While Nesmith is lacking the defense to be a true 3-and-D wing, Vassell comes off the board right after and can be the draft’s best true 3-and-D guy. Not many players are ranked higher when it comes to perimeter defense, and Vassell can help even a contending defense as a rook.
Like Isaac Okoro, Vassell has been praised for his motor, effort plays and his defensive IQ is through the roof. In terms of counting stats, he averaged 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in less than 30 minutes per game. For someone who would be playing solid defensive minutes for a team looking to make the playoffs, he could be this year’s Matisse Thybulle.
Offensively, Vassell is a good catch-and-shoot guy but can put it on the floor when needed. He posses good length at 6-foot-7 with a 6-10 wingspan and uses it on both sides of the court. His shot releases from high above his head, a shot that found net 41 percent of the time from three.
Although he’s not a natural playmaker, he can make smart passes and isn’t afraid to pass out of a decent look for a good one.
It’s unlikely that he’ll ever be anything more than just a role player, but that’s what the Pelicans need more than anything else right now.