2020 NBA Draft: How Jalen Smith fits with the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Jalen Smith is a perfect fit

Jalen Smith’s fit on the Pelicans

One of the Pelicans’ biggest offseason needs is to find a reliable big man who can defend the rim, especially if Derrick Favors ends up leaving in free agency.

The Pelicans allowed over 52 points per game in the paint, nearly the worst in the NBA, so they need to stop giving up so many easy ones if they want to have a chance.

Zion Williamson is not much of a rim protector and likes to leak out on fast breaks, so ideally they would find a big man who is dedicated to rim protection and defensive rebounding.

Jalen Smith could definitely be that guy, as he relishes the role of rim protector, doesn’t mind not getting the ball and shouldn’t clog up the lane on offense.

Smith compares to a guy like Bam Adebayo, a big who will defend all over the floor, make hustle plays and block shots. The Pelicans have a lot of skill players already but they need more of these types of guys, players who do the dirty work, rebound and dive on the floor.

Smith is already a better shooter than Adebayo, so could eventually be better as long as he keeps up his defensive intensity and improves his footwork.

Smith could move directly into the starting lineup at center, which would make the Pelicans very athletic, long and fast-paced while improving their overall defense.

Smith would pair nicely with Zion, as he can stretch the floor and give the big man plenty of room to operate. If he continues to improve his long-range shooting he could play the role of stretch-four as well, allowing the Pelicans to go really big or small.

There is a lot to like about Smith’s fit on the Pelicans and I wouldn’t be shocked if he ended up being the pick, especially if the wings they like are off the board.