2020 NBA Draft: How Sam Merrill fits the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Though he’s not a draft fit, Sam Merrill could be impactful as an undrafted free agent

Sam Merrill’s Fit on the Pelicans

I like Merrill’s moxie for sure, but I don’t think he’s a draft fit with the New Orleans Pelicans. That’s okay though because after evaluating a lot of players in this year’s class I don’t think Merrill will be selected anyways. If that’s the case, then I wouldn’t mind bringing Merrill aboard as an undrafted free agent.

I think if the Pelicans can sign him after the draft, there’d be little risk and potential for a solid reward. Think about it, the Pelicans bring him in, throw him into training camp, and see what they got. If he’s not quite ready, then the team can stash him in the G-League.

If he goes through training camp and hits his shots though, watch out. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sam Merrill can turn into the Pelicans own Duncan Robinson. A late bloomer who’s a fairly one-dimensional player, but can see some minutes to hit shots.

Sam Merrill’s not the player that’ll put the Pelicans over the top, but if the team wants to become a successful organization then they need to sign every piece of developmental talent they can find and hope to get some hidden gems.

That’s the case for exploring Sam Merrill, and I think even he’s not a draftable prospect, he at least deserves a look from a team like the New Orleans Pelicans.