Pelicans Draft: 4 Shooting Guards to consider if Jrue Holiday is traded

Immanuel Quickley could be an intriguing shooting guard to replace Jrue Holiday for the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round

Immanuel Quickley- Kentucky

So let’s take a look at a player who is definitely not getting enough hype going into the draft night, Kentucky’s Immanuel Quickley. We’ve already written recently that Quickley shouldn’t be slept on given Kentucky’s history of being filled with elite players all the way onto their bench, and here’s a quick jist of that.

Quickley is simply a scorer. He’s the guy that’ll get the ball and either shoot it instantly or drive to the basket and attack. He’s also not much of a passer and he’s definitely more of a bench/spot-starter player, but I think he could valuable for the Pelicans is crunch time.

What gives me that indication? Well, when I look at Quickley, I’m drawn to his impressive wingspan that has allowed him to be a valuable defender against both guards and wings despite his height.

I envision Quickley playing a role similar to Lou Williams or Marcus Smart in the NBA and that could certainly be useful and versatile for the New Orleans Pelicans. Play him with the starting unit and you’ll get a deadly attack, have him command the second unit and he might even help the Pelicans poor bench.

Unlike Nesmith, he’s definitely a player in a different mold when compared to Jrue Holiday. I don’t undervalue that because I think moving on from Jrue Holiday isn’t just about his age but also the organization building the roster in their vision. Quickley might fit that better than Holiday or a Holiday clone.

He’s not the only sleeper who could make an impact replacing Jrue Holiday though. Let’s go back to the first round and inspect a late first-round player who could deserve some consideration.