New Orleans Pelicans: Best Draft Fit at Each Position
New Orleans Pelicans: Best Draft Fit at Power Forward
Maryland. Jalen Smith . 69. Power Forward. 25. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Power forward is another position that doesn’t have much to offer the Pelicans.
After Onyeka Okongwu and Obi Toppin, the position gets less certain, but there are still some interesting guys. Aleksej Pokusevski is an intriguing player whose draft stock has risen in recent weeks, but he’s 18-years-old, weighs about as much as an orange on a toothpick, and won’t be ready to contribute for a few years at least.
It’s possible the Pelicans would go this route, as they have the luxury of time and can stash a player overseas or develop him in the G-League if they like his talent but don’t think he is ready.
Another option might be to take a player who is a little older, has a slightly lower ceiling, but could develop into a valuable role player and fill a need.
Sophomore Jalen Smith out of Maryland fits this description.
Smith is a bit undersized in the upper body and needs to put on some strength but he is already a plus-rebounder (especially offensively), can protect the rim and is developing a long-range shot.
Smith added the 3-pointer to his game this season and shot a respectable 36.8 percent on 2.8 attempts per game.
Ideally the Pelicans could bring in a power forward this offseason to compete for minutes with Nicolo Melli, who was good at times, but far too inconsistent.
Any power forward who wants to play with Zion Williamson better be able to shoot, as spacing the floor for the big guy is paramount. Smith would have to continue to improve from long-range, but otherwise fits the description of what the Pels need in a power forward.
Smith has potential to be a double-double machine who doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
Smith is athletic and loves to grab offensive boards, just like Zion, so the two could potentially form an elite tandem on the boards.
Smith seems like the type of player who would relish the role of 3-and-D stretch-four, a guy with a high motor who will rebound, block shots and knock down an occasional jumper.