Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft: Matisse Thybulle rises, Sixers grab scorer
player. 69. . G. New Orleans Pelicans. Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 17
Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft — 17. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are likely satisfied with the Nickeil Alexander-Walker pick. It took a while for Alexander-Walker to find his niche in the Pelicans’ rotation, but he has proven he belongs in the NBA. At 6-foot-6, NAW is both a proficient slasher and a multi-positional defender. The Pelicans will need him more than ever in 2021-22.
With Lonzo Ball out of the picture, Alexander-Walker’s mixture of size and playmaking upside makes him critically important. He probably won’t start, but he should carry a sizable load off the bench, giving the Pelicans a capable shot creator who can stroke 3s and fit into various lineup combinations defensively.
Efficiency has been a problem for Alexander-Walker thus far, but he showed too much poise at Virginia Tech to give up now. If he can improve shot selection and make better use of his length when finishing around the rim, he could vastly outperform this spot in the re-draft.