re: The character factor for the Pelicans draft picks

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What are these other areas? Where did he show them if not at Baylor? I’m genuinely curious- would love to know what you’re referring to here.

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I think aside from the shooting (which I don’t think is as gross as people make it out to be, 36% C&S from 3 and a solid midrange jumper) he’s a pretty, albeit developing, well rounded offensive player.

Off the ball he moves really well, understands angles and spacing, and is a terrific cutter. He finished 67% of his shots at the rim in the half court and is very good in the dunker spot. I think he’s just one of those guys that’s always working off ball and doesn’t just stand and watch. The cutting and finishing is probably my favorite aspect of his offensive game right now, but I also like his quick decision making, he’s one of those guys who doesn’t hold onto the ball and keeps it moving and makes smart passes.

But with the ball is the developing aspect of his game that’s exciting. He played some point forward for Baylor, and played it very well, but because of his general role and coming off the bench for Baylor didn’t get to display it as much as he could have. I kind of liken it to Scottie Barnes and his Freshman season at Florida St, though I don’t think he’s THAT skilled yet, though fairly we didn’t think Scottie was either. He’s going to surprise people with how skilled he is in the more open floored NBA. At 6’9” 230 (still growing) he moves really well for his size, he’s fluid and has a good handle and even without the shot is a potential mismatch nightmare. A big won’t be able to stay in front and if you put someone smaller he showed the ability to get that guy in the post and finish. Plus the off ball passing translates to on ball as well.

I thought Herb’s offense at Alabama was good. Along with his defense, his ball handling was really good. Any of are picks need to be able to handle the ball well.

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What is Sochan's ceiling

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A switchable small ball 5 that can hit an open 3 and even create a bit with the ball in his hands. Basically the perfect compliment to Zion in the front court.

Think it’s huge to also get guys who don’t mind “simply”being a star basketball player on a successful team…regardless of market. BI seemingly just wants to play for a good organization and be as great as he can. He doesn’t seem to want to be a NYC icon or rub elbows with Silicon Valley moguls in San Fran.

No not at all. That was kinda my point. Even if one guy may be marginally more talented, we kinda need to get the more team focused guy who doesn’t mind making 120M to play in New Orleans

Every sports franchise is hoping to balance character and talent. This isn’t really unique to the Pelicans.

It’s always about how much character are you willing to sacrifice for that talent, and at what acquisition cost.

If your stud is an a-hole, most of the time you are fricked. But a few good guys can rub off on the assholes that might be secondary players,

UA used Herb as a point forward much of the time under Avery and Oats. He brought the ball up, initiated the offense, and was one of the primary guys to force a drive when things got stagnant.

Re: Sochan…just don’t understand why we would reach for a non-offensive big that is a poor rim protector. Eason has waaay more upside to me.

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Eason is three years older than Sochan.

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Eason 5/10/2001
Sochan 5/20/2003

Main reason he isn’t considered a top rim protector is his relatively poor VJ. His defense is based more on anticipation, solid lateral movement and a nice frame.

Really, his body is more of a 3&D stretch 4 and I can see him being a solid player at the 4 given time and development, but his shooting numbers are still bad, so that development certainly isn’t assured and if you couple that uncertainty with a lack of an obvious physical advantage that could let him impact the game primarily as a D and dunk 5, then he looks more like a good value in the later first or early second, but not in the lottery.

They must take the BPA....Trade this pick either.