Pelicans NBA Draft: 2nd round sleeper compares to Pascal Siakam

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Lamine Diane could be a defensive stopper

Lamine Diane’s fit on the New Orleans Pelicans

In my opinion, the Pelicans should use their second-round picks on guys who profile as defenders. The Pelicans already have plenty of offense and need more energy/defense guys coming off their bench.

Diane is a guy who has all of the tools to be an elite defender in the NBA. He can block shots, has active hands and the size to defend multiple spots on the floor.

If he embraces the role of energy/rebounding/defensive rim runner, he might have a chance in the NBA. Diane is not going to be a 25 point per game scorer at the next level, but his college numbers prove that he knows how to score, even if his offensive game is raw.

The Pelicans need big wings who will focus on defense, rebounding and running in transition. Diane does all three very well and has the potential to get better, especially considering he got a late start playing organized hoops.

Diane could be one of those guys who makes a big leap with NBA coaching, much like Siakam did in Toronto.

The New Orleans Pelicans need unselfish players who will play defense with energy and Lamine Diane profiles as a guy who will do just that.

He is a second-round sleeper who could end up being a defensive weapon off of someone’s bench, possibly the Pelicans’.