Pelicans NBA Draft Prospects: Duke’s Cam Reddish

The New Orleans Pelicans are a franchise that has yearned for star talent to pair with Anthony Davis since drafting him in 2012. They have whiffed in the NBA Draft time and time again, and the 2019 prospects outside of the top-5 could provide more uncertainty and bust-potential. The best chance for New Orleans could be to take a major risk on a player like Cam Reddish.

In the years since drafting Anthony Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans have been in a tough predicament that virtually every team in the NBA tries to avoid — not good enough to compete for a championship, not bad enough to draft elite talent. Which brings us to the upcoming 2019 NBA Draft where the Pelicans are expected to select likely in the six to nine range. While they will most likely miss out on top prospects including the next big things in Zion Williamson or Ja Morant, would the franchise, which will be entering full-on rebuild mode, be willing to take a risk on low-floor, high-ceiling Duke prospect Cam Reddish?

Reddish: Potential Star or another Duke bust?

Reddish, the forgotten freshman at Duke who was consistently outshined by his peers Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett, is one of the toughest lottery prospects to project at the next level. Will he suddenly correct his shooting woes and turn into an athletic long-range sniper in the mold of a young Ray Allen? Or will his disappointing year at Duke carry over to the pros?

The Pelicans could be heading for a rebuild if they decide to move on from Davis, a situation that may take an unexpected turn with new President of Basketball Operations David Griffin running the show. Even in the unlikely circumstance that Davis decides to stay, several pressing issues need attention on this roster, including outside shooting.

That’s where Reddish could be an enticing option.

To say Reddish disappointed at Duke would be an understatement on more than a few levels. First, the Pennsylvania native stepped foot onto campus with a reputation as a marksman from three-point range. While there were always question marks about several areas for Reddish, shooting the ball at an efficient clip wasn’t projected to be one of them. In 36 games for Duke this season, Reddish attempted 267 three-pointers while only making 89, resulting in a less-than-stellar 33 percent. His 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists were disappointments for the formerly No. 3 ranked prospect.

While Reddish has much to work on in terms of consistency on his shooting, a lack of creativity and finishing around the rim led to a concerning 35 percent from the field for the season. Even through struggle, it is clear Reddish has a great deal of talent; however, his motor has often been questioned which draws reminders to last year’s No. 9 overall pick for the New York Knicks, Kevin Knox, a talented forward that struggled mightily as a rookie. Should Reddish want to be considered by the Pelicans and other teams in the lottery, he will have to dispel rumors of his low motor that could see him drop on draft boards if proven right.

Defense and Hope

The one positive for Reddish during his lone campaign at Duke was his ability to play good perimeter defense. What was not highlighted as a strength for Reddish going into the season, his defense ended up being a bright spot. When looking at where Cam could project on the New Orleans Pelicans roster, a backcourt pairing with veteran Jrue Holiday could be a formidable tandem on the defensive side of the basketball.

Holiday has the versatility to play the point or shooting guard, so should the Pelicans draft Reddish, look for Holiday to command point guard duties. While Reddish won’t surprise anyone with his athleticism, his strength and 7′ 1″ wingspan allowed him to give opponents a tough time and win on gambles, resulting in 1.6 steals per game.

Is Reddish perfect? No, his decisions sometimes hurt Duke, and his off-ball defense could use work, which is the case for most teenagers entering into the NBA. Should Reddish reach his defensive potential, it’s possible he could be a one-through-five switch with the 19-year-old effectively checking guards, forwards, and centers alike.

The New Orleans Pelicans will surely want to get things right this time around and would ultimately prefer to advance into the top 3 of the lottery, but that remains nothing more than a lucky draw at this point. Should the Pelicans pick precisely where they project (No. 7), giving Reddish consideration will be a serious option. With expectations that Reddish can overcome his shooting woes and a 13.6 PER, the Pelicans may take the risk that he can become a 3-and-D player that is essential on any championship roster in today’s NBA.

If the New Orleans Pelicans decide Cam Reddish is their guy, the selection will be based on hope: Hope he can improve his shooting, hope he can improve his motor, hope he can become a great defender, and hope they don’t strike out on another lottery pick in the NBA Draft again.