Pelicans Draft 2021: Picks, Analysis, And What's Next

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans draft picks from the 2021 season. This was a draft with some interesting moves, promising rookies, and the potential to reshape the team's future. We're going to break down each pick, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and explore what it all means for the Pels. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's get started!

The Pelicans' 2021 Draft Strategy

Before we jump into the individual picks, it's essential to understand the Pelicans' overall strategy heading into the 2021 draft. They were a team in transition, looking to build around their young core while also seeking immediate impact players to help them climb the Western Conference standings. Their priorities were pretty clear: find players who could contribute on both ends of the court, fit seamlessly into their existing system, and provide long-term value. The front office, led by general manager David Griffin, had a reputation for making bold moves, so there was always a sense of anticipation about what they would do. The Pelicans had the 10th pick, which put them in a prime position to select a high-potential prospect. They also had a second-round pick to work with, giving them additional opportunities to find hidden gems. Trading a player, or trading up was also on the table, which they always considered to strengthen their roster. The goal was simple: add talent, improve the team's competitiveness, and establish a clear trajectory for success. Ultimately, their approach reflected a blend of patience, ambition, and a willingness to take calculated risks to achieve their goals. The draft was seen as a crucial moment for the franchise. The team was under pressure to show signs of progress, and the 2021 draft offered the opportunity to acquire players who could become building blocks for the future. The choices they made would have a huge impact on the team's development. It's safe to say, the Pelicans were aiming high.

Analyzing the Draft Picks

Now, let's take a closer look at each of the Pelicans' draft picks from 2021. We'll examine their backgrounds, playing styles, and what they brought to the team. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis of their selections and their impact.

The 10th Overall Pick: Ziaire Williams

The Pelicans, in a trade, acquired the 10th overall pick from the Memphis Grizzlies, which they used to select Ziaire Williams. This was a bit of a surprise to some, as Williams was not widely projected to be a top-10 pick. The young forward out of Stanford University, showed flashes of immense potential during his lone college season. Standing at 6'8" with a smooth shooting stroke and impressive athleticism, Williams had the physical tools to be a valuable wing player in the NBA. His college stats weren't necessarily eye-popping – averaging 13.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game – but his combination of size, skill, and upside was intriguing. He was seen as a high-ceiling prospect, a player who could develop into a reliable scorer and versatile defender. His shooting ability was particularly attractive, as the Pelicans were looking for players who could space the floor and make open shots. The trade, as always, was a gamble. The question was whether Williams could reach his full potential and become a consistent contributor at the NBA level. It's a risk they were willing to take, in hopes of landing a future star. After all, the NBA is about taking risks, and the reward is always worth it. Time will tell if the risk pays off.

Ziaire Williams' Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Ziaire Williams' biggest strengths revolved around his versatility and potential. His size and length allowed him to play multiple positions, guarding both wings and smaller forwards. His shooting ability was a significant asset, as he displayed a smooth, effortless jump shot. His athleticism gave him the ability to attack the basket, finish in transition, and make plays. His upside was undeniable. He had the potential to become a high-level scorer, rebounder, and defender.

Weaknesses: One of the main concerns with Williams was his inconsistency. He had stretches where he looked like a future star, but also periods where he struggled to score efficiently. He needed to improve his strength and physicality to compete against stronger players. His decision-making also needed development, as he occasionally forced shots or made turnovers. He was still raw, and his development would require patience and coaching.

Second Round Pick: Herb Jones

With the 35th overall pick in the second round, the Pelicans selected Herb Jones, a forward from the University of Alabama. This was a pick that immediately turned heads for all the right reasons. Jones was known for his exceptional defensive prowess, high basketball IQ, and relentless motor. He was not a flashy scorer, but his impact on the game was undeniable. Jones' defensive abilities were immediately apparent. He was a tenacious defender capable of guarding multiple positions. His anticipation, instincts, and effort made him a nightmare for opponents. He was also a good rebounder, passer, and solid finisher around the basket. Jones was the kind of player who does all the little things to help a team win. He wasn't necessarily the flashiest player, but his impact on the game was huge. He was seen as a player who could contribute right away, providing a defensive presence and a high level of effort. His work ethic and commitment to improvement were also highly valued.

Herb Jones' Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths: Herb Jones' primary strength was his defense. He was a versatile, tenacious defender who could guard multiple positions. His high basketball IQ and anticipation allowed him to make plays on defense. He was a good rebounder for his position and a willing passer. Jones brought a relentless motor and a high level of effort to every game.

Weaknesses: Jones' offensive game was still developing. He wasn't a consistent scorer, and his shooting needed improvement. He needed to improve his ball-handling skills and expand his offensive repertoire. His lack of offensive firepower was a concern, but his defensive impact made him a valuable player. The need for offensive improvement was a common issue for many second-round picks. However, the Pelicans were betting on his defensive talent and his willingness to improve. His effort and dedication were seen as key factors in his development. He was not a high-volume scorer, but his defensive impact was undeniable.

Evaluating the 2021 Draft Class

So, how did the Pelicans do in the 2021 draft? Let's assess the overall results and the potential impact of their selections. Was it a good draft for the team? What were the successes and failures of their draft class?

Overall Grade for the Pelicans' Draft

Giving the Pelicans a grade for the 2021 draft is a bit tricky, since it's tough to make a final judgment. On paper, it seemed like a solid draft. The Herb Jones pick in the second round was an absolute steal, given his defensive potential and immediate impact. Ziaire Williams, the first-round pick, was a high-risk, high-reward selection. If he reached his full potential, the Pelicans could have had a future star on their hands. However, it was not immediately obvious that Williams was going to thrive. The early returns were mixed, and his development would be critical to determining the overall success of the draft. Considering the context and the potential upside of the players selected, I'd give the Pelicans a B grade. They addressed their needs, and they took a couple of calculated risks. The success of the draft would depend on how well Williams and Jones developed, and the Pelicans had a promising foundation in place for the future.

The Future for the Pelicans

What's next for the New Orleans Pelicans after the 2021 draft? How did these picks impact the team's long-term goals and their quest to build a winning team? The team was still on the rise, and the additions from the 2021 draft were intended to help them achieve their goals. The goal was to build a sustainable winner. The team had a young core of talented players. The future for the Pelicans seemed bright, and their fans were eagerly anticipating their continued growth and success.

Key Takeaways from the 2021 Draft

• The Pelicans aimed for a blend of immediate impact and long-term potential.
• Herb Jones was a significant steal in the second round, providing immediate defensive value.
• Ziaire Williams was a high-risk, high-reward pick with the potential to become a star.
• The 2021 draft set the stage for the team's ongoing development.
• The team's success hinged on the development of their draft picks.

Conclusion: The 2021 Draft and Beyond

Well guys, that's a wrap on our in-depth look at the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft picks. It was an exciting draft with some interesting choices and the potential to reshape the team's trajectory. The additions of Ziaire Williams and Herb Jones added youth, talent, and potential to the roster. Only time will tell how these selections will pan out. The front office made their choices with the team's long-term goals in mind. The future of the Pelicans is bright, with the young core players looking to make the team into a contender for years to come. Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think in the comments. And as always, go Pels!