Pelicans: Could Jonathan Kuminga fall to the Pels in the NBA Draft?

New Orleans Pelicans draft picks: How NBA Draft prospect Jonathan Kuminga fits with the Pels

I’d say the answer to whether Jonathan Kuminga is a fit on the New Orleans Pelicans is both yes and no.

If the Pelicans are looking for a player who makes an instant impact then they would probably go with someone like Corey Kispert, whose shooting would be an immediate difference maker.

But Kispert has a much lower ceiling and would be drafting for need instead of talent, which is usually only a smart move for teams that are already on the cusp of contention.

The Pelicans aren’t there yet, so if Kuminga should fall, they should not just consider the short-term impact, but also how he fits with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram long term.

Kuminga has plus size and athleticism on the wing, something the Pelicans lack. He also profiles as a potentially elite defender who can cover multiple spots. He’s not a great shooter, but the Pelicans don’t really need him to be right away and even if he were a defender off the bench, that would be a more important piece than a shooter.

Kuminga’s shot might come around when he is getting wide open looks from the corner, which he undoubtedly will with Zion commanding all of the attention in the lane.

Kuminga would be a great long-term fit for the Pelicans, the type of big wing that would be the perfect complement to Zion and Ingram.

It’s a long shot that Kuminga falls to the 10th pick, but we see talented players fall every year and the Pelicans are hoping it happens again.