Pelicans' 2019 Draft: A Look Back At The Picks

Hey sports fans! Let's dive into the New Orleans Pelicans' 2019 draft, shall we? This was a pretty interesting draft for the Pels, especially considering the Anthony Davis trade that had just gone down. The team was in a rebuilding phase, looking to add young talent to build around their new star, Zion Williamson. So, let's take a closer look at who they picked, how they performed, and what it all means for the franchise. We'll examine each player, their strengths, weaknesses, and what the analysts were saying at the time. The 2019 draft was crucial, and the Pelicans were looking to make smart choices that would shape the future of their team. Remember, drafting is an inexact science, so while some picks pan out spectacularly, others... well, not so much. This draft was especially significant because it set the stage for the next few years of Pelicans basketball. So, let's start, and get ready to reminisce about the draft night in New Orleans. We'll rewind to that moment in time and see how the draft unfolded for the Pelicans, exploring the decisions, the hopes, and the eventual outcomes of each selection. Get ready for a trip down memory lane, folks, as we remember the players the Pelicans hoped would become the future of the team.

The First Overall Pick: Zion Williamson

Okay, guys, let's start with the obvious one: Zion Williamson. The Pelicans won the lottery, and with the first overall pick, they selected Zion. This was a huge deal. The hype around Zion was absolutely insane. Everyone knew he was a physical specimen with incredible athleticism and highlight-reel dunks. He was seen as a generational talent, and the city of New Orleans was buzzing with excitement. Zion Williamson was the consensus top pick, and the Pelicans were ecstatic to land him. They envisioned Zion as the cornerstone of their franchise, someone who could transform their team into a contender. The expectation was that he would become a superstar, a face of the league, and a player who would bring a championship to New Orleans. And honestly, it wasn't hard to see why. His college highlights were legendary, and his combination of power, speed, and skill was something we hadn't seen in a while. Think about it: a player who could dunk on anyone, drive to the basket with ease, and make highlight-reel plays every single night. The expectations were sky-high, as you can imagine. The city was ready to explode with the news, and it felt like the start of a whole new era for Pelicans basketball.

Zion's rookie season started with a lot of anticipation, but unfortunately, he missed the beginning of the season due to injury. However, when he did finally make his debut, he immediately showed the world what he was capable of. His scoring ability, especially inside, was impressive. He was a force to be reckoned with, and he electrified the crowd with his powerful drives and high-flying dunks. There were games where he looked unstoppable, and the future seemed incredibly bright. However, injuries, unfortunately, became a recurring theme for Zion. He struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, which hampered his development and limited his impact on the court. It's safe to say that injuries have affected his ability to reach his full potential. Despite the injury setbacks, Zion has shown flashes of brilliance, and when healthy, he's still one of the most exciting players in the league. He's proven to be a dominant scorer and rebounder, but his consistency and availability have been a major concern. The potential is still there, for sure, but the biggest question mark continues to be his health. For the Pelicans, the Zion Williamson pick was a gamble. It had the potential to be a home run, but injuries have made it more of a mixed bag.

The Fourth Overall Pick: De'Andre Hunter

Next up, we have De'Andre Hunter, who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, but the Pelicans originally held the pick and traded it. At the time, the Pelicans traded the fourth overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks. De'Andre Hunter was a highly-regarded prospect who was considered a very solid, all-around player. He was known for his strong defense, his shooting ability, and his overall versatility. He wasn't a flashy pick, but he was seen as a safe bet, someone who could contribute immediately and grow into a reliable player. Hunter was projected to be a valuable 3-and-D wing. The team was looking for a player who could space the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide a consistent presence on both ends of the court. The Hawks traded the draft rights of De'Andre Hunter, which included a package including the draft rights of Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and a future first-round pick. Hunter wasn't a flashy pick, but he was considered a solid all-around player with a high floor. His ability to shoot and defend made him a valuable asset in the modern NBA.

Looking back, Hunter has had a decent career. He's become a valuable role player for the Hawks, known for his defense and his ability to knock down shots. He's not a superstar, but he's a reliable contributor and a solid player. Hunter's consistency and his ability to play multiple positions have made him a valuable asset. While the Pelicans ultimately traded away the pick, Hunter has proven to be a solid player in the league.

The Eighth Overall Pick: Jaxson Hayes

With the eighth overall pick, the Pelicans selected Jaxson Hayes. Hayes was a raw, athletic center with a lot of potential. Jaxson Hayes was an athletic center with the potential to develop into a rim-running and shot-blocking presence. He was known for his incredible athleticism, his shot-blocking ability, and his potential to develop into a dominant center. He was considered a high-upside pick, someone who could become a defensive anchor and a valuable offensive weapon. The hope was that he would develop into a valuable rim protector and rebounder. However, Hayes had a lot of work to do. He needed to improve his offensive game, his basketball IQ, and his overall consistency.

His athleticism and shot-blocking ability gave him a high ceiling. However, he was still raw and needed time to develop. Hayes has shown flashes of potential during his time in the league. He has moments where he looks like a dominant force, and his athleticism is undeniable. Yet, his development has been inconsistent, and he hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that came with being a top-10 pick. He showed flashes of what he could become, but his overall impact has been inconsistent. He's had moments of brilliance, but he still struggles with consistency and making a significant impact on the game. His inconsistency made it difficult for him to secure a consistent role. Hayes was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall impact has been inconsistent, and he's still working to reach his full potential.

The 17th Overall Pick: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Pelicans also had the 17th pick in the draft, where they selected Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a combo guard with a lot of potential. Alexander-Walker was a scoring guard with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for scoring. He was known for his ability to create his own shot, his scoring ability, and his potential to develop into a valuable offensive player. He was seen as a potential scorer off the bench or a starting guard. He had a smooth shooting stroke and a decent handle, and the team believed he could be a reliable scorer. The selection of Alexander-Walker was viewed as a move to add scoring. They were hoping he would develop into a key offensive player for the team. However, his tenure with the Pelicans didn't quite live up to the expectations. He showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency and never really found his role on the team. Alexander-Walker was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and then the Utah Jazz, where he has shown more promise.

Later Picks and Undrafted Players

In the second round, the Pelicans selected Didi Louzada, who never really made an impact with the team. Additionally, they signed a few undrafted players, but none of them made a significant impact on the team. The Pelicans' scouting department identified several players in the second round and undrafted free agents. The Pelicans were hoping to unearth a hidden gem. The second round and undrafted free agents didn't pan out for the team. Their overall contributions were minimal. These players did not make significant contributions to the team.

The Legacy of the 2019 Draft

Overall, the 2019 draft was a mixed bag for the Pelicans. They landed Zion Williamson, which, on paper, was a massive win. However, injuries have hindered his progress. The De'Andre Hunter trade didn't work out for the Pelicans. Jaxson Hayes, while showing flashes, hasn't lived up to expectations, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker also didn't quite find his footing in New Orleans. The Pelicans had a chance to set a foundation with the draft. The drafting of Zion Williamson and the other picks had a variety of outcomes. There was a mix of potential and disappointment, and the draft's legacy is still being written.

For the Pelicans, the 2019 draft was a learning experience. They made some good decisions and some not-so-good ones. It’s hard to predict the future with 100% accuracy, but the fact is that the draft set the stage for the next few years of Pelicans basketball. They had a chance to build a contender through the draft. The impact of the 2019 draft on the Pelicans is still unfolding. It was a crucial draft for the franchise, one that shaped the team's trajectory. The team will always wonder what could have been. The 2019 draft showcased the challenges and the rewards of drafting in the NBA.

Conclusion

So, guys, there you have it. The New Orleans Pelicans' 2019 draft. It was a draft full of promise, disappointment, and everything in between. Zion Williamson's impact is still being felt, and the other picks have had varying degrees of success. The draft was a learning experience for the franchise. The 2019 draft was a significant moment for the Pelicans. They were hoping to build a contender through the draft, but it was a bit of a rollercoaster. It's a reminder that drafting is never a perfect science, and sometimes, even the best-laid plans don't work out. It's safe to say that the 2019 draft was a memorable one for the Pelicans, and the team is still working to build a winning team. Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane. Until next time, keep watching the game, and keep supporting your favorite teams, right?