Pelicans Draft Picks 2021: Who Did They Choose?

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021 NBA Draft with a clear mission: to add talent around their young core of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The draft presented a golden opportunity to address team needs and inject fresh potential into the roster. Let's dive into who the Pelicans selected and how these picks were projected to contribute.

The Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before we get into the specifics, it's crucial to understand the Pelicans' mindset heading into the 2021 draft. General Manager Trajan Langdon and the front office were focused on adding players who could complement Zion and Ingram. This meant prioritizing shooting, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ. The Pelicans needed players who could not only score but also defend multiple positions and make smart decisions with the ball. The goal was to build a more balanced and cohesive team that could compete in the tough Western Conference.

Analyzing Team Needs: The Pelicans' most glaring need was perimeter shooting. Opponents often packed the paint against Zion Williamson, making it difficult for him to operate effectively. Adding shooters would space the floor and force defenses to respect the Pelicans' outside game. Defensively, the Pelicans struggled to contain quick guards and wings. Adding players who could switch on defense and provide help rotations was essential. Finally, the Pelicans needed to improve their overall depth. Injuries and inconsistent play from the bench often hurt the team's performance. Adding quality role players would provide stability and allow the Pelicans to weather the ups and downs of an NBA season.

Potential Trade Scenarios: The Pelicans were also open to trading their draft picks to acquire established players. Several veterans were rumored to be on the market, and the Pelicans were willing to part with draft capital to bring in someone who could contribute immediately. However, the Pelicans were also cautious about overpaying for a player who might not fit their long-term plans. They were determined to make a smart, calculated move that would improve the team without sacrificing their future flexibility. Ultimately, the Pelicans decided to use their draft picks to select young players with upside. This decision reflected their belief in the team's ability to develop talent and build a sustainable winning culture.

The 2021 Draft Selections

Okay, guys, let's break down the actual picks the Pelicans made in the 2021 NBA Draft. This is where things get interesting, and we can see how their strategy played out in real-time.

Round 1, Pick 10: Ziaire Williams (Traded to Memphis Grizzlies)

Originally, the Pelicans held the 10th overall pick. They selected Ziaire Williams, a wing player from Stanford. However, this pick was part of a pre-arranged trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. In exchange, the Pelicans received the 17th pick and the 51st pick in the same draft, plus a future first-round pick. This trade allowed the Pelicans to acquire more assets and potentially find value later in the draft. While Williams possessed intriguing potential, the Pelicans opted to spread their bets and acquire additional opportunities to add talent. Williams was known for his athleticism and scoring potential, but he needed to improve his consistency and decision-making. The Grizzlies were willing to take a chance on his upside, while the Pelicans saw more value in accumulating assets.

Why the Trade? The decision to trade Ziaire Williams highlights the Pelicans' focus on flexibility and value. By moving down in the draft, they acquired an extra pick and a future first-rounder. This gave them more options to address their needs and potentially make a bigger splash in the future. The Pelicans were not necessarily sold on any one player at the 10th spot, so they decided to maximize their assets and increase their chances of finding a valuable contributor.

Round 1, Pick 17: Trey Murphy III

With the 17th pick, acquired from the Grizzlies, the Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III, a forward from Virginia. This pick was a direct result of the trade down from the 10th spot, and it addressed one of the Pelicans' most pressing needs: shooting. Murphy was widely regarded as one of the best shooters in the draft, and he was expected to provide immediate spacing and scoring off the bench. His selection was met with enthusiasm by Pelicans fans, who were eager to see him contribute to the team's offense.

Trey Murphy III: The Perfect Fit? Trey Murphy III was exactly what the Pelicans needed: a knockdown shooter with good size and athleticism. He shot over 40% from three-point range in college, and he had a quick release that allowed him to get his shot off against tight defenses. In addition to his shooting, Murphy was also a solid defender who could guard multiple positions. His versatility made him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. The Pelicans were confident that Murphy could step in and contribute right away, providing a much-needed boost to their perimeter offense and defense. He represented a low-risk, high-reward pick that aligned perfectly with the team's needs and strategy.

Round 2, Pick 35: Herb Jones

In the second round, with the 35th overall pick, the Pelicans selected Herb Jones, a wing from Alabama. Jones was known for his defensive prowess and high motor. While he wasn't a flashy scorer, his ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses made him an intriguing prospect. This pick was seen as a potential steal, as many analysts believed Jones had the potential to be a valuable role player in the NBA.

Herb Jones: Defensive Ace: Herb Jones was the SEC Player of the Year in 2021, primarily due to his outstanding defense. He was a versatile defender who could guard point guards, wings, and even some power forwards. Jones was also a smart player who understood rotations and help defense. The Pelicans were hoping that Jones could develop into a defensive stopper who could take on the toughest assignments. While his offensive game needed some work, his defensive skills were already NBA-ready. The Pelicans saw Jones as a long-term project with the potential to be a valuable contributor off the bench. His work ethic and determination made him a player that the coaching staff was excited to work with.

Round 2, Pick 51: Brandon Boston Jr. (Traded to Los Angeles Clippers)

The Pelicans acquired the 51st pick as part of the trade that sent Ziaire Williams to the Grizzlies. They selected Brandon Boston Jr. However, Boston was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. In exchange, the Pelicans received future considerations. This move was primarily a salary dump, as the Pelicans looked to create more financial flexibility. Boston was a talented scorer, but he needed to improve his efficiency and decision-making. The Pelicans were not convinced that he would fit into their long-term plans, so they decided to move him for future assets.

Strategic Move: Trading Brandon Boston Jr. for future considerations was a strategic move by the Pelicans to manage their salary cap and maintain flexibility. While Boston had potential, the Pelicans were not willing to invest the time and resources needed to develop him. By trading him, they freed up a roster spot and created more financial breathing room. This allowed them to pursue other opportunities to improve the team, whether through free agency, trades, or future draft picks. The Pelicans were always looking for ways to maximize their assets and position themselves for long-term success.

How Did These Picks Pan Out?

So, how did these draft picks actually perform in the NBA? Did they live up to expectations, or did they fall short? Let's take a look.

• Trey Murphy III: Murphy quickly became a valuable member of the Pelicans' rotation. His shooting proved to be a major asset, and he also showed improvement on the defensive end. He established himself as a reliable role player and a key contributor off the bench. Many consider him a major success story from this draft.
• Herb Jones: Jones exceeded expectations and became a defensive stalwart for the Pelicans. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses made him an invaluable asset. He earned a starting role and quickly became a fan favorite. Jones's impact on the team's defense was undeniable, and he proved to be one of the biggest steals of the draft.
• Ziaire Williams: Williams had a relatively inconsistent rookie season with the Grizzlies. While he showed flashes of potential, he struggled to find a consistent role. He needed to improve his shooting and decision-making to become a more reliable contributor.
• Brandon Boston Jr.: Boston also had an up-and-down rookie season with the Clippers. He showed scoring potential but struggled with efficiency and consistency. He needed to refine his game and develop a more well-rounded skillset to earn a regular spot in the rotation.

Final Thoughts on the 2021 Draft

Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft can be viewed as a success. While the trade of Ziaire Williams raised some eyebrows, the selections of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones proved to be excellent value. Murphy provided much-needed shooting, while Jones became a defensive cornerstone. These picks helped the Pelicans improve their roster and build a foundation for future success. The Pelicans' front office demonstrated a keen eye for talent and a willingness to take calculated risks. Their draft strategy paid off, as they added two valuable contributors who helped the team compete in the tough Western Conference. The 2021 draft class laid a strong foundation for the Pelicans' future, and the team is well-positioned to contend for years to come.