Pelicans 2021 Draft: Who Did They Pick?

by Jhon Lennon 40 views

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021 NBA Draft with the hopes of adding young talent to their roster and building a team capable of contending in the competitive Western Conference. The 2021 draft was seen as particularly deep, with several potential franchise cornerstones available. Let's dive into who the Pelicans selected and how those players have fared since joining the team.

The Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before we get into the specifics, it's important to understand the Pelicans' mindset heading into the draft. With stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram already on the roster, the team was looking to add players who could complement their existing core. This meant prioritizing players with strong shooting, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ. They needed players who could contribute immediately but also had the potential to develop into key pieces for the future. Basically, they wanted players who could hit open shots created by Zion and BI, defend multiple positions to alleviate pressure on their stars, and make smart decisions with the ball in their hands. The Pelicans also needed to consider the long-term salary cap implications, seeking players who could provide value on relatively affordable contracts. This is always a balancing act for teams trying to build a sustainable contender. Did they swing for the fences with high-risk, high-reward prospects, or did they opt for safer picks with more predictable outcomes?

The Pelicans also faced some uncertainty regarding their coaching situation at the time, which may have influenced their draft strategy. A new coach might have different preferences in terms of player archetypes and skill sets, so the front office needed to consider that potential shift. Ultimately, the goal was to add talent that would fit into a variety of potential systems and contribute to winning basketball, regardless of who was leading the team. They probably had multiple draft boards prepared, each tailored to a different coaching philosophy. The Pelicans also had to weigh the potential of making trades, either to move up in the draft to target a specific player or to acquire additional assets. Draft night is always a fluid situation, with teams constantly evaluating their options and reacting to the moves of other teams.

Who the Pelicans Drafted

So, who did the Pelicans actually select in the 2021 NBA Draft? The Pelicans had the following picks:

  • #10 Pick: Ziaire Williams (Traded to Memphis Grizzlies). Originally, the Pelicans selected Ziaire Williams with the 10th overall pick. However, this pick was part of a pre-arranged trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. In exchange for Williams, the Pelicans received the Grizzlies' #17 pick (Trey Murphy III), as well as Jonas Valanciunas.
  • #17 Pick: Trey Murphy III. As mentioned above, with the pick acquired from Memphis, the Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III, a sharpshooting wing from the University of Virginia. Murphy was known for his impressive three-point shooting and his potential as a versatile defender.
  • #35 Pick: Herb Jones. In the second round, the Pelicans selected Herb Jones from the University of Alabama. Jones was recognized for his defensive prowess and high motor.
  • #40 Pick: Jared Butler (Traded to Utah Jazz). The Pelicans selected Jared Butler but traded him to the Utah Jazz.
  • #51 Pick: Naji Marshall. With their last pick, the Pelicans selected Naji Marshall, a versatile forward.

Analysis of the Picks

Let's break down each of these picks and assess their potential impact on the Pelicans:

Trey Murphy III

Trey Murphy III was arguably the most important selection for the Pelicans in the 2021 draft. His ability to shoot the ball at a high level was exactly what the team needed to space the floor for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Murphy's size and athleticism also gave him the potential to be a solid defender. The Pelicans were betting that Murphy's shooting would translate to the NBA and that he could develop into a reliable role player. So far, the returns have been promising. Murphy has shown flashes of brilliance as a shooter and has gradually improved his defense. He's become a valuable part of the Pelicans' rotation, providing much-needed floor spacing and energy off the bench. Murphy is still young and has plenty of room to grow, but he has already proven to be a valuable asset for the Pelicans.

Herb Jones

Herb Jones quickly became a fan favorite in New Orleans due to his tenacious defense and relentless effort. While not a flashy player, Jones does all the little things that contribute to winning basketball. He's a smart defender, a willing passer, and a surprisingly good rebounder for his size. The Pelicans likely saw Jones as a high-floor, low-ceiling type of player who could immediately contribute as a defensive specialist. However, Jones has exceeded expectations and has shown surprising offensive development. He has become a reliable scorer and playmaker, proving that his ceiling may be higher than initially projected. Jones's emergence has been a huge boost for the Pelicans, and he has become an indispensable part of their rotation. He embodies the type of player that every team wants: a hard-working, unselfish player who is willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Naji Marshall

Naji Marshall, the final pick for the Pelicans in the 2021 draft, has proven to be a valuable addition to the team. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Marshall brings energy and hustle to the court whenever he plays. His ability to play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset off the bench, providing the Pelicans with flexibility in their lineups. While Marshall may not be a star player, his contributions should not be understated. He's a reliable scorer, a willing defender, and a team player who always puts the team first. Players like Marshall are essential for any successful team, providing depth and stability to the roster. His development has been a pleasant surprise for the Pelicans, and he has solidified his place as a valuable role player.

How the 2021 Draft Class Has Performed

Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft class has been a success. Trey Murphy III has become a valuable shooter and contributor, Herb Jones has emerged as a defensive stopper with surprising offensive upside, and Naji Marshall has proven to be a reliable role player off the bench. While it's still early in their careers, all three players have shown promise and have the potential to be key pieces for the Pelicans moving forward. The Pelicans' front office deserves credit for identifying and selecting these players, who have exceeded expectations and contributed to the team's success.

The decision to trade Ziaire Williams for Trey Murphy III and Jonas Valanciunas looks like a smart move in hindsight. While Williams has shown potential for the Grizzlies, Murphy has been a more consistent and impactful player for the Pelicans. Valanciunas also provided valuable veteran leadership and rebounding, further solidifying the trade as a win for New Orleans. The Pelicans' ability to find valuable contributors in the second round with Herb Jones and Naji Marshall is a testament to their scouting department's ability to identify talent. These players have provided valuable depth and have exceeded expectations, proving that valuable players can be found even outside of the lottery.

The Big Picture

The New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft picks have played a significant role in the team's development and success. Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Naji Marshall have all contributed to the team's winning culture and have the potential to be key pieces for the Pelicans for years to come. The Pelicans' front office deserves credit for their shrewd drafting and player development, which have helped build a promising young core around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The future looks bright for the Pelicans, and their 2021 draft class has played a significant role in shaping that future. The team's ability to identify and develop talent will be crucial as they continue to build towards their ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship. Guys, the Pelicans are definitely a team to watch in the coming years!

Conclusion

The 2021 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for the New Orleans Pelicans. They aimed to find players who could immediately contribute while also possessing long-term potential. With the selections of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, the Pelicans appear to have found exactly what they were looking for. These players, along with Naji Marshall, have exceeded expectations and become integral parts of the team's success. The Pelicans' 2021 draft class has not only added talent to the roster but has also contributed to a winning culture in New Orleans. As the team continues to grow and develop, these draft picks will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of the franchise. It's exciting to watch these young players develop and contribute to a team with championship aspirations!