Cole Anthony atop lottery prospects for 2020 NBA Draft

(Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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8. New Orleans Pelicans: Theo Maledon, PG, ASVEL

Theo Maledon is more of an unknown when it comes to casual knowledge of the international prospects.

He’ s a 6’5″ guard who’s been playing more off ball of late overseas, but has the savvy and playmaking chops of a true point guard.

That’s actually the best role for him. He’s more than capable of knocking down a catch-and-shoot jumper, but Maledon’s craft gets to shine on the ball.

Comfortable getting to his spots on the floor, Maledon lets the game come to him and doesn’t speed himself up when things get tight. Those are some of the best guard prospects to work with, as guys who can make reads off of what the defense gives him and change speeds accordingly generally translate well to the NBA out of the gate (just ask Shai Gilgeous-Alexander).

I’m not comparing those two by any means, as SGA has physical measurements that few lead guards do.

But in terms of their approach to the game and style, they operate in very similar ways. That’s what drives Maledon’s appeal.

The concerns around his outside shot and athleticism are real and will hold him back from being drafted much higher than this. However, the package is there for Maledon to be a steal at some point in the upcoming draft.