2020 NBA Draft: How Precious Achiuwa fits with the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: How Precious Achiuwa fits

Precious Achiuwa’s Fit on the Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans were 4th in scoring this season and 20th in defense, so we know where they need to improve.

This became even clearer in the bubble, where all of their defensive weaknesses were exposed. It showed one thing, when the games slow down, the Pelicans are in trouble.

They aren’t great in the half-court on offense and are terrible at defending it as well. The Pelicans also revealed that they need some size, muscle, hustle and heart, as the team looked like they quit on their coach and were definitely taking plays off.

What I like about a guy like Achiuwa is that his hustle is infectious. He will force other players to raise their game simply by playing hard every play.

He also fits well next to Zion Williamson as a small-ball center or power forward if the Pelicans wanted to go big. He can defend the other team’s best interior guy or step out on the wing.

Since the Pelicans need both, they’d be getting a guy who could potentially fill multiple spots; he can play the wing but can also defend the paint, allowing the Pelicans a lot of versatility.

He can get out and run and will eventually be a guy who can grab the rebound and go, something that could be a huge weapon if he is playing the five. Few centers can grab rebounds, then start the fast break.

Achiuwa would help the Pels’ defense, make them more versatile, and does enough on offense to stay on the floor. He would be the perfect defensive combo forward to add to a team that desperately needs hustle, energy and intensity.