency shooting the ball. Does not have much of a ball-handling prowess and is seen as a spot-up shooter type of player in the draft. Even though Nance can score the ball inside, he does not have many go-to post up moves in his arsenal. Scores near the basket much more as a cutter, transition scorer or cleaning up teammates missed shots. One of his biggest issues inside is his footwork, which is shown the most in the pick-and-roll game. While he has the capabilities to be a solid scorer in the P&R, he tends to overthink his decision when receiving the ball and loses all momentum.
On defense, the biggest issue is keeping up with his defender when they get space. Does a poor job at closing out on his man and does have problems with bigger players when being backed down. Lack of rebounds in his time in the MWC does leave some worry, since it is expected for a player with the physical attributes of Nance to be around the range of 9+ rebounds per game. Needs to be able to make quicker decisions when guarding the pick-and-roll and getting on the defensive glass after an outside shot. Worry that he won’t be able to develop his game to be much more than an effort player has him rated low on draft boards.
Projected Role:
Larry Nance Jr is quite the intriguing prospect. Has the physical traits to go out and be a solid NBA player. His size and quickness could fill in great on a bench unit in the NBA. Came from a smaller school and worked through adversity to become a legit NBA prospect. Could have the same kind of career as a poor man’s Tyler Hansbrough. Has a lot of areas to improve on in the NBA, including his ability to face up with the ball and stand his ground on the defensive end. Has the chance to find a way into an NBA roster from draft night and could find a serviceable spot in an NBA rotation in a few years.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, Larry Nance Jr could be a guy who has a much bigger role on the team a few years ahead. With Ryan Anderson‘s contract expiring in the near future, the Pelicans could pick up a guy like Nance to fill the hole Anderson would leave if he was not re-signed by the team. Would fit in great with the minimum role backing up superstar Anthony Davis. Could be seen as the same type of long-term prospect as former Pelican Jason Smith. With such a late pick in the draft, Nance would be the most NBA-ready player they could possibly find. The Pelicans have a chance to find a young, low-ceiling and yet high value pick late in the draft with a guy like Larry Nance Jr.
Stats, measturments, and information came from Draft Express