Draft Outlook
The Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades landed New Orleans plenty of picks it could give up in a salary dump with minor ramifications if it decides to try to move Steven Adams or Eric Bledsoe to free up space to sign pending free agents Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart. The Pelicans own four picks in the second round, in addition to the 10th pick. Returning to the postseason remains the goal. To get there, the Pelicans need to bring back one or both free-agent guards, while upgrading the talent around the core of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
A Stat That Matters
-11.7 — The Pelicans were outscored by 11.7 points per game from 3-point range, the second worst differential in the 43 seasons of the 3-point line.
The Way To Go
Adding shooting and defensive versatility around Williamson makes the most sense, which is why there’s a good chance the Pelicans might use their top pick on a guard just like they did last year in selecting Kira Lewis Jr. Florida’s Tre Mann hit 40.2% from deep last season, and has the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. If New Orleans opts for perimeter help, Australian Josh Giddy is worth considering.
Under Contract
G: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
G: Eric Bledsoe
G: Kira Lewis Jr.
F: Wenyen Gabriel
F: Brandon Ingram
F: Wes Iwundu
F: Naji Marshall
F: Zion Williamson
C/F: Jaxson Hayes
C: Steven Adams
Free Agents
G: Lonzo Ball (restricted)
G: Josh Hart (restricted)
G: Didi Louzada (team option)
F: James Johnson (unrestricted)
F: James Nunnally (restricted)
C/F: Willy Hernangomez (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Kira Lewis Jr. (13)