New Orleans Pelicans: Complete 2017 offseason grades

Drafting a Dukie

With the No. 40 pick, the Pelicans were able to trade up nine spots in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets. At No. 31, they took Duke’s Frank Jackson, a 6’4″ point guard who, at the time, was meant to provide a bit of long-term insurance at the backup point guard spot.

At that point, Jrue Holiday was no guarantee to re-sign, and after trading Tim Frazier to the Washington Wizards for pick No. 52 (more on this in a minute), all the Pelicans had left at the 1-spot was Jordan Crawford and Quinn Cook.

Jackson is a bit of a project still at only 19 years old, but snagging a potential first round prospect early in the second round was a nice addition to what little young talent New Orleans has. Though he’s not NBA-ready yet, Jackson has a higher ceiling than Frazier. Thanks to the team’s free agency moves, he’ll be eased into the action as well.

He may not ever become a star, but he’s got good size for his position, can play both guard spots on offense and represents solid value for pick No. 31 in the draft.

Grade: B+