The New Orleans Pelicans are likely excited about the results of the 2022 NBA Draft. They executed their plan and upgraded their team. However, how did they fare in comparison to other teams on draft night? Here is a look at the 2022 NBA Draft grades for the New Orleans Pelicans.
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New Orleans Pelicans 2022 NBA Draft Grades
1st round, 8th pick: Dyson Daniels
The Pelicans selected Dyson Daniels with the 8th overall pick in the NBA Draft. The shooting guard is a G-League Elite product who has a high ceiling.
Daniels excels at driving to the basket. His jump-shot leaves room for improvement, but he is a decent playmaker. He could become a star down the road. Dyson also displayed an ability to lead during his time with the G-League Ignite.
He isn't quite ready for stardom just yet, but if he develops a consistent jumper Daniels could emerge as a tremendous player for the Pelicans.
It is difficult to argue against Dyson Daniels as the 8th pick for New Orleans.
Grade: A
2nd round, 41st pick: E.J. Liddell
The Pelicans selected Ohio State's E.J. Liddell with the 41st overall pick in round 2. Liddell was originally slated as a mid-late first rounder, but ultimately fell into the second round.
Liddell provides forward depth for the Pelicans behind players such as Zion Williamson. He could entrench himself in the starting lineup with a strong performance early in the 2022-2023 season.
The former Buckeye standout has the highest ceiling of any other player drafted in the mid-second round. This is an absolute steal. I wouldn't be surprised if he produces first round value at some point during his NBA career.
The Pelicans got the job done with this pick in the NBA Draft.
Grade: A+
2nd round:, 52nd pick: Karlo Matkovic
The Pelicans selected Karlo Matkovic with the 52nd pick in the 2nd round.
Matkovic is a Serbian prospect who could become a sneaky late round pick for New Orleans. Although his name doesn't jump off the page, his floor is a strong shot-blocking big. But he has the potential to become an interior scoring threat to compliment what he does on the defensive end of the floor. His strength and athleticism stand out as well. Steven Adams makes for a good comparison here.
Matkovic is likely not destined to become a star in the league. But this wasn't a bad pick by any means late in the NBA Draft. And he could realistically outperform expectations if he is able to enhance his scoring prowess.
Grade: B+
New Orleans Pelicans draft summary
The Pelicans had a successful draft. Their standout pick was Dyson Daniels, but E.J. Liddell holds the most value given his draft position.
New Orleans suddenly features an impressive roster with depth. The duo of Daniels and Liddell join a core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Jose Alvarado.
C.J. McCollum profiles as a valuable veteran presence to lead this team as well.
In the end, it would not be shocking to see the Pelicans compete during the 2022-2023 campaign. Although they are likely still a few years away from becoming a championship contender, the Pelicans could make some noise in the postseason.
The Pelicans should be happy with their draft results.
New Orleans Pelicans overall draft grade: A
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