Re-Drafting the 2013 NBA Draft

6. player. 69. <p><strong>Original pick: Nerlens Noel (traded to Philadelphia)</strong></p> <p>We’ve reached the first instance of a team suffering a draft downgrade, but that isn’t quite fair to Victor Oladipo. As noted previously, Nerlens Noel is the better prospect, but Oladipo is quite good in his own right and, well, the Pelicans traded this pick for Jrue Holiday anyway.</p> <p>Still, we will evaluate Oladipo on the merits, and while he probably won’t be come a star, he is certainly a starting-level shooting guard in the NBA with upside to grow beyond that. The now 24-year-old has averaged 17.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game across the past two seasons, and Oladipo also brings value as an uber-athletic defensive player that can be a monster on that end when he wants to be.</p> <p>Some of Oladipo’s stunted growth can be tied to playing for Scott Skiles in a system that is void of talent that fits together, but the shooting guard must improve as a shooter (34% from three) to justify this draft slot. His shot is not broken, however, and it is easy to fall in love with Oladipo’s competitiveness and defensive acumen as a prospect.</p> <p>The Pelicans could very much use a wing to grow alongside Anthony Davis, and Oladipo is the best player on the board in this mythical reboot.</p>. SG. Indiana. Victor Oladipo