New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Stretch-Bigs To Target in the 2020 NBA Draft
By Nick Alvarez
New Orleans Pelicans Stretch Big Target #1- Jalen Smith, Maryland
The first player who falls into the stretch-big mold that the New Orleans Pelicans should target is the one with the highest upside, Maryland’s Jalen Smith.
Smith is a 6’10” forward-center prospect who would the New Orleans Pelicans a player that could operate perfectly in the Pelicans offense from behind the three-point line.
A 37% shooter from distance through two years of college, Smith has a smooth stroke that looks like it’s going to swish the net every time he releases the ball. What makes Smith the number one stretch-big target is his potential though.
Jalen Smith is more than just a giant shooter, he is a player with a well developed offensive repertoire and high defensive potential. An excellent screener who moved well in a motion offense at Maryland, Smith looks like he could have a career similar to Al Horford or Serge Ibaka.
With a lottery pick on the way, Smith would be an excellent target for New Orleans because he also has the potential to be a high effort defender and above-average shot-blocker. Simply put, Jalen Smith is the total package.