The New Orleans Pelicans have four picks in the second round of the NBA Draft and are going to explore all of their options.
If they could package those picks to move into the first round, I am sure they would, though the 35th, 40th, 43rd and 53rd picks probably aren’t enough to move up too much.
Instead, the Pelicans might go for some raw but high ceiling talent like Makur Maker or take a chance on an international player who they can stash overseas for a season as they did with Didi Louzada.
One player who has been rising up NBA Draft boards recently is Vrenz Bleijenbergh, a 6-foot-10 wing out of Belgium who many believe has the skills to thrive in the modern NBA.
New Orleans Pelicans draft picks: NBA Draft prospect Vrenz Bleijenbergh
Vrenz Bleijenbergh has been getting a lot of press lately after having some impressive workouts for NBA teams this offseason.
He is definitely on the Pelicans’ radar, as he will be working out for them on July 17th according to his Twitter page:
17th
— Vrenz Bleijenbergh (@Vrenzzz) July 12, 2021
Teams work out a lot of guys, especially when they have five picks in the NBA Draft, so it’s not like this means Bleijenbergh is destined to be a Pelican, but he does have an interesting skill set that might fit in well with what the Pelicans are building and could even be the long-term replacement for some of the things Lonzo Ball does if the Pelicans decide not to re-sign him.
Here are Bleijenbergh’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as how he might fit on the New Orleans Pelicans as a second-round draft pick.
New Orleans Pelicans draft picks: NBA Draft prospect Vrenz Bleijenbergh is a big with guard skills
If you read some of the scouting reports on Vrenz Bleijenbergh, you might think they sound familiar, as they are similar to what a scout might say about Lonzo Ball.
I am not talking about the Lonzo Ball that came out of college, who was a pass-first point guard with a broken shot, but the Lonzo Ball we see now, who is more of a playmaking wing who can shoot the 3-ball.
Bleijenbergh is a 6-foot-10 wing who has a similar bag, as he is a plus passer and playmaker who can also shoot from range.
He played one season for the Antwerp Giants in the Euro Cup and shot 37.5 percent from long range on just under five attempts per game, so he is definitely more of a stretch.
He’s also not nearly as quick or athletic as Lonzo Ball, but he moves well for his size, has good handles and can make plays.
He also differs from Lonzo on defense, where Bleijenbergh is not a good shot blocker and might have trouble staying in front of NBA wings.
But there is a lot to like about his potential fit with Zion Williamson, especially if the Pelicans can get Bleijenbergh in the second round.
New Orleans Pelicans draft picks: NBA Draft prospect Vrenz Bleijenbergh would be great with Zion Williamson
Every player the Pelicans add will need to be a fit with Zion Williamson, as they are trying to build their team around him and he has a unique skillset as a dominant post player who also initiates the offense most of the time.
Ideally, you’d want to surround Zion with players who can create space, shoot from distance and work in the pick-and-roll, and Vrenz Bleijenbergh profiles as a guy who can do all three.
The Pels could use a stretch-four or five who can create space for Zion, as Steven Adams is more of a screener and not someone who draws defenders away from the hoop.
The Pelicans also need another playmaker from the wing, especially if they let Lonzo Ball walk, as right now their offense is fairly predictable and easy to defend.
It will be interesting to see how Bleijenbergh’s workout with the Pelicans goes, as he is a guy who could be a potential steal in the second round.