New Orleans Pelicans
Holy smokes did Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin web a lot of value for dropping back to No. 8. In most years, trading out of their top five of the draft could be a remarkably risky move because draft value will fall off a cliff at the No. 6 pick. However, this is not most years; we have been hearing for weeks that the 2019 draft supposed to become unusually shallow following Williamson, RJ Barrett and Ja Morant. Griffin clearly felt that he could slide back four slots from No. 4 and still receive the player he desired, center Jaxson Hayes.
Using ESPN’s Kevin Pelton nifty draft pick point system to help put transactions like these in perspective, the Pelicans received 3,560 points in draft select worth (1,970 for No. 8; 1,220 for No. 17; 370 to get No. 35) in comparison to 2,450 points heading into Atlanta (2,440 for No. 4; 10 to get No. 57). That’s a humongous difference in value. In addition to that, the Pelicans drop Solomon Hill’s $13 million contract. In addition to that, the Pelicans obtained Cleveland’s 2020 first-round choice, which will likely turn into a pair of second-rounders.
This was a heist by Griffin, who continues to conduct a practice in his opening salvo. I am not in love with the Hayes selection at No. 8. He’s a big pick-and-roll dunker in the Tyson Chandler mold, which is a great fit on many rosters. However, the Pelicans need shooters about Williamson to amplify his athleticism and Hayes has not shown any range away from the paint.
The good thing is that Hayes has a excellent stroke at the free throw line (74 percent last year at Texas), therefore he could maybe stretch out and develop a jumper. That said, Lonzo Ball could shatter the lob record with Williamson and Hayes running at the rim. Sheesh.
By making the transaction with Atlanta, the Pelicans have carved out about $30 million in cap space, which they may use to purchase more selections down online or earn some shooting ability to free up more room for the kids. Do not be shocked if Griffin brings in Jared Dudley, who spent four and a half seasons with Griffin in Phoenix, to help coach up the locker room and deliver in a 3-and-D existence around the wing.
Oh, and by the waythey drafted the very best potential because LeBron James.
Read more here: http://www.olcayreklam.com/hull-kr-captain-joel-tomkins-has-ban-extended-to-two-matches-after-failed-appeal/