With Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports stating that no one on the Pelicans roster is untouchable, the rumor mill has been running rampant on who could be traded. The name that keeps popping up is Herb Jones, and the idea is that he could net a pretty nice return if he were to be traded. With his defensive versatility and the fact that he only makes just under 14 million next season, virtually any contender could trade for him.
With Jones potentially on the trade block, this raises the question: how can the Pelicans fill the hole trading him would create? The 26-year-old averaged 1.9 steals per game last season and 0.5 blocks, showing his incredible ability to defend both on the perimeter and at the rim. Jones can guard the one through five, so finding a replacement may be challenging. But I believe there is a guy in this year's draft who can fill this role perfectly.
The case for Carter Bryant
Let's talk about Carter Bryant, who is by far my favorite draft prospect in the last 10 years. The 19-year-old measured 6'6.5" without shoes and had a 6'11.5" wingspan at the NBA Draft combine. This length was on full display during Bryant's freshman year at Arizona. On the defensive end, Bryant was a beast, averaging 1.0 blocks per game and 0.9 steals in just 19.3 minutes a night.
Carter's ability to lock down anyone on the perimeter is similar to Herb's, as he is very active as a defensive playmaker. Bryant's way of disrupting passing lanes, creating fast break chances, and generating turnovers mirrors Herb's. However, where he separates himself from Jones is as a rim protector. Bryant has a different level of athleticism than most three-and-D wings have. He had the fourth highest vertical at the combine, and when you watch his tape, it makes sense why.
Bryant uses this explosive bounce to deter opponents from attacking the basket. He can meet anyone one through five at the rim, whether it's on a chase-down opportunity or he's just stuffing someone who is attempting a layup or dunk. His mix of timing, athleticism, and wingspan makes him a unique shot blocker. However, Carter isn't limited to using his athleticism only on the defensive end.
Offensively, Bryant is a force to be reckoned with. He uses his leaping ability to leap over defenders and viciously attack the basket with monster jams. Although Bryant was in a limited role at Arizona, when he did put the ball on the floor, he showed promise as a secondary ball handler. When it comes to shooting, he is a safe bet. CB has a beautiful shooting stroke and was a 37% three-point shooter on just shy of 2 attempts a game.
This past season, he averaged 6.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting an efficient 46% from the field. His efficiency, athleticism, and defensive skill set show that scouts calling this kid a three-and-D wing are doing him a disservice. If you want to call him anything, I think he is an athletic two-way monster.
The potential Bryant has is off the charts. We are talking at worst a guy who is similar to Herb Jones, and at best someone who is a Paul George, Jayson Tatum type. With Bryant likely still on the board at pick seven, the Pels should take him and cut ties with Herb Jones.