Pre-Draft Outlook
New Orleans finally gets to reap the rewards from the 2019 trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers as the Pelicans will take L.A.’s No. 8 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Interestingly, Brandon Ingram — who was acquired in the Davis trade — played an instrumental role for New Orleans as it surged into the 2022 NBA Playoffs without 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson. The Pelicans uncovered a couple of gems in 2021 with the undrafted Jose Alvarado and No. 35 pick Herbert Jones, an All-Rookie Second Team performer. With Williamson expected to return healthy for 2022-23 to play alongside Ingram and in-season addition CJ McCollum, New Orleans looks to build on the momentum from its 2022 playoff showing.
A Stat That Matters
4.4 — The Pelicans had the most improved offense in the playoffs, scoring 4.4 more points per 100 possessions (115.6, first) than they did in the regular season (111.2, 19th).
The Way To Go
It makes some sense to pair a two-way guard with McCollum, and Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis could prove to be the perfect complement. Davis excels on defense, but he’s also shown plenty of flashes as a playmaker capable of hurting opponents with his midrange and post-up games. Davis averaged 20.0 points per game as a sophomore and was the Big 10 Player of the Year. When the Pelicans pick at No. 8, Davis is likely to be the best two-way guard on the board. Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin could also immediately help New Orleans on offense as a deadly shooter and playmaker.
Under Contract
G: Jose Alvarado
G: Devonte’ Graham
G: Kira Lewis Jr.
G: CJ McCollum
G/F: Garrett Temple
F: Brandon Ingram
F: Herbert Jones
F: Naji Marshall
F: Trey Murphy III
F: Zion Williamson
F/C: Larry Nance Jr.
C/F: Jaxson Hayes
C/F: Willy Hernangomez
C: Jonas Valanciunas
Free Agents
G: Jared Harper (restricted)
G: Tony Snell (unrestricted)
F: Gary Clark (restricted)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last year’s Draft
2021: Ziaire Williams (10)**, Trey Murphy (17)*, Herbert Jones (35), Jared Butler (40)**, Greg Brown (43)**
* = acquired via trade
** = traded in draft-night deal
— Michael C. Wright