BayHawks vs. Ignite: 5 guys who might play for the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: Jalen Green has big upside

Tankathon, a website that regularly predicts the order NBA teams might pick come draft time based on ongoing regular season results, currently has the New Orleans Pelicans around the 12th overall pick.

To be clear, Jalen Green is a top five prospect in my eyes or maybe even higher. Some in the NBA see Green as a “mid-lottery guy” right now. I expect that to change by the time the G League bubble wraps up, but Green being available in those spots would be an incredible boon for the Pels.

Much like the entire Ignite team, Green had a down night against the BayHawks. He only scored 13 points, but that should not detract from his talent. So far this season, this night is an exception for Ignite.

The California-born combo guard is a can’t miss prospect. Green can equally drop deep bombs from three and explosive dunks. He’s the type of guy to bust out a 360 dunk in the middle of a game. On top of that, Green has great physical tools for an NBA guard at 6-foot-6, long arms, and incredible vertical athleticism.

Green is not all flash and no substance, though. He should be a legitimate scorer at all three levels, able to create his own shot off the dribble at will and use his first step to get to the basket. Green can also create for his teammates in transition, although he still needs to refine his half-court passing.

The Ignite combo guard makes scoring look easy—almost too easy given his shot selection at times. That’s arguably Green’s biggest improvement area. Because he is so confident in his shot, Green might jack up an ill-advised shot early in the shot clock or a heavily contested three. I’ll also be keeping an eye on his three point shooting throughout the season. Green can definitely make it rain from beyond the arc, but his percentages have never been great.

On defense, Green is highly competent when motivated. He’s good at jumping into passing lanes and plays with good intensity. He’s brave and unafraid of contact, which I’m sure Pels head coach Stan Van Gundy would appreciate.

If the Pels do somehow end up with a chance to pick Green, they shouldn’t think twice. In my eyes, we’re writing about a future all-star. His potential is enticing and, theoretically speaking, he would merit greater focus than Kira Lewis Jr. or Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Lewis and Alexander-Walker are both exciting guard prospects to the future, but nowhere near the talent Green could be.