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The New Orleans Pelicans hoped to have a 100% healthy Zion Williamson as the leader of the franchise for the foreseeable future. However, he sustained another injury that has sidelined him for the whole season and caused the Pelicans to plummet all the way to 10th in the Western Conference. They executed a massive trade deadline deal in acquiring star CJ McCollum, but that involved relinquishing their own 2022 draft pick.
The protections of that specific pick makes it tough for them to still have their own selection as it will end up going to the Charlotte Hornets or Portland Trail Blazers if the pick is from five-30. It does not end there though for the Pelicans in this upcoming draft because they also have a chance of acquiring the pick of the Los Angeles Lakers if it lands in the top 10. The likelihood of that occurring is high because the Lakers have been struggling, so this is definitely a class to look forward to for New Orleans.
Pelicans 2022 NBA Draft Targets
TyTy Washington Jr.
Similar to the Washington Wizards, New Orleans is in dire need of a facilitator for a squad built around Williamson, McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Brandon Ingram. These guys could be a playmaker on some instances, but they need a Lonzo Ball or Jrue Holiday type of player who both ironically suited up for the Pelicans before.
Devonte' Graham was the player acquired through a sign-and-trade to fill in the role of Ball, but he has been underwhelming so far this season. Washington Jr. brings a different tenacity and arsenal, magnified by his 17 assists outing against Georgia earlier this season. There should not be a cause for concern with his ability to be a threat offensively because he has averaged close to 13 points a game on 46% shooting for the Kentucky Wildcats.
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Johnny Davis
It may seem repetitive for New Orleans to select another scoring guard with McCollum and Ingram on the roster, but Wisconsin Badgers guard Johnny Davis is a top 10 talent in this class. In his sophomore campaign for the Badgers, Davis has improved immensely as his scoring has elevated from seven to 19.7 per game. Moreover, he has been efficient with shooting splits of 44/34/77 from the field, long range, and free throw line, respectively.
While he is still developing and growing in the NBA, he could be a stellar sixth man off the bench relieving McCollum, Ingram, and Herbert Jones on the wing position. As the spark plug in the second unit, he could manufacture his own shots due to his spectacular playmaking ability and low turnover rate. His usage will definitely increase in the NBA level, but his knockdown mentality and willingness to fit in any sort of role would be a tremendous addition for coach Willie Green.
Nikola Jovic
With a similar name to MVP Nikola Jokic, Nikola Jovic possesses the passing abilities that will give him an enormous edge in the NBA. European folks bring a unique style and approach to the game of basketball. His size and spectacular IQ would be an incredible addition to Green in his system as these kind of guys would usually blossom into a lasting role player in the association.
Initially, he will not be given starters minutes in New Orleans unless injuries continues to persist with their key pieces. With the combination of his size and playmaking skills, he constantly searches for mismatches on the floor and exudes the confidence to capitalize on their weaknesses. Another facet of the repertoire of the Europeans is their streaky shooting spurts and Jovic most definitely has that in his bag as well.
The Pelicans are still in the mix for a playoff spot, so the draft talks will ramp up after they wrap up their campaign. The hope is for the lottery to go toward their direction as they could even have two picks if the balls will go their way. The expected class is a deep one, so New Orleans would welcome any sort of addition to their organization.
