13. New Orleans Pelicans – Jalen Smith, C, Maryland
After drafting Zion Williamson and watching him absolutely dominate in spurts during his rookie season, there might not be a team in the NBA with a brighter future than the New Orleans Pelicans. Adding another lottery pick to Zion and this team’s young core would be huge. With the 13th pick, one prospect to watch is Jalen Smith.
Smith’s draft stock has somehow only continued to rise since the abrupt end to the collegiate basketball season. Smith is a 6-foot-10 forward that can both defend the rim and pull defenders to the 3-point line. He has the potential to fit right into where the modern bigs are trending in the NBA.
Coming off a season in which he averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds on 37 percent shooting from the 3-point line, there is plenty to like about Smith. If there’s a team looking for a potential backup big late in the lottery, Jalen Smith might be the perfect prospect.