The NBA Draft can be a very emotional time for players and their families. It's the culmination of years of hard work. It's the beginning of a dream. It's not uncommon for players to get emotional on camera and to shed tears. Such was the case for Jordan Hawkins after he was selected with the No. 14 overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 NBA Draft. Hawkins couldn't help but let it all out after he heard his name called by Adam Silver. Following his selection, Hawkins credited his parents and explained why he was overcome with emotion when he heard his name.

Article Continues Below
Related New Orleans Pelicans News
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks to pass the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Bucks star named ‘ideal’ Zion Williamson Pelicans partnerPreston Byers ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide center Clifford Omoruyi (11) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Ranking 5 best Kon Knueppel destinations in 2025 NBA DraftJulian Ojeda ·
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after scoring a basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Pelicans’ CJ McCollum celebrates brother Errick at Euroleague Final FourZachary Howell ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) against the LA Clippers on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans rumors: The All-Defensive star pinpointed as valuable trade targetBenedetto Vitale ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks to pass the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Celtics urged to pull off wild Jaylen Brown-Zion Williamson tradeJackson Stone ·
boston celtics, celtics trade, jayson tatum
3 trades Boston Celtics must make to compete for 2026 NBA title without Jayson TatumGarrett Kerman ·

“A lot of hard work. These two sacrificed everything for me, and just for them to see me get my name called, it's a true blessing. I don't know how to feel,” Hawkins said. “This has been by far the best year of my life. I'm about to play in the NBA, that's crazy, not many people get to say that. I'm blessed, I'm blessed.”

Jordan Hawkins is coming off a strong college season at UConn where he played himself into being a first round NBA Draft pick for the Pelicans. Hawkins was a crucial part of the Huskies 2023 national championship team. He spent two seasons at UConn before declaring for the draft. During his sophomore season at UConn, Hawkins averaged 16.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists with splits of 40.9 percent shooting from the field, 38.8 percent shooting from the three-point line and 88.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line.