Pelicans NBA Draft: 3 centers to consider if Stan Van Gundy is hired

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Feb 29, 2020; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Jalen Smith (25) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at XFINITY Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Stan Van Gundy can harness Jalen Smith’s offensive abilities to create a devastating front-court

Jalen Smith- Maryland

Jalen Smith is a player that a lot of draft evaluators are projecting the New Orleans Pelicans will take a pick 13. I’m personally higher on other prospects with the 13th pick, but selecting Jalen Smith if Stan Van Gundy’s running the show makes sense.

In Jalen Smith, the Pelicans would be adding an athletic force to their interior who can also step out and hit threes and even pass the ball a little. Add him to Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson, and suddenly the Pelicans have one of the best young frontcourts in the league.

Related Story. How Jalen Smith fits with the Pels. light

That’s why I think the move is so perfect if Stan Van Gundy is leading the team. Van Gundy likes to take advantage of his frontcourt and with this move, he’d be able to do just that with a devasting mix of offensive plays to feature his frontcourt. My intrigue is specifically on defense though.

Everyone looking at this draft class knows Jalen Smith can produce on offense, the question is can he improve his defense. I think Stan Van Gundy could make Smith’s defense better. I would expect that with Smith on the court, Van Gundy would find ways to ensure he stays in good matchups and improve his defensive fundamentals. That’s probably the best case I can make for taking Jalen Smith at pick 13.