2023 NBA Draft: New Orleans Pelicans Official Selections and Draft Grades
After reports that superstar Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram were potentially on the table in a trade for the No. 2 or 3 pick, New Orleans seemed content to grab their guy with their sole lottery pick.
With one of the brighter futures in the NBA, not only due to an already loaded cast, but also a cache of draft picks via various trades, the Pelicans now enter the 2023-24 regular season in good position. And another lottery pick is sure to help that standing as soon as next season.
Here’s how the Pelicans’ draft unfolded on Thursday:
Selections
No. 14: Jordan Hawkins
Overall Draft Grade
B-
Draft Summary
Comparatively to other teams who left with shiny new toys, the New Orleans Pelicans had a relatively un-flashy draft in the selection of UConn's Jordan Hawkins.
But don't be fooled by tonight's letter grade: the Pelicans left with a player who is sure to significantly bolster their outside shooting from the get-go. And that's something you can't fault the team for reaching on, especially with one of the more talented young cores in the league.
Alongside players like Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III and Dyson Daniels, Hawkins will thrive with his white-hot movement shooting next season, and that's a worthy pick to cap off the lottery.
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