NBA Draft: A Potential Hidden Gem for the New Orleans Pelicans
With so much young talent already on the roster, the New Orleans Pelicans can take a risk on a potential hidden gem in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The New Orleans Pelicans are in an enviable position heading into the 2020 NBA Draft.
They already have a ton of talented young players, a likely pick in the teens, three picks in the second round and plenty of future picks in the bank.
They could use their draft capital to trade up and take someone like LaMelo Ball, especially if the Golden State Warriors get the pick and want to trade.
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They could also trade down if there isn’t a player they like, potentially grabbing an extra pick in a future draft or maybe even a useful veteran player.
Another route is to swing for the fences, to choose a player who has a high ceiling, but whose floor is a little more unknown. This approach worked out well for the San Antonio Spurs, who saw a guy they liked in Kawhi Leonard and made sure they got him.
It worked out even better for the Milwaukee Bucks, who reached on a guy with raw potential and ended up getting the league’s MVP. Of course, it can go the other way as well. The Bucks reached on another guy named Thon Maker, who is struggling to stay in the league.
The Bucks probably wish they had that pick back, but the overall strategy is sound. If you can find the hidden gem, the next Kawhi or next Giannis, it’s worth the risk of potentially blowing a pick, especially in this draft.
There are a few players who fit the profile of that hidden gem, the mysterious talent that could go either way.
One such player is Patrick Williams from Florida State. While his teammate Devin Vassell has gotten most of the attention, Williams may end up being the best player in this draft.