New Orleans Pelicans Draft: 5 International Prospects for the 2nd Round

New Orleans Pelicans International Prospects: Theo Maledon

Theo Maledon- ASVEL

This one might be a stretch, as Maledon has been mocked anywhere from the back end of the lottery to the early second round.

The Pelicans would likely have to trade up to get him, as Maledon will be one of the first picks of the second round if he falls that far. But if he is there, the Pels would have to consider moving up to get him, especially if it costs them nothing more than second round picks.

Frenchmen Maledon has all of the same knocks that Tony Parker had when he was taken by the Spurs with the 28th pick.

He’s not quick enough to get by NBA defenders. He doesn’t hav a great shot. He won’t be able to defend. He’s too small.

Yeah? How’d that turn out?

Like Parker, Maledon is a gifted passer with a high I.Q., who has already logged a ton of professional minutes even though he is one of the youngest players in the draft.

Also like Parker, Maledon is adept at changing pace, starting and stopping and taking all sorts of angles to the hoop. He’s an inch taller than Parker, though not as strong physically.

Maledon will probably go in the first round, but he’d be an ideal guy to trade up to get, as he could end up being a steal for someone.

The New Orleans Pelicans should consider looking abroad in the second round, as there are a number of interesting players who present no more risk than their American counterparts.

The Pels have three picks to work with and hope to find a steal in the second round, which is one of the building blocks of a consistently successful NBA team, just ask the Nuggets and Spurs.