Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans: How important is 2019-2020 for Pels’ five former Duke Blue Devils ?

By Willie Lutz

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 and Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional Semifinals at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Zion Williamson #1 and Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrate following their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional Semifinals at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
THOUSAND OAKS, CA – AUGUST 30: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans is seen during NBA off-season at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images
THOUSAND OAKS, CA – AUGUST 30: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans is seen during NBA off-season at Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Jahlil Okafor – Class of 2015

Ranked the No. 1 prospect out of high school by both ESPN and 247 Sports, the former Blue Devil standout Jahlil Okafor has not had a fruitful NBA career up to this point. After having the final year of his team option declined by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, then forcing a trade to the Brooklyn Nets to finish that season, he found a spot on the New Orleans roster on a two-year minimum contract last offseason. The former Duke standout simply hasn’t lived up to the hype.

Considering he’s only playing for a minimum deal, one that expires after the season, the Pelicans front office have no reason not to send him packing if he doesn’t play well this season. He’ll be playing for his career this season in New Orleans.

While he arguably had the best season of his career with the Pels last year, he didn’t really prove anything other than being fully capable of being a bench center; that’s far from the ceiling some envisioned for the former third overall pick.

Last season in New Orleans, Okafor averaged 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds, appearing in 59 games. While those numbers aren’t terrible, they aren’t impressive enough to make the center invaluable to the Pelicans roster. He did put together some really nice games in the absence of Anthony Davis and played a much more competent brand of defense than in seasons past.

At any time over the next nine months, the Pelicans could decide to move Summer League standout Jaxson Hayes into the backup center role behind Derrick Favors. In a league that’s trending towards small-ball, there are very few minutes to give to a third center when better scoring options exist off the bench.

Despite the fact that he’s just entering his fifth season of professional basketball, the stakes have never been higher for Okafor. If he fails to perform this season, it could very well be the end of the line for the former third-overall selection. The former Duke player might find himself making a college player’s salary if he doesn’t have a solid showing this year.

Check out this list of the 30 greatest players in Pelicans history. light. Also

Home/Pelicans News