The post-Anthony Davis era has begun for the New Orleans Pelicans when they drafted Zion Williamson with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Team owner Gayle Benson said she is excited about the team's future now that they have the 18-year-old college phenom on the team. She also credited David Griffin and the rest of the Pelicans' front office for a job well done and gave her vote of confidence to the team they have built.
Gayle Benson: "I am so optimistic about the direction we are heading…I believe we have put together the best front office in the NBA." pic.twitter.com/brRbn8DEMC
— Oleh Kosel 🇺🇦 (@OlehKosel) June 21, 2019
Williamson is expected to become the Pelicans' franchise player, assuming that he lives up to the expectations. Moreover, New Orleans was able to assemble a promising young team with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Jahlil Okafor and last night's eighth overall pick Jaxson Hayes, which the team acquired from the Atlanta Hawks.
The Pelicans also got the 17th overall pick from the Brooklyn Nets, which was used to select Nickeil Alexander-Walker from Virginia Tech. They received the 35th pick from the Hawks as well, which turned out to be Brazilian prospect Marcos Louzada Silva.
With all the young prospects they have, the Pelicans can now begin their full rebuild around Williamson. But even if some of the guys turn out to be busts or if they are traded in the middle of next season, the team's future is still secured — as they have at least two picks coming from the Los Angeles Lakers over the next five years.
The Pelicans gave away their franchise player in AD, but they got a treasure chest of assets in return.
Benson has every reason to be excited, even if she initially had no plans to negotiate with the Lakers ‘over her dead body.'
Follow Us
Subscribe