Pelicans Bring In Jalen Slawson For Private Workout
NEW ORLEANS- The New Orleans Pelicans have brought in former Furman University sharpshooter Jalen Slawson for a private workout ahead of the NBA Draft, per the Paladins Hoops Twitter account.
The Charleston, SC native is projected to be a late second-round pick who needs time in the G-League. The fifth-year senior averaged 15.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 39.4% from beyond the three-point arc.
Slawson was a reserve as a freshman but started to compile a nice awards resume as a sophomore starter. The Southern Conference Player of the Year (2023) was also the SoCon Defensive Player of the Year (2022) and a two-time First-team All-SoCon selection (2022, 2023).
Mar 18, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Furman Paladins forward Jalen Slawson (20) posts up against San Diego State Aztecs guard Matt Bradley (20) during the second half in the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-USA TODAY Sports
While not long on upside talent but Slawson's loyalty to the Furman program speaks to his character. He used the extra year of eligibility granted due to the coronavirus pandemic and returned to Furman for one final season, leading the Paladins to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 43 years.
Furman earned the program’s first NCAA Tournament win in 49 years with a 68-67 upset win over No. 4 seed Virginia. Slawson poured in 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win, including a streak of nine-straight points late in the second half. Players with Slawson's scrappiness and skill set usually find an NBA home.
Measurables and PreDraft Meetings:
Slawson was invited to the NBA Draft Combine (May 15-21), becoming the first player in Furman history to participate in the official measurements and shooting drills.
- Age: 23 (October 29, 1999)
- Position: Power Forward (PF)
- Height w/o Shoes: 6'6.5''
- Weight: 221.6 lbs
- Wingspan: 6'11.75''
- Standing Reach: 8'10''
- Lane Agility: 11.26 seconds (9th PF)
- 3/4 Sprint: 3.29 seconds (5th PF)
- Standing Vertical: 29 inches (9th PF)
- Max Vertical: 33 inches (10th PF)
- PreDraft Meetings: Boston, Brooklyn, Charlotte, Detroit, Memphis, Oklahoma City
Slawson will not be able to create his own shot or space often at the NBA level. However, he does have the ability to connect the offense as a point forward. Furman let Slawson run the show after a couple of years in the weight room and he averaged 4.5 assists per 40 minutes in his last three seasons. New Orleans could land another Point-Five decision-maker that can spell Larry Nance Jr. in Willie Green's offensive system.
NBADraftRoom scouts say Slawson is a "high IQ defender who makes a lot of plays on that end of the floor. Has the strength to guard in the post but the footstep issue limits his ability to guard" point guards and smaller, quicker wings.
Slawson's dedication to getting back on defense and stopping the ball after a team turnover saved more than a few points last season. He also gets into passing lanes and had 50 solo steals in each of the past two seasons. Coach Green requires commitment on defense to even see the court. Slawson would get a shot to show off in Las Vegas if he lands with the Pelicans.
Summary: If his name is called on June 22, Slawson would become the first Furman player taken in the NBA Draft in 39 years. It is very easy to imagine Slawson getting a G-League contract after playing in Summer League and taking the Kenny Lofton Jr. route to an NBA deal. Shades of Cody Martin, Draymond Green, and Lofton, Slawson will get a second-round look or be a prized Undrafted Free Agent pick-up as soon as the NDA Draft wraps up.
Read More Pelicans Scoop Articles
- New Investors Would Help Pelicans, But At What Price?
- Brandon Ingram, Pelicans Facing Make-or-Break Season
- Pelicans, Jonas Valanciunas Talking Contract Extension
- Fans Can Expect New Looks Coming Soon
- How The New NBA CBA Benefits Pelicans
- Ranking Value Of Future Picks For Trades
- Larry Nance Jr. Lets Loose On Soccer Broadcast
