NBA Draft: Top 3 power forwards for the New Orleans Pelicans

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Jalen Smith could provide the rim protection the New Orleans Pelicans need in the NBA Draft (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Jalen Smith is the perfect fit

Jalen Smith

My personal favorite choice for the Pelicans at power forward is combo forward/center, Jalen Smith.

Smith has the perfect skill set to complement the Pelicans’ current roster as either a power forward or a small-ball center.

The Pelicans need rim protection. Smith blocked 2.4 shots per game and was very disruptive around the rim.

The Pelicans need a big who can stretch the floor. Smith shot 36.8 percent from long range on 2.8 attempts per game, numbers that should translate to the next level and make him a dangerous stretch-four.

Smith is also a plus-rebounder, especially on the defensive end, where the Pelicans often struggled to close out possessions. Smith could cover a lot of Zion’s deficiencies in this area, as Williamson likes to get out and run and often gives up on the defensive boards.

Smith blocks shots, rebounds, can shoot from long range and is also a 75 percent free-throw shooter, something the Pels could use when they are trying to close out tight games.

Jalen Smith has all of the tools to be an elite defender and stretch shooter, which is exactly what the Pelicans need.

Smith is high atop the list of players I would like to see the Pelicans consider with pick 13.