2019 NBA Mock Draft: Charlotte moves up thanks to a Tankathon simulation
Vanderbilt. Darius Garland. 8. player. 69. . PG
The Elfrid Payton experiment did not work in New Orleans. He was unable to stay healthy and even when he was out there, the Pelicans were a worse team.
Despite racking up triple-doubles at the tail end of the year, Payton further proved in the Crescent City that his game does not contribute positively to winning basketball. New Orleans’ defense was nearly two points worse per 100 possessions while Payton was on the court, a product of his lack of energy on that end as well as his diminutive size. It’s not worth getting into now, but Payton may actually provide a decent template for a worst-case scenario for Ja Morant.
On the other hand, Garland can shoot off the bounce and can create perimeter shots at will for himself. That will make the transition to the NBA that much smoother. It’s not unrealistic to imagine the beginning of Garland’s career being more productive than that of Morant simply because of how they operate.
Morant wants to get into space, toy with the defense and put his teammates in position. Garland just needs a smidge of daylight and he’s launching. Watching Garland, you’ll be reminded of Damian Lillard or Kemba Walker, two slightly smaller guards who became offensive focal points for good to great teams by improving as shooters.
Particularly if New Orleans opts to keep Jrue Holiday, another guard who can run the offense and sic Holiday as a stopper and secondary playmaker is vital.