...which is were we are slotted right now who is the pick? Let's assume Noel, Smart, McLemore and Porter are off the board. So with the fifth pick of the 2013 draft the New Orleans Pelicans take:
Victor Oladipo
The Case:
We have other options here. Obviously, Trey Burke is tempting. He's got both the foot speed and lateral quickness we've been missing at lead guard. What's more he plays with intensity and is a natural leader. He can shoot and pass. But he's also undersized and not a truly elite athlete like a Rose or Westbrook. I'm higher on Vasquez than some (while freely admitting his limitations). On balance I'd like to stick with GV another season and see how he does with more pieces around him.
Some mocks have us taking C Alex Len out of Maryland. I don't like that pick. I'm actually fairly happy with a front line of Lopez, Davis, Anderson, Smith & Amundson. A little undersized, but as so many have noted, there aren't that many true centers in the game these days. Len has potential but we have other needs.
Shabazz Muhammad is route we could go. Lord knows we need more offense and Muhammad can both slash and space from the wing. He has the look of a crafty scorer whose game will grow in the NBA. But he's not a guy right now who can break down defenders one-on-one and he's a little one dimensional with some character questions.
Unlike some of these other guys, I'm not sure I even see Oladipo as a potential All-Star. But he's the kind of guy who glues your team together, a max-effort defender who matches elite athleticism with intense desire and high character. He's offensive game needs work, but that's true for many prospects. Above all he's the kind of player that fits with what the franchise wants to build. Because of his wingspan and strength he can play the three even though undersized there, plus he gives you the flexibility to slide him over to the two if you do deal Gordon and pick up a scoring wing. Bottom line, Oladipo just feels like a player you want on your team. Outside of the top four, he's the guy I'd want the Pels to grab if they don't trade the pick or trade back.