Pelicans 2019 Draft: Who Did They Pick?

Hey guys, let's dive into the New Orleans Pelicans' 2019 NBA draft! This draft was pretty significant for the Pels, especially considering the Anthony Davis trade that had just gone down. So, what happened, who did they pick, and what impact did it all have? Let's break it down and see how these picks shaped the team. We'll examine the choices made by the Pelicans, the players selected, and the overall impact of the draft on the franchise. The 2019 draft was a pivotal moment, influencing the Pelicans' roster construction and future aspirations. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the New Orleans Pelicans' 2019 draft class, analyzing the selections, their performance, and their significance for the team's development.

Before we get too far, let's just remember that draft day is always exciting. It's filled with hope, speculation, and the promise of a brighter future. The Pelicans came into this draft with some key needs and a fresh start. With the departure of Anthony Davis, the team had a chance to reshape its identity and build around a new core. The 2019 draft was a key opportunity to bring in young talent and set the stage for a new era of basketball in New Orleans. The selections made would influence the team's trajectory. So, let's rewind to the night of the draft and look at who the Pelicans welcomed to the team.

The Context: Post-Anthony Davis Era

The 2019 draft was a pivotal moment for the New Orleans Pelicans. It arrived on the heels of the highly publicized trade of superstar Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. This trade brought in a haul of assets, including draft picks, which the Pelicans leveraged to rebuild their roster. This set the stage for a significant shift in the team's strategy, moving from a team centered around Davis to a new approach. The team was now tasked with finding players who could fit into a new system and establish a fresh identity. This period was characterized by a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans, who looked forward to seeing how the team would utilize their draft picks and navigate this rebuilding phase.

This transition phase demanded careful planning and strategic decision-making. The front office had to identify players with the potential to become key contributors and build a competitive team. The goal was to secure players who not only possessed talent but also aligned with the team's long-term vision. This rebuilding phase created both challenges and opportunities. The team had to navigate the uncertainty of the post-Davis era while aiming to build a sustainable and successful franchise.

The Pelicans, armed with new draft picks and a desire to build a competitive team, aimed to select players who would complement Zion Williamson, the first overall pick of that year. The selections were crucial in determining the direction of the team. The Pelicans had to be very meticulous with each pick and consider their needs, and the talent available. The pressure was on the team to make smart choices that would bring about a competitive and exciting team.

The Draft Picks: Who Did They Get?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The New Orleans Pelicans had a few picks in the 2019 draft. The most notable pick was, of course, the first overall pick, which they used to select Zion Williamson. That was a no-brainer, and everyone was hyped about Zion. But it wasn't just Zion; they also made a few other selections that are worth a mention. The Pelicans had a total of four picks in the draft. Aside from Zion, they selected Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Marcos Louzada Silva.

• Zion Williamson (1st Overall): The hype was real, and Zion was seen as a generational talent. The expectations were sky-high. His athleticism and scoring ability were off the charts, and he was expected to be the face of the franchise. His impact on the team was immediate, generating excitement and drawing fans. However, injuries have been a challenge for him throughout his career. When he plays, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
• Jaxson Hayes (8th Overall): A big man with a lot of potential. Hayes was known for his athleticism and ability to finish around the rim. The Pelicans hoped he would develop into a solid center for the team. His role was to provide rim protection and be a presence in the paint.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker (17th Overall): A combo guard known for his scoring and playmaking abilities. The Pelicans hoped he would bring some versatility to their backcourt. He showed flashes of potential and played a few seasons with the team.
• Marcos Louzada Silva (35th Overall): A draft-and-stash player who showed promise but never played a game for the Pelicans.

These picks were meant to be the core of the team's rebuilding process.

Analyzing the Selections: Impact and Performance

Okay, so we've got the picks, but how did they actually pan out? Well, the immediate impact was pretty clear. Zion Williamson brought a huge amount of excitement to New Orleans. The fans were ecstatic, and his highlight reel plays were all over social media. Jaxson Hayes provided energy and athleticism in the frontcourt, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker offered some scoring punch off the bench. Overall, this was a draft class that gave fans hope.

• Zion Williamson's performance has been a mix of brilliance and frustration. When he's on the court, he's an All-Star, dominating with his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. The main issue has been his health. He's struggled with injuries, which has kept him from reaching his full potential. The team needs to figure out how to keep him healthy. The potential is there, no doubt.
• Jaxson Hayes showed glimpses of potential, especially with his athleticism and shot-blocking skills. However, his development was inconsistent, and he was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He never quite lived up to the expectations that came with being an eighth overall pick, but he has carved out a role in the league.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker showed promise as a scorer and playmaker. His versatility was an asset for the team. He was traded to the Utah Jazz.

The overall performance of the draft class has been mixed. Zion is an All-Star when healthy, but the other picks haven't quite reached the heights that were hoped for. However, they provided some level of contribution and served as building blocks for the future. The Pelicans are still working on getting all of their pieces in the right place.

The Legacy: Where Are They Now?

So, what happened to these guys? Where are they now, and what kind of impact did they make?

• Zion Williamson is still with the Pelicans, and the team is hoping he can stay healthy. His presence makes the team exciting to watch.
• Jaxson Hayes was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• Marcos Louzada Silva never played a game for the Pelicans.

The 2019 draft was a turning point for the Pelicans. The team is still working on building a competitive team. The success of the team depends on the continued growth of Zion and the development of the other players. The front office is still working on finding the right pieces.

Conclusion: A New Era

The 2019 draft was a pivotal moment for the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a chance to rebuild and create a new identity. The selection of Zion Williamson was a major win, bringing excitement and star power to the team. The other picks offered some valuable contributions. While some picks didn't quite pan out as hoped, the draft set the stage for a new era. The Pelicans are still figuring out the right formula for success. They are working on building a competitive team. The future is still bright. The choices made in the draft have influenced the team's direction, and the development of the players will be key to the team's success. The Pelicans are always looking to improve and will continue to build.

Final Thoughts

So, guys, the 2019 draft was a mixed bag, with some definite highs and some areas where things didn't quite go as planned. It set the stage for the next chapter of Pelicans basketball. What do you think about the picks? Let me know in the comments! The Pelicans are building something, and it's exciting to watch. We will continue to follow their progress. Thanks for reading!