Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: 3 defenders to target in the NBA Draft

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Johnny Juzang #3 of the UCLA Bruins drives against Herbert Jones #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Johnny Juzang #3 of the UCLA Bruins drives against Herbert Jones #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans
Aleksa Avramovic of Movistar Estudiantes and Usman Garuba of Real Madrid (Photo by Sonia Canada/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans draft picks: NBA Draft prospect Usman Garuba

Usman Garuba is not a household name, as he plays professionally for Real Madrid, but he could end up being one of the most versatile and dynamic defenders in the NBA Draft.

Garuba might seem a bit undersized as a power forward/center who is only 6-foot-8 but he has a huge wingspan and is a very smart and dedicated defender, which makes up for his lack of size.

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He has great footwork and a quick burst that allows him to switch on the perimeter, which is one of the most important defensive skills for a big man and will make him very disruptive in pick-and-roll situations.

Garuba should be able to defend all over the floor in the NBA, similar to a guy like Bam Adebayo, which would make him a great complement to Zion Williamson.

I think Garuba would be one of the best defenders to pair with Zion, as he can cover multiple spots and won’t need the ball to make an impact for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Garuba is projected to go anywhere from the middle to the end of the first round, so the Pels would likely have to trade up to get him.