New Orleans Pelicans Draft: 3 Sleepers the Pels Should Consider

New Orleans Pelicans Sleeper Prospects: Daniel Oturu

Daniel Oturu: Center, University of Minnesota

If Daniel Oturu had played in the 1990’s, he’d probably be a top-five pick, as he averaged over 20 points and 11 rebounds per game for the University of Minnesota in his sophomore season.

But Oturu plays mostly in the post, so his current skill set doesn’t line up with what a lot of teams are looking for.

This is a mistake, as Oturu has flashed the shooting and rim protection to be the perfect modern stretch-five for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Oturu averaged 2.5 blocks per game for the Gophers and was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive team. At 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Oturu has the physical traits to be a top shot blocker in the NBA, something the Pelicans desperately need.

The Pelicans didn’t have a single player average at least a block a game last season.

The most intriguing thing about Oturu is his ability to shoot the basketball. He didn’t take many 3-pointers but he hit 36% of them and shot more than 70% from the line, numbers that would be above average for an NBA big.

Can Oturu continue to develop something of a perimeter game? That is the big question, as most teams aren’t running post ups these days and aren’t looking for back-to-the-basket scorers.

Oturu potentially has the rim protection and floor spacing the Pels are looking for and could be a steal in the early second round.