Pelicans Select Branden Dawson, Sell Rights To Clippers

The New Orleans Pelicans selected Michigan State Power Forward Branden Dawson in the NBA Draft, then traded his rights to the Clippers.

The senior left as the all-time leader in blocks (142) and one of three players all time to collect 1,000 career points and over 100 blocks. The other two? NBA Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green and Adreian Payne.

New Orleans grabbed themselves a true power forward in the late phases of the NBA Draft, then flipped him to the team who wanted him most.. He almost averaged a double-double his senior year (11.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg). His only issue will be size. At 6'6"-225, he will either have to learn how to play the small forward position or body up on the defensive end and glass like his buddy Draymond Green.

The Pelicans said they received monetary compensation for shopping their only pick in the draft. How much? The info is sure to break, then we will see how worth giving up the pick was.

General Manager Dell Demps is still living up to his nickname of "Dealin' Dell." While other teams were taking fliers on developmental projects, he took a four-year contributor from a well-coached program and turned it into cash. Cash is always nice, but it's nicer when it comes in large numbers.