New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: A 5-star talent in the 2nd round

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Nick Richards from Kentucky could be a sleeper

Nick Richards’ fit on the Pelicans

When a team drafts a guy in the second round they know they are not getting a complete, ready-made NBA player, and this is definitely the case with Richards.

But he does have some skills that the Pelicans covet, particularly his shot-blocking, which could end up being elite in the NBA. The Pelicans didn’t have a single player average at least one block per game, so they need help in that area.

The Pels let up more than 52 points in the paint per game, nearly last in the NBA, so they need guys who can be disruptive forces on the defensive end.

Richards won’t provide any offense, but who cares? The Pelicans were 4th in the league in scoring and still didn’t make the playoffs, so it is obvious they need help on the defensive end if they are going to make the leap into the Western Conference playoffs next season.

I am also a big fan of gambling on potential in the second round. This is a guy who has only been playing organized basketball for about four years and here he is on his way to the NBA.

If he can continue to pick up the game and improve, he might be a guy who becomes a force in the NBA down the road, much like Hassan Whiteside, who is now one of the league leaders in shot-blocking.

Richards might be a late bloomer worth waiting for, as he has the physical build and athleticism to be a force on the defensive end in the NBA.

The New Orleans Pelicans need to improve their rim protection and should use their second-round picks on guys who can develop into defensive rim runners. Nick Richards might be one of those guys