New Orleans Pelicans: Two G-League Prospects who Might Get a Chance

New Orleans Pelicans: G-League Prospect #2

Vitto Brown, Forward

Vitto Brown fits the profile of something the New Orleans Pelicans really need, which is a 3-and-D wing to come off the bench.

At 6-foot-8, 235 lbs. Brown has the size to guard both forward positions, though he lacks the quickness to stay in front of some wings.

He’s another interesting prospect who spent four years in college, so he already has a lot of experience even though he’s still just 24-years-old.

Like Adams, Brown has some intriguing skills and glaring flaws.

Brown’s Strengths

Vitto Brown is a winner.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with the all-time highest four-year win total. On one hand this shows that Brown was not an elite prospect, but also shows that he knows how to persevere and get a W.

Brown has good size and runs the pick-and-roll well, as he can shoot on the pop and has the strength to get to the rim if he rolls.

Defensively Brown is okay at closing out on shooters and on offense he’s good at attacking the closeout.

His biggest strength is his shooting. Brown hit 37.9 percent of his 3-point shots on six attempts per game, which are strong numbers for a wing his size.

Here’s Brown running two different pick-and-rolls, one where he pops out for the three and one where he rolls to the hoop for the putback.

As you saw in the video above, Brown is good at floating to the open spot, and getting space for himself for long-range shots.

Brown has a good motor, runs the floor well and can knock down open threes off screens. He could be an interesting option as a 3-and-D wing off the bench.

Brown’s Weaknesses

Like Adams, Brown lacks explosive athleticism though he is very strong. He’s another in-betweener who probably lacks the quickness to stay in front of smaller wings and the size to bang with some power forwards.

Though Brown does have the capability to guard multiple spots, he often gets lost on rotations, is late to switch and has trouble closing out when he gets out of position.

Brown also needs to commit himself more to rebounding, as he pulls down just 6.6 per game, which is low for a big in the G-League.

But Brown isn’t going to make the New Orleans Pelicans with his defense. If he has a future in the NBA, it will be as a stretch-four who can space the floor and knock down open 3-pointers.

With Nicolo Melli in his final year next season, it is possible that the Pelicans will look for a low-cost replacement stretch-four who can do many of the same things but at a big discount.

Brown may not be that guy, but will probably get a chance if he continues to improve from long-range.

The G-League is rapidly becoming a resource for future NBA talent. If the New Orleans Pelicans can develop a few guys who can play, it will help them keep their core intact and increase the chances of being a perennial contender.