3 and D prospect from Colorado

The New Orleans Pelicans have the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but they also have the 41st and 52nd picks in the second round.

The Pelicans hope to find some undervalued talent there, as they did last year when they drafted Herbert Jones in the second round and then grabbed Jose Alvarado as an un-drafted free agent.

Adding another player in the Jones/Alvarado mold makes sense, as the Pelicans already have plenty of scoring and would like to keep adding to a defense that could become elite with the right offseason additions.

One 2nd-round prospect who might be able to offer some immediate help on both ends is Jabari Walker from the University of Colorado, who will be on the Pels’ radar when they choose in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft.

New Orleans Pelicans draft: Jabari Walker’s strengths and weaknesses

Jabari Walker is a 6-foot-8, 214 lbs. forward from the University of Colorado who averaged  14.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in his Sophomore season.

Walker has some flaws, as he turns the ball over way too much for someone who is not really a playmaker and is not a guy who is going to beat NBA defenders off the dribble.

His strengths are on the defensive end, where he can defend multiple positions and has the athleticism and instincts to be very good if he dedicates himself.

His 3-point shooting took a dip to 34.6 percent this season after he shot an outstanding 52.3 percent as a freshman. Walker’s usage and shot attempts doubled, so it wasn’t a big shock when his numbers went back down to earth.

He projects as a good on-the-ball defender who can guard three positions and will be able to switch from the post to the perimeter.

Walker has the frame and athleticism to be a good defender and rebounder so it will really come down to whether he can do enough on offense.

2022 NBA Draft: How Jabari Walker fits on the New Orleans Pelicans

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