New Orleans Pelicans: Mudiay has low risk/ high reward potential.
How Mudiay Fits on the Pelicans
One thing that became clear in the bubble game is that the New Orleans Pelicans need some size.
They were pushed around almost everywhere on the floor and lacked players who could match the physicality of their larger Western Conference opponents.
Mudiay has size at 6-foot-5, 200 lbs. and could be the kind of switchable defender the Pelicans need. He could play alongside Jrue Holiday or Josh Hart and could be used in three-guard lineups if the Pelicans wanted to go small.
Having a point guard who could potentially guard the other team’s small forward is a big advantage.
Mudiay isn’t much of a 3-point shooter, but he has improved to 34.5% from long-range. He’s not ever likely to be a deadly 3-point shooter, but he can run the offense, has size and can defend, which are all things the Pelicans need.
They also need value and Mudiay should offer that, as he made just $1.73 million for the Jazz this season, which is similar to Frank Jackson. The difference is that Mudiay is probably not going to get much of a raise, if any, until he proves himself, so the Pelicans could get him for cheap and with a lot to gain.
There is a long history of late developing point guards, as it is the hardest position in the NBA to learn. Mudiay is just 24, and if you look at his numbers, they are similar to guys like Mike Conley or Kyle Lowry at that age.
Mudiay may never get there, but he has the potential and it is still way to early to call him a complete bust.
If the New Orleans Pelicans want to take a low risk chance on a guy with potential, Mudiay is a good choice.