New Orleans Pelicans: Best Draft Prospects In the Virtual Combine

A French combo-guard who projects as an instant contributor with traits worth developing

Theo Maledon / Guard / ASVEL (France)

Another international player, this time french point guard Theo Maledon. You can probably see there’s a clear theme here that the New Orleans Pelicans are looking at international players because they couldn’t scout them during the pandemic.

Maledon is an interesting option for the Pelicans but one that falls out of their range a little. Currently, Maledon is projected as a low first-round pick. The Pelicans have a lottery pick and then three second-round picks. That means they’d probably only draft Maledon after a move.

As a player, Maledon brings a lot to the table. He’s a strong playmaker who loves to work the pick-and-roll and an instinctive defender. With excellent size at 6’4,” he can come in a play in a rotation instantly.

My concern with Maledon is how would he fit the Pelicans. We know that for now, the Pelicans have an established backcourt with Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday. Beyond that, they have intriguing players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Hart still developing. That doesn’t even include Didi Louzada playing overseas.

If the Pelicans draft Theo Maledon, I’d assume they’d be moving on from some of their guard depth. That’s when I’d be all for giving Maledon a chance. He has a smooth two-way game that could put him on a path similar to Shai Gilegous-Alexander.