New Orleans Pelicans draft pick: Isaac Okoro
#2 Isaac Okoro, Small Forward- Auburn
Isaac Okoro is another position-less wing with size whose defense could help the New Orleans Pelicans right away.
Okoro is 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan who projects as a guy who can defend just about everyone on the perimeter.
He is a high-IQ defender with the quickness to stay in front of small players and the strength to body bigger ones.
He’s an athletic and strong wing, two traits the Pelicans currently lack. Brandon Ingram is obviously gifted offensively, but he still lacks physical strength and Melli is a one-dimensional shooter who can’t guard anyone.
Okoro would immediately be an upgrade to the wing defense and fills a pressing need. He has an NBA body already and his shortcomings wouldn’t matter as much on a Pelicans team that has plenty of scoring.
Okoro’s shot needs a lot of work and he is not going to beat many people off the dribble, but he is a good passer who can run pick-and-roll and always seems to make the right decision.
The Pels half court offense works best when the ball is moving, so Okoro fits in well as a passer even if his shot isn’t there.
His on-the-ball defense and high IQ within the team defense would help the Pels right away, especially against the big wings that they currently struggle against.