NBA Trade Rumors: Young Pelican Guard Full Potential Being Wasted In New Orleans

Josh Hart has always played behind the shadows of Lonzo Ball even when they were still with the Los Angeles Lakers. Things hardly changed when both were sent to New Orleans, meaning the 24-year-old guard's true potential will never come into full circle playing behind the second overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft.

After wrapping up an impressive career in Villanova, Hart has shown glimpses of brilliance. As far as his stint with the Pelicans is concerned, he may not be among the players that may be kept after the 2019-20 NBA season.

Per Basketball Reference.com, Hart has averaged 11.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 20 games. The 30th overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft can get things done on both ends of the court. He owns a decent 36.5-percent shooting clip and can rebound the ball well. Standing 6-foot-5, he can also play the small forward position and contribute to any team. One team that may want to consider him is the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers have a strong frontline but sorely need a guard who can chip in the little things. The fact that Hart can also play good defense makes him an interesting prospect. Philly currently relies on Ben Simmons and Josh Richardson in the backcourt but need an added sock. The 76ers are sorely lacking in backcourt depth and there is a possibility that they will be on the prowl for additional guards.

With the Pelicans likely to do everything to keep Brandon Ingram, Hart looms as the odd man out at some point of this season or next, Yahoo Sports reported. He may not be among the top young guys right now although this could be because of his limited playing time. So far, he has normed 27.6 minutes per game, hardly more than what he got when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The notable thing about Hart is that he gets better with more playing time. He is unlikely to get that with the Pelicans, playing behind Ball and Jrue Holiday. Whether it be the Sixers or some other NBA team, Hart could be a hidden gem if he gets more exposure on the basketball court.