New Orleans Pelicans mock 2nd round NBA Draft 2.0
New Orleans Pelicans 2nd Round NBA mock Draft: Pick 60
Yam Madar: Point guard, Hapoel Tel Aviv
One of my favorite players in this year’s draft, Yam Madar is an exciting point guard prospect with some glaring flaws, but a guy who should be fun to watch if he ever makes the NBA.
He is not a great shooter but instead relies on elite quickness, passing and basketball I.Q. to get it done in the lane.
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The kid has handles and can make defenders look stupid at times, which is why he has the nickname the “Steph Curry of the European League.”
He is a really tenacious defender who stays after ball handlers and makes himself a pest, but his biggest strength is his ability to break down defenses.
Madar can collapse the D with dribble penetration, opening up lanes for cutters and wide-open shots for himself and others. He could provide some instant offense off the bench, be a guy who pushes the pace and in general be an effective weapon in short bursts.
Madar is only 19, so it’s possible he’d play another year overseas which would be fine, as the Pelicans may not be able to use him immediately.
Madar is an international prospect worth rolling the dice on, as he has the smarts and work ethic to eventually end up in the league.
Player Comparison: Ish Smith
Fallback pick if Madar is gone: Kahlil Whitney: F, Kentucky
Paul Eboua: PF, VL Pesaro (Italy)
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The New Orleans Pelicans should take their chances on guys who can play now or who they can stash overseas for further reps. Either way, they hope to find the next hidden talent in the 2nd round of the NBA Draft.