Draft Prospects
Pelicans draft – The New Orleans Pelicans enter the 2023 NBA Draft with a talented roster and a need for depth in certain positions. With the 8th overall pick, the Pelicans have a chance to add a player who can make an immediate impact and contribute to their long-term success.
Several top prospects could be available when the Pelicans are on the clock, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top draft prospects who could be a good fit for New Orleans.
Scoot Henderson
- Strengths: Elite athlete with explosive speed and leaping ability. Excellent ball-handler and passer with court vision. Can create his own shot and get to the rim at will.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his outside shot. Can be turnover-prone at times. Needs to add strength to his frame.
Henderson is one of the most dynamic players in the draft. He has the potential to be a star in the NBA, but he needs to develop his outside shot and add strength to his frame. If he can do that, he could be a perfect fit for the Pelicans as a dynamic playmaker and scorer.
Cam Whitmore
- Strengths: Elite athlete with great size and length. Excellent shooter with a smooth stroke. Can defend multiple positions.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his ball-handling and playmaking skills. Can be inconsistent at times.
Whitmore is a versatile wing with a lot of potential. He can score, rebound, and defend at a high level. He needs to improve his ball-handling and playmaking skills, but he has the potential to be a very good player in the NBA. If he can reach his potential, he could be a valuable addition to the Pelicans.
Nick Smith Jr.
- Strengths: Elite athlete with excellent speed and leaping ability. Great shooter with a quick release. Can create his own shot and get to the rim at will.
- Weaknesses: Needs to improve his decision-making and consistency. Can be turnover-prone at times.
Smith is a dynamic guard with a lot of upside. He has the potential to be a star in the NBA, but he needs to improve his decision-making and consistency. If he can do that, he could be a perfect fit for the Pelicans as a dynamic playmaker and scorer.
Team Needs: Pelicans Draft
The New Orleans Pelicans have a promising young core led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. However, they have some glaring weaknesses that need to be addressed in the upcoming draft.
One of the Pelicans’ biggest needs is a reliable point guard. Lonzo Ball has been inconsistent, and the team needs someone who can run the offense and set up their talented scorers.
Another area where the Pelicans need to improve is their defense. They were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season, and they need to add some toughness and athleticism to their lineup.
The Pelicans also need to add some depth to their bench. They have a lot of young players, but they need some more experienced players who can come in and contribute right away.
Potential Draft Prospects
There are a number of potential draft prospects who could address the Pelicans’ needs. Some of the top point guard prospects include Cade Cunningham, Jalen Suggs, and Evan Mobley. All three of these players are talented passers and scorers who could help the Pelicans improve their offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Pelicans could target players like Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes, or Franz Wagner. All three of these players are athletic and versatile defenders who could help the Pelicans improve their defense.
The Pelicans could also add some depth to their bench by drafting players like Moses Moody, Trey Murphy III, or Chris Duarte. All three of these players are talented scorers who could provide the Pelicans with some much-needed firepower off the bench.
Impact of Drafting for Specific Positions or Skill Sets
The Pelicans’ decision of which position or skill set to draft for will depend on their draft position and the players who are available. However, if they are able to draft a talented point guard or defender, it could have a major impact on their team.
A good point guard can make everyone on the team better. They can create scoring opportunities for their teammates, and they can help to control the tempo of the game. A good defender can make it difficult for the other team to score, and they can help to create turnovers.
If the Pelicans can add a talented point guard or defender to their lineup, it could help them take the next step as a team.
Draft Strategy
The Pelicans enter the draft with a young and talented roster but still have some holes to fill. They need to add depth to their frontcourt, find a long-term solution at point guard, and add some more shooting.
The Pelicans are likely to target a big man with their first pick. They have a lot of young talent in the frontcourt, but they need someone who can come in and contribute right away. They could also look to trade up in the draft to get a higher pick.
The Pelicans have a lot of flexibility with their draft picks. They could package some of their picks to move up in the draft or trade for a player who can help them right away. They could also use their picks to select multiple players who can fill different roles.
No matter what the Pelicans decide to do, they need to make sure they add some talent to their roster. They have a lot of potential, but they need to take the next step and become a playoff contender.
Trade Scenarios, Pelicans draft
The Pelicans could look to trade up in the draft to get a higher pick. They have a lot of young assets, so they could package some of them to move up. They could also trade for a player who can help them right away.
One potential trade scenario is that the Pelicans could trade their first-round pick and Brandon Ingram to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. This would give the Pelicans a superstar to build around and would help them compete for a championship right away.
Another potential trade scenario is that the Pelicans could trade their first-round pick and Lonzo Ball to the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine. This would give the Pelicans a young All-Star to build around and would help them compete for a playoff spot right away.
Draft-Day Moves
The Pelicans could also make some moves on draft day to improve their roster. They could trade down in the draft to acquire more picks. They could also trade for a player who can help them right away.
One potential draft-day move is that the Pelicans could trade their first-round pick and a future first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the No. 5 pick. This would give the Pelicans a chance to draft a top-five prospect.
Another potential draft-day move is that the Pelicans could trade their first-round pick and a future first-round pick to the New York Knicks for the No. 11 pick. This would give the Pelicans a chance to draft a lottery pick.
No matter what the Pelicans decide to do, they need to make sure they add some talent to their roster. They have a lot of potential, but they need to take the next step and become a playoff contender.