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There are only two teams with their NBA Finals title hopes still alive. Everyone else is watching from home and waiting for the 2024 NBA Draft. Well, not waiting exactly. The NBA Combine has wrapped up but the private pre=draft workout season has just begun. The New Orleans Pelicans have been linked with a few locally developed talents and one rather large human out of the Hoosier State, Zach Edey.
Edey dominated during his time at Purdue, rising up on draft boards all season. Once seen as a two-way stash option, Edey is now projected as high as the back half of the lottery. The Pelicans are sitting at 21st overall and will likely need to replace Jonas Valanciunas. Getting a closer look at the 7'4”, 300-pound prospect is just proper due diligence.
Go Easy on Zach Edey projections
The Boilermakers played through Edey all season. There was no reason not to given his brute strength and ability to find angles through solid footwork. The NCAA game is far more zone-heavy and Edey's passing out of the post opened up shots for others. He is ambidextrous and was the third-best offensive-rebounding big man in college last season.
Will that translate to the NBA game though, and more importantly, do the Pelicans need Edey?
Willie Green went away from Jonas Valanciunas as the season wore on, leaning more on Larry Nance Jr. down the stretch. New Orleans needs more spacing and shooting around Zion Williamson. Edey shot two three-pointers in four NCAA seasons and is slow getting up and down the court. It seems like the NBA ceiling is as an above-average bench big and Edey will not hit that level for at least another few seasons.
Bringing back a tradeable and inexpensive veteran like Valanciunas, who can at least hit top-of-the-key threes with ease, might be a better option than spending first-round money on a 22-year-old to fill the same big-man role. The Pelicans are also hyping Karlo Matkovic as someone who can contribute sooner rather than later. Edey is a value if he falls out of the top 20 but will be a roster luxury that sometimes goes unused. New Orleans needs more from this particular asset.
Pelicans bringing in local talent for looks
The Pelicans are starting to get a reputation as an organization willing to give local talent a look. New Orleans-born Latrell Jones (Nicholls St.) was in for a workout last summer before signing an NBL (Australia) deal. That list is growing according to the HoopsHype pre-draft workout tracker, social media clips, and press releases from agencies.
Tyler Smith was born in New Orleans and raised in Houston. He also happens to be a likely 2024 NBA Draft pick. Smith spent one season with the G-League's Ignite squad, averaging 13.4 points, five rebounds, and one blocked shot in 22 minutes of action per game. Smith shot 47.6% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc. Smith had previously spent two seasons with the Overtime Elite program.
The 19-year-old 6-foot-10 forward looks comfortable in pick-and-pop situations. Operating off the ball, Smith's smooth shooting suggests an above-average to elite catch-and-shoot threat can be developed. He finishes well in traffic and can pull up for a mid-range look off the dribble. His 7'1” wingspan should help any defense but Smith will not be a shot-creator or solid on the low block for a few years at least.
Kevin Cross Jr.'s One Motive Sports agency posted about a trip to New Orleans. The Tulane alum has completed a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers, per a source with the agency. Cross Jr. has been mentioned as a second-round pick, which the Pelicans do not have. Cross Jr.'s best bet might be to pick a landing spot as a two-way undrafted free agent ala Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall.
Plano, TX native Jaylon Tyson started with the Texas Longhorns, moved over to Texas Tech, then finished his college career at the University of California. He was a First Team All-Pac 12 selection with the Golden Bears, averaging 19.6 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36% on three-pointers. A 6-foot-7, wing, the 21-year-old is shifty but not that quick. Tyson has limited upside due to athleticism which the NBA Combine measurements backed up were average at best.
The Pelicans will also reportedly get in-house looks at Izan Almansa, Ryan Dunn, Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and Johnathon Mogbo before the June 24-25 NBA Draft. Whoever gets their name called will need to be ready to join up in a hurry. They'll be joining Jordan Hawkins for NBA Summer League action that starts on July 12. Training camp will be here soon enough too and some rookie is going to be fighting for minutes in a revamped locker room.
Will it be Edey or someone else? We'll have to wait until the last week of June to find out.
