New Orleans Pelicans: 5 options for pick No. 40 in 2017 NBA Draft

1. Dillon Brooks, SF, Oregon

College stats (Jr. year):  35 GP, 16.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.6 3s, 1.1 STL, 0.5 BLK, 2.1 TOs, 48.8 FG%, 40.1 3PT%, 75.4 FT%, 25.3 MPG

New Orleans’ best option at No. 40 may very well be another Oregon player — Dillon Brooks.

The 6’7″ wing has been described as a 2-guard with the brute strength of a 4, who possesses the competitiveness to match that power. The Ducks enjoyed one of their best seasons in program history — which culminated with a trip to the Elite Eight — at least partially thanks to their uber-talented small forward. Put (perhaps a little too) simply, he’s a winner.

Brooks is far from a perfect prospect. He’s not all that athletic, and his wingspan (6’6″) is actually shorter than his verified height. But what he lacks in tangible assets, he makes up for (and then some) with his intangibles.

His leadership and fiery attitude have even earned him one bold comparison: Draymond Green. The two share a similar style of play — both bruisers with surprising skill — but more so, what they bring to the table as competitors is why they are often linked.

You can even see Brooks’ passion shine during pre-draft workouts…no, seriously.

In all, he’d be a wonderful fit slotting into the frontcourt next to Davis and Cousins. They would make life hell for their opponents, with their scoring, passing and defensive tenacity.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft Post-Lottery Edition

It’s not common to land a player who could eventually become a starter with the 40th pick. Nonetheless, if his athleticism and lack of length aren’t too much to overcome, that’s exactly the type of talent the Pelicans would be acquiring in Brooks at No. 40.