Pelicans Draft 2021: Who Did New Orleans Pick?

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021 NBA Draft with a clear mission: to add young talent and address their roster needs to better complement Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The draft was a crucial opportunity for the Pelicans to reshape their team and set a course for future success. Let's dive into who the Pelicans selected, the rationale behind each pick, and how these players were expected to contribute to the team.

The Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before we get into the specifics, it's essential to understand the Pelicans' mindset heading into the 2021 draft. The team was looking to improve their shooting, add defensive versatility, and bring in players with high basketball IQ. With Zion and Ingram already established as primary scoring options, the focus was on finding complementary pieces that could enhance their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses. General Manager Trajan Langdon and his team aimed to balance immediate impact with long-term potential, ensuring that each pick aligned with the overall vision for the franchise. They scouted prospects extensively, analyzing their performance in college and international leagues, conducting interviews, and assessing their fit within the Pelicans' system. The goal was not just to draft talented players, but to find individuals who possessed the right character, work ethic, and adaptability to thrive in New Orleans.

The Pelicans' front office understood the importance of making the right selections. The team had struggled to find consistent success in recent years, and the 2021 draft represented a chance to inject new energy and direction into the organization. They were committed to a thorough and data-driven approach, using analytics and scouting reports to identify players who could address the team's needs and contribute to a winning culture. Moreover, the Pelicans were aware of the need to build a team that could compete in the tough Western Conference, where elite teams like the Lakers, Clippers, and Suns set a high bar for contention. The draft was seen as a critical step in closing the gap and positioning the Pelicans as a legitimate playoff contender. As draft night approached, excitement and anticipation grew among fans and analysts, eager to see how the Pelicans would navigate the draft and shape their future.

First Round Selection: Trey Murphy III

With their first-round pick, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III from the University of Virginia. This pick was somewhat of a surprise to many, as Murphy wasn't widely projected to be selected as high as the Pelicans took him. However, the Pelicans saw immense value in his skillset and potential fit with the team. Murphy is a versatile wing player known for his exceptional shooting ability and defensive upside. At Virginia, he showcased his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc with impressive accuracy, making him an immediate floor spacer for the Pelicans' offense. His height and length also allow him to defend multiple positions, adding to his value on the defensive end.

The Pelicans were particularly drawn to Murphy's combination of shooting and size. In today's NBA, teams place a premium on players who can stretch the floor and provide defensive versatility, and Murphy fit that mold perfectly. His ability to hit catch-and-shoot threes would open up driving lanes for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, while his defensive capabilities would help the Pelicans improve their overall team defense. Furthermore, Murphy's character and work ethic were highly regarded by the Pelicans' front office. He was known as a dedicated and coachable player who was always looking to improve his game. This made him an ideal fit for the Pelicans' culture, where teamwork and commitment were highly valued.

Despite some initial skepticism from fans and analysts, the Pelicans were confident that Murphy had the potential to be a valuable contributor to the team. They believed that his shooting, defense, and character would make him a seamless fit alongside Zion and Ingram. As Murphy began his NBA career, the Pelicans were committed to providing him with the necessary development and support to reach his full potential. They saw him as a long-term piece of the puzzle, someone who could grow and evolve into a key player for the franchise. In the end, the selection of Trey Murphy III reflected the Pelicans' strategic approach to the draft: to identify players who could address their specific needs and contribute to a winning culture.

Second Round Selection: Herbert Jones

In the second round, the Pelicans selected Herbert Jones from the University of Alabama. This pick was widely praised as a steal, as many analysts believed that Jones had the potential to be a first-round talent. Jones is a defensive-minded wing player known for his tenacity, versatility, and high basketball IQ. At Alabama, he was a standout defender, capable of guarding multiple positions and disrupting opposing offenses with his length and athleticism. He also showed flashes of offensive potential, particularly as a playmaker and cutter.

The Pelicans were particularly impressed with Jones's defensive prowess. They viewed him as someone who could immediately contribute on that end of the floor, bringing energy, intensity, and a willingness to do the dirty work. His ability to guard multiple positions would allow the Pelicans to switch seamlessly on defense, making them more difficult to score against. Furthermore, Jones's character and leadership qualities were highly regarded by the Pelicans' front office. He was known as a selfless and team-oriented player who always put the team first. This made him a perfect fit for the Pelicans' culture, where teamwork and accountability were highly valued.

While Jones's offensive game was still a work in progress, the Pelicans believed that he had the potential to develop into a reliable scorer. They were particularly encouraged by his improvement as a playmaker and cutter at Alabama. They felt that with the right development and coaching, he could become a valuable offensive contributor for the team. Overall, the selection of Herbert Jones was seen as a smart and strategic move by the Pelicans. They added a high-character, defensive-minded player who had the potential to exceed expectations. As Jones began his NBA career, the Pelicans were committed to providing him with the necessary resources and support to reach his full potential. They saw him as a valuable role player who could help them improve their team defense and contribute to a winning culture.

Undrafted Signings and Summer League

Beyond the draft picks, the Pelicans also made some strategic moves in undrafted free agency and the Summer League. These opportunities allowed them to further evaluate talent and identify potential hidden gems. While these players may not have the same level of hype as the draft picks, they can still make valuable contributions to the team, whether as role players, developmental projects, or training camp competitors.

The Pelicans' scouting department continued to work diligently after the draft, scouring the undrafted free agent market for players who could fill specific needs or offer unique skill sets. They targeted players who had slipped through the cracks in the draft process, either due to concerns about their size, athleticism, or consistency. The Pelicans were looking for players who had a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and the potential to develop into valuable contributors.

The Summer League provided another important opportunity for the Pelicans to evaluate talent and make decisions about their roster. They assembled a team of rookies, sophomores, and undrafted free agents to compete in the Summer League tournaments in Las Vegas and other locations. The Summer League allowed the Pelicans to see how these players performed in a competitive environment, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether they had the potential to contribute to the team. The coaching staff used the Summer League to implement the Pelicans' offensive and defensive systems, giving the players a chance to learn and adapt to the team's style of play.

Overall Draft Grade and Future Outlook

Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans received positive reviews for their 2021 draft. The selections of Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones were seen as smart and strategic moves that addressed the team's needs and aligned with their long-term vision. Murphy's shooting and defensive versatility made him a valuable addition to the Pelicans' offense, while Jones's defensive prowess and high basketball IQ would help them improve their team defense. Both players were also praised for their character and work ethic, making them ideal fits for the Pelicans' culture.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans' future appears bright. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way, the team has a solid foundation of young talent. The additions of Murphy and Jones will further enhance their roster and provide valuable depth and versatility. The Pelicans also have a promising coaching staff led by Willie Green, who is known for his ability to develop young players and foster a positive team environment. As the Pelicans continue to grow and develop, they have the potential to become a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The 2021 draft was a crucial step in that process, and the Pelicans' front office deserves credit for making the right selections.

Of course, success in the NBA is never guaranteed. The Pelicans will need to continue to improve their roster, develop their young players, and stay healthy in order to reach their full potential. But with the talent and leadership they have in place, they are well-positioned to compete at a high level for years to come. The future is bright in New Orleans, and Pelicans fans have reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead.