New Orleans Pelicans: Draft Needs and Prospect Watchlist

Behind the dominance of Zion Williamson, the Pelicans claimed the top seed in the Western Conference on Dec. 11. With a record of 18 wins and 8 losses, New Orleans seemed destined to make a postseason run in the spring. However, since then, Willie Green’s squad has gone just 24-32.

What happened? Well, a large portion of their fall-off can be attributed to Williamson’s injury. The superstar has struggled to stay healthy his entire career, and this trend continued this season. He hasn’t played since Jan. 2 due to a hamstring injury. The former #1 overall pick averaged 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 65.2 TS% this season, but appeared in just 29 games.

Consequently, New Orleans plummeted down the playoff picture in the wild west, finishing with the 10th seed. Their other star, Brandon Ingram, did all he could to get the Pelicans through the play-in, but his efforts weren’t enough against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While ultimately, the Pelicans success will hinge on the health of Williamson more than anything, they’ve done a good job fortifying the roster around him. Ingram is a legitimate superstar in his own right, and CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Dyson Daniels, Jonas Valanciunas, Josh Richardson, and Larry Nance Jr. are all solid pieces. Still, outside of Murphy III and McCollum, this core really lacks 3-point shooting. Additionally, some more options at the point guard and center positions will be optimal. To address these needs, they can take advantage of their lottery pick this June.

Projected First-Round Pick (Per Tankathon): 14

Team Needs: Shooting, Rim Protection, Facilitation

Here are some reasonable prospects New Orleans fans should keep their eye on as potential targets come June, and how they’d fit in:

Gradey Dick, Kansas

Dick has three major appeals as a prospect. For one, he’s arguably the best shooter in the draft. This season, the Kansas freshman drained over 40% of his 10 deep attempts per 100 possessions. Next, he stands at 6-foot-8, giving him legitimate positional versatility and separating himself from other shooters. Lastly, he’s an extremely intelligent player which is seen via his shrewd passing ability and astounding rotational awareness. This collection of skills would make Dick a perfect addition to New Orleans.

Dariq Whitehead, Duke

A year ago, Whitehead was regarded as a top-five lock for many. However, after an injury-riddled season, he finds himself as a fringe-lottery prospect. Duke’s 6-foot-6 wing is a sharpshooter in his own right, nailing just under 43% of his attempts from beyond the arc this season. His once-tantalizing explosiveness wasn’t on full display as a Blue Devil, but as he continues to get healthy his exceptional slashing ability could be revitalized and make him a steal for the Pelicans.

Jett Howard, Michigan

Akin to the two aforementioned guys, Howard is a true marksman. The Wolverines freshman attempted nearly 14 shots per 100 possessions from beyond the arc and knocked down 36.8% of them. Additionally, he stands at 6-foot-8 and has the ball-handling skills to give him real upside as a creator.

Other potential targets:

Jordan Hawkins, UConn

Dereck Lively II, Duke

Taylor Hendricks, UCF

Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State

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