The New Orleans Pelicans put together an impressive run in 2018, reaching the second round of the NBA Playoffs despite the absence of DeMarcus Cousins. While the looming free agency of the uber-talented big man looms, the Pelicans are in great shape with Anthony Davis on the roster moving forward, though it must be noted that the roster has some weaknesses (and questionable contracts) to sift through in the coming days.
Even if Cousins returns in free agency (not a given), the Pelicans must address a wing situation that leaves plenty to be desired. The backcourt duo of Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday enjoyed some success but, ideally, Holiday would likely play full-time at point guard and only E’Twaun Moore was a thoroughly reliable wing option over the course of a full season. That leaves New Orleans seeking players who can defend and space the floor with reasonable size and, while that doesn’t separate them from the rest of the league, it won’t be easy given the team’s cap situation.
With that in mind, the Pelicans also aren’t exactly overflowing with capital in the 2018 NBA Draft, holding just one pick at No. 51 overall. Still, our mission in this space is to highlight what the team could do to improve its stock and, even if a few players likely won’t be available when New Orleans (finally) comes on the clock, here are a few realistic options that might be able to bolster the Pelicans in the near future.
Potential Targets:
- Gary Clark – PF, Cincinnati – Clark has the size of a small forward but the playing style of a rugged big man. He won’t present much upside but, if the Pelicans are looking for a prospect that could actually step in and contribute as a rookie, this archetype makes sense. Clark won’t blow anyone away but he knows what he’s doing on the floor.
- Kevin Hervey – SF/PF, UT-Arlington – Hervey was a four-year college player but he’s only 21 years old at this stage and there is some potential within his game. He’s long, has nice shooting form (though his results are mixed) and has an intriguing offensive skill set. That could be appealing in the back half of the second round.
- Arnoldas Kulboka – SF/PF, Capo d’Orlando – The 6’10 combo forward was in the 2017 draft before removing his name from consideration and scouts are highly split on his talents. With that said, Kulboka is one of the better pure shooters in this class and New Orleans could certainly use the infusion of theoretical floor spacing. There is real development needed, especially with his physical frame, but a marriage makes sense.
- Rodions Kurucs – SF/PF, Barcelona – Of every player on this list, Kurucs is the least likely to be available but, given the sometimes difficult nature of projecting European prospects, there is a chance he falls. It feels as if he has been on draft boards forever but, if the Pelicans want upside, he almost might have the most of any player in this theoretical range.
- Jarred Vanderbilt – SF/PF, Kentucky – It would probably be smart for Vanderbilt to return to college and he hasn’t signed with an agent yet. Still, he might stay in the draft and be available when New Orleans goes on the clock, simply because he’s battled injury issues and wasn’t overly productive in Lexington. From a talent standpoint, Vanderbilt has no business falling out of the top-50 if he’s healthy and that could mean a potential landing spot in New Orleans.
