14. New Orleans Pelicans – Jett Howard, G/F, Michigan
Jett Howard is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s NBA Draft class. He’s coming off a freshman season in which he averaged 14 points and three rebounds on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range on nearly seven attempts per game. At 6-foot-8, Howard has the potential to be a versatile player at the next level if he can improve on the defensive end of the floor. That’s one of the biggest questions in his game.
Aside from shooting, it’s hard to see what exactly will translate for Howard when he makes the move to the NBA. And that’s what makes drafting him in the top 10 difficult. He could be a lottery pick and could end up being a great player in the NBA but based on his measurables and what he showed during his freshman season at Michigan, it’s hard to see that at the moment.
Nevertheless, there’s going to be a team that is willing to take a chance on Howard. He’s going to put in the work to improve and in the right system could really thrive. The Pelicans, in search of shooting and depth on the wing and in the backcourt, could be the right situation for Howard.