New Orleans already made its biggest splash related to the 2017 NBA Draft in February, when it dealt its June first-round pick to Sacramento, in exchange for three-time All-Star big DeMarcus Cousins. Nonetheless, the Pelicans still made an impact Thursday, executing a series of moves to jump up to the No. 31 overall pick (the first of Round 2) and land Duke freshman guard Frank Jackson. Here is a roundup of what national sports sites are saying Friday about the acquisition of the 19-year-old backcourt player:
FoxSports.com: A-minus
“New Orleans traded into the second round by sending backup guard Tim Frazier to the Washington Wizards, but the Pelicans followed up that move by selling the 52nd pick to the Indiana Pacers. Of course, the Pelicans traded their first-round pick for DeMarcus Cousins back at the February deadline, so they squeak by with the closest of A’s on the strength of that deal.”
USAToday.com: B-plus
“The Hornets traded the pick for No. 40 and cash, according to The Vertical. Jackson was a likely first-rounder until a foot injury sidelined him during the crucial workout period. This is a fine risk for a team that needs backcourt support, though there were higher-rated players available.”
SportingNews.com: B-plus
“New Orleans traded Tim Frazier this past week, and will likely try to develop Jackson to take over that role behind Jrue Holiday, who the Pelicans hope to re-sign. It’s a good pickup for minimal value.”
ESPN.com: B
“Jackson is one of the best athletes in the draft - a talented combo guard who can play both positions on offense, though he’s better suited to guarding point guards. A broken foot hurt his draft stock a little, causing him to slip four spots below where he ranked on our Big Board. He reminds me of Jerryd Bayless and should be a good value at No. 31.”
Bleacher Report: B
“New Orleans did some maneuvering in the draft before finally trading to acquire Duke product Frank Jackson. He isn’t likely to wow many folks coming out of college, but Jackson was a solid role player for the Blue Devils.”
CBSSports.com: B
“Good athlete, he can shoot, but is coming off foot surgery. Nice PG prospect after trading Frazier.”
Yahoo: C
“Frank Jackson isn’t dissimilar from Malik Monk. Can Jackson be a combo guy? I'm not sure. He’s only 6-foot-3, and not to say he can’t run a team, but Duke didn’t ask him to do anything other than score during his lone season in Durham. The good news is that “Frank from Utah” is a high-character guy who will work at his craft.”
COMMENT ONLY, NO GRADE
NBADraft.net
“What do we make of Jackson? He spent most of his freshman season overshadowed by Jayson Tatum and Luke Kennard on the perimeter, but had Jackson played anywhere else, he likely would have led his team in scoring. He appears slightly undersized for a 2-guard, but his outstanding length and athleticism (42-inch vertical) erase that concern. He isn’t a primary ball handler, and his assist totals were lower than one would expect on such a talented squad. Look for Jackson to provide a scoring punch off the bench for New Orleans.”