In preparation for the 2016-17 Fantasy Basketball season, it's time to get to know some of the new guys in the player pool.  The 2015 draft brought in a massive influx of fantasy relevant NBA talent, from a burgeoning super-star at the top of the draft (Minnesota's Karl-Anthony Towns) to a hidden jewel in the middle of the 2nd round (Miami's Josh Richardson).  While this draft doesn't have as much guaranteed talent in the lottery, it does feature its own star at the top and a depth of intriguing players who could make an impact from out of the 2nd round.

The Pelicans lost a few good three-point shooters to free agency, but they drafted the best three-point shooter in the NBA Draft. They'll hope he adds a new dimension to their offense and becomes one of the elite marksmen in the NBA. The Pelicans have a few pieces and Hield could be the type of player that could propel them into the playoff hunt if they stay healthy this season.

NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Buddy Hield

Position: SG

Team: New Orleans Pelicans

Draft Spot: 1.06

Analysis: The Pelicans were rumored to be looking for help on the wing with Eric Gordon reportedly leaving for free agency. They also needed to upgrade their three-point shooting with Ryan Anderson leaving with Gordon in free agency. There were reports that the Pelicans could take the younger Jamal Murray, but instead they opted to select the older, more NBA ready player in Buddy Hield.

It’s unclear whether Hield will immediately start for the Pelicans over other more experienced shooting guards like Tyreke Evans, E'Twaun Moore, and Langston Galloway, but he is one of the few rookies likely to crack a major spot in the rotation on Opening Night. He improved in each of his four seasons at Oklahoma, and he was an elite player his senior year. He shot 45.7% of from the three-point line and should immediately be a great shooter in the NBA. Hield will immediately produce points and three-pointers, but his upside this season will be dictated by the role the Pelicans are willing to give him.

Hield has elite upside in dynasty leagues. He is coming out of college as a guy known for epic step back and long-distance threes. At face value, this sounds quite a bit like Stephen Curry. Quite frankly, Curry is a once in a lifetime type of player and it would be silly to compare Hield to Curry. Curry was also an excellent passer coming out of Davidson, which is an area where Hield is currently quite lacking. That being said, Hield does have an elite three-point shot and his ball handling improved late in his career at Oklahoma.

Hield has the potential to become one of the best shooters in the NBA in the mold of J.J. Redick, but he is the type of player that an offense could run through, as well. He’ll start his NBA career as a shooting guard, but it likely won’t take long before the Pelicans are using him as a combo guard to keep him on the court. His floor is an elite shooter, but his upside is much more than that. He’s a great pick in dynasty leagues, especially since he is a player that will be able to contribute immediately, while improving his game for the future.

Bottom Line: Could immediately produce points, 3PTM, FT%, and a few steals. Might struggle with turnovers, won't produce many assists. Worth a late round flier based on upside potential.