Pelica Debrief
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2020 NBA Draft: Pelican Debrief Big Board 1.0

By Nick Alvarez

Who should the New Orleans Pelicans target with a top 10 pick. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Who should the New Orleans Pelicans target with a top 10 pick. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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2020 NBA Draft
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 07: Vernon Carey Jr. #1 of the Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

30. JADEN MCDANIELS / WING / WASHINGTON

Jaden McDaniels entered his freshmen season at Washington as a player who was getting top-5 consideration but he majorly disappointed. A lot of his game is still very raw and his skinny frame made it tough for him to compete at a high level. With some time and effort from an NBA team though, McDaniels could evolve into a potent triple threat forward who is also a versatile defender.

Pro Comparisons: Draymond Green, Rashard Lewis, Jonathan Issac

29. ZEKE NNAJI / BIG / ARIZONA

A player I’m personally high on is Arizona’s Zeke Nnaji. A smooth athlete for his 6’11” size, Nnaji showed serious potential as a two-way stretch five. He’s an active player when it comes to defending and rebounding and then does an excellent job playing in pick-and-pop situations. A team looking to add a dynamic big man to some strong guards could be interested in taking Nnaji. The only major flaw in his game is that he lacks the upside to be a franchise level, big man.

Pro Comparisons: Meyers Leonard, Al Horford minus the passing ability, Jordan Hill

28. TY-SHON ALEXANDER / GUARD / CREIGHTON

An upperclassman who plays a tough game built on defense and three-point shooting, Ty-Shon Alexander could have a long career as an NBA guard. If an NBA team is looking for a surefire rotation guard in the 2020 NBA Draft, Alexander could be that and maybe even more. With strong playmaking abilities, there’s potential that Alexander can be a starting shooting-guard if he improves his ball-handling.

Pro Comparisons: Alec Burks, Peak Rodney Stuckey, Josh Richardson

27. TYLER BEY / WING / COLORADO

Tyler Bey is an interesting player with a lot of upsides but he’ll need to make adjustments to unlock his potential in the NBA. Through three seasons at Colorado, Bey played primarily as an interior power forward but he’s much more suited to play small forward in the NBA. His offense will be the key to success in the NBA but his ability to guard all five positions is very valuable and could make him a coveted player in this year’s draft.

Pro Comparisons: Smaller Shawn Marion, Draymond Green, PJ Tucker 

26.  VERNON CAREY JR. / BIG / DUKE

For as good as Vernon Carey Jr. was at Duke this past season a lot of evaluators have pegged him as a second-round talent, but not me. Vernon Carey Jr. was a major force in the paint at Duke being asked to lead the offense from the post this past season but his smooth shooting stroke indicates he has the potential to be a modern-day center. Combine that with his effort on the defensive end and there’s a chance Vernon Carey Jr. can be a starting-caliber big man.

Pro Comparisons: Carlos Boozer, DeMarcus Cousins lite, LaMarcus Aldridge