The New Orleans Pelicans have swung back and forth between a team that looks like a playoff contender to one that looks like they are headed for the lottery.
They are in the middle of an important four-game stretch that has not started well, as they have lost the first two to Orlando and Atlanta after just about the entire team got injured at the same time.
Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Steven Adams all missed the game against the Hawks, which led to a starting lineup featuring Naji Marshall, which is not something I thought I’d see this season.
The Pels’ playoff hopes are probably in their death throes at this point even though they are still only 2.5 games back of the play-in game.
Barring a miraculous return to health and subsequent win streak, the Pelicans are likely headed back to the lottery, so it’s not too early to think about who they might take with their many picks.
New Orleans Pelicans: What draft picks do the Pelicans have?
The Pelicans currently have their own first round pick, which is likely to be in the top-ten. The pick they are owed from the Lakers is protected 8-30, so is not going to be conveyed this season.
They also have as many as four picks in the second round depending on what happens with the Bulls, who own the right to swap picks with the Pelicans depending on which is more favorable.
Right now, those picks would be 35, 36, 40 and 51 which gives the Pelicans a lot of options. They could use a couple of them or package the whole lot to try and move into the first round.
Assuming they use one or two of the picks, a guy who would make a lot of sense is Quentin Grimes out of Houston, who will be playing in today’s Final Four.
New Orleans Pelicans draft: Quentin Grimes’ strengths
Grimes is a player who was projected to go in the mid to late second round prior to the NCAA Tournament but might go higher after four strong games, albeit against lesser competition.
Grimes dropped 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals against Oregon State on the way to the Final Four, hitting 4-of-10 from behind the arc in the process.
Grimes is a tough perimeter defender who has good size for a guard and has knocked down 41 percent of his 3-point shots.
He projects as a 3-and-D type who can defend multiple spots and hit 3-pointers.
New Orleans Pelicans draft: Quentin Grimes’ weaknesses
Grimes’ biggest weakness are his playmaking and ball handling, as he has mostly been a spot-up shooter for Houston and doesn’t do much in the way of driving or setting up teammates.
His assist to turnover ratio is not good, especially for a guy with a fairly low usage rate. Teams will get up into his grill and force him to put it on the floor, which he might have trouble doing against NBA defenders.
Most of his shots come from the 3-point line, so Grimes will have to show he can do more than just stand in the corner and shoot threes.
He has some limitations, as all second-round prospects do, but he also has a skillset the Pelicans need.
How Quentin Grimes could fit on the New Orleans Pelicans
If you’ve watched the Pelicans this season then you know their weakness is defense. They have one of the best offenses in the league but lack players who commit to defense, which has led to the 29th ranking D in the NBA.
The Pelicans will be looking to draft players who are versatile defenders with length, which is exactly what they lack.
If that person can also shoot 3-pointers to spread the floor for Zion Williamson, than even better.
Grimes projects as a guy who could do both at the next level, and at age 21, might be ready to come in and contribute off the bench right away.
The Pelicans’ 3-point shooting took a dip this season and their defense has been terrible for two seasons, so they need to find some 3-and-D types to put next to Zion.
Grimes might end up going in the first round, especially if his Houston team beats Baylor and ends up in the Finals, as teams will get a chance to see him play on the big stage.
But if he is there when the New Orleans Pick in the 30’s, they will take a look, as they need guys who can do what he does.
If, like me, you need a reason to watch college basketball, then check out Quentin Grimes who could end up being on the Pelicans’ draft radar.