New Orleans Pelicans: Two G-League Prospects who Might Get a Chance
New Orleans Pelicans: G-League Prospect #1
Jalen Adams: Guard
Jalen Adams has the pedigree to be an NBA player.
Once a top high school recruit, Adams had a nice career at UCONN before suffering an injury that ended it and left him undrafted.
Adams was signed by the New Orleans Pelicans for Summer League, but was eventually waived and signed to the Erie Bayhawks.
He’s been dominating the G-League ever since.
Adam’s Strengths
Adams has a quick first step, and can get into the lane and finish. He doesn’t have explosive quickness but uses hesitation and crafty handles to get where he wants on the floor.
Adams’ biggest strength is his 3-point shot, which he hits at 39.5 percent on seven attempts per game. Here he is showing off his range and ability to get to the hoop.
Adams can score in bunches and could provide short bursts for a Pelicans’ bench unit that sometimes goes ice cold. He averaged 19.1 points, 4.6 assists and four rebounds per game, so Adams can fill out a stat sheet.
If the Pelicans were to suffer injuries, Adams could potentially step in and play spot minutes running the offense. He’s adept at the pick-and-roll and could be effective popping out for open 3-point looks.
Adam’s Wealknesses
At 6-foot-3, 195 lbs. Adams is an in-betweener who is not quite quick enough to stay in front of NBA point guards, but not big enough to cover the two.
He does have a good first step, but lacks explosive quickness and athleticism, so a lot of those G-League takes that get Adams to the rim wouldn’t get past the top of the key.
Adams does have a smooth shot and can knock them down from long-range, but his release is a bit low, which could lead to a lot of blocks and contests.
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The G-League is not known for rim protection, so Adams’ scoring average is certainly inflated and his ability to get into the paint helped by the lack of quality bigs.
At 24-years-old Adams still has time to improve and might be an interesting option for some spot minutes if the Pelicans lose a few players to injury next season.
Adams is unlikely to ever make the team, but the man can score, has a high basketball I.Q. and could step up if given an opportunity.