Updates On Pelicans 2022 2nd-Round Picks
The New Orleans Pelicans will only have one pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. With recent trade rumors involving Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Scoot Henderson, the Pelicans must select a key contributor at No.14, as they don't have a second-round pick.
This year's second-round pick belongs to the Atlanta Hawks because of the Jaxson Hayes trade back on Draft Night in 2019. Last season the Pelicans had two selections in the second round. New Orleans chose E.J. Liddell with pick No. 41 and Karlo Matkovic with No. 52. Neither of those players got to see the court in the regular season for different reasons.
In the second game of Summer League play, Liddell suffered an ACL injury to his right knee that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. New Orleans drafted him because of his solid play as a two-way player. He received Big 10 All-Defensive honors his last season in college while averaging nearly 20 points a game.
New Orleans signed Liddell to a two-way contract in October, and he's been rehabbing in preparation for the upcoming season. Working with Player Development Coach Corey Frazier in his hometown of Belleville, Illinois, Liddell has looked sharp in his movements and motion in recent videos. He expects to be ready for Summer League play this summer.
“It was definitely difficult, mentally and physically, just pushing through things early in the rehab process,” Liddell said. “It has been nine months, so I feel pretty normal but just going out there and feeling comfortable with myself mentally.”
Karlo Matkovic was a draft and stash prospect from the beginning. He played one Summer League game with the Pelicans but injured his hand and didn't play another game. "Right now, I'm with Cedevita Olimpija for a year," Matkovic said during preseason camp. "And then after hopefully a healthy season, we will see about probably going over."
The 6-9 forward from Bosnia has a high motor for his size and can rebound and block shots well. He played ten games in the EuroCup league for Cedevita Olimpija. He averaged 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per contest. The team has yet to say whether Matkovic will join this season or remain overseas.
If New Orleans does not pick up a second-round pick in the draft, it will be the first time since 2014 that the Pelicans won't draft in Round Two. New Orleans is an active Draft Day mover, so it's not of the question for a move to be made on Thursday night.
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