Jalen Johnson could be the next Pelicans’ draft pick from Duke

Jalen Johnson’s fit on the New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans have the 29th ranked defense in the NBA, so unless they luck out and land in the top-five, they need to draft for defense.

Johnson projects as a guy who could be elite in that area in the NBA, as he has good length, athleticism and can defend all over the floor.

This is a guy who knows how to use his length to disrupt plays with blocked shots and steals and has often been compared to a guy like Stephen Jackson, a tough and versatile defender.

Depending on how things go in the offseason, the Pelicans might have an opening in the starting lineup, but if not, Johnson could potentially back up both forward positions and would give the Pels a ton of lineup flexibility to go big or small.

The Pelicans also lack 3-point shooting, especially off the bench, so if Johnson eventually gets more consistent in that area, he would be the perfect 3-and-D wing to add next to Zion Williamson.

If the Pelicans end up with the 10th pick, as they currently have, then it is probably 50/50 that Johnson will be there, as most mock drafts have him going in the top-ten.

The New Orleans Pelicans are very familiar with Duke University and could bring in another Dukie to add to their foundation if the lottery balls drop in their favor.