Pelicans' 2021 Draft: A Look Back

Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft picks. The NBA draft is always an exciting time for fans, teams, and especially the young players whose dreams are coming true. For the Pelicans, the 2021 draft was an opportunity to add fresh talent to their roster and build towards a brighter future. In this article, we'll dissect each pick, analyze their performance, and see how they fit into the Pelicans' overall strategy.

The Pelicans' Draft Strategy in 2021

Before diving into the individual players, it's essential to understand the Pelicans' mindset heading into the 2021 draft. What were their primary needs? What kind of players were they targeting? Generally, teams consider factors like current roster strengths and weaknesses, the coaching staff's preferences, and the overall direction of the franchise. In 2021, the Pelicans were likely looking to add players who could complement their existing stars, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. They needed players who could shoot, defend, and bring energy to the court. Building a well-rounded team around their cornerstones was crucial.

The draft is not an exact science, and teams often have multiple plans depending on how the board unfolds. Some teams prioritize the best available player, regardless of position, while others focus on filling specific needs. The Pelicans, with their lottery pick, had the flexibility to consider both approaches. They had the opportunity to add a potential star or address a glaring weakness in their lineup. It's also worth noting that trades often play a significant role in draft strategies. Teams might trade up to secure a specific player or trade down to acquire more assets. The Pelicans were certainly active in exploring all their options leading up to and during the draft.

Ultimately, the success of a draft strategy is judged by the performance of the players selected. Did they live up to expectations? Did they contribute to winning basketball? Did they develop into valuable assets for the team? These are the questions that we'll be exploring as we analyze the Pelicans' 2021 draft picks. The draft is a long-term investment, and it often takes several years to fully evaluate the impact of a particular draft class. However, we can still gain valuable insights by examining the players' progress and their contributions to the team so far. Okay guys, let's go through the picks!

First Round Pick: Trey Murphy III (17th Overall)

The Pelicans' first pick in the 2021 draft was Trey Murphy III, selected 17th overall. This pick was acquired via trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Murphy, a 6'9" forward from the University of Virginia, was known for his elite shooting ability and versatile skill set. Coming out of college, many analysts saw him as a perfect fit for the modern NBA, with his ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions. The Pelicans were clearly attracted to his potential as a complementary player alongside Zion and Ingram.

Murphy's Strengths:

• Shooting: Murphy's biggest strength is undoubtedly his shooting. He shot over 43% from three-point range in his final college season, showcasing his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc. This is a valuable skill in today's NBA, where spacing is paramount.
• Versatility: At 6'9", Murphy has the size and athleticism to play multiple positions. He can guard smaller players on the perimeter and also hold his own against bigger forwards in the post. This versatility makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.
• Athleticism: Murphy is a good athlete who can run the floor, jump high, and finish strong at the rim. This athleticism allows him to contribute in transition and make plays above the rim.

Murphy's Weaknesses:

• Strength: One of Murphy's main weaknesses is his lack of strength. He needs to add muscle to his frame to better handle the physicality of the NBA. This will help him defend bigger players and hold his own in the paint.
• Playmaking: While Murphy is a capable passer, he's not a natural playmaker. He needs to improve his ability to create shots for himself and others.
• Consistency: Like many young players, Murphy needs to improve his consistency. He can be prone to inconsistent performances, especially on the defensive end.

Murphy's Impact on the Pelicans:

Trey Murphy III has quickly become an integral part of the Pelicans' rotation. His shooting prowess has been a significant boost to their offense, providing much-needed spacing for Zion and Ingram to operate. He's also shown improvement on the defensive end, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents. Murphy's ability to play multiple positions has allowed the Pelicans to experiment with different lineups and find the best combinations on the court. He represents great value for where he was drafted and continues to improve year after year. Many fans see him as an untouchable asset for the team.

Second Round Pick: Herb Jones (35th Overall)

With their second-round pick (35th overall), the Pelicans selected Herb Jones, a defensive-minded wing from the University of Alabama. This pick turned out to be an absolute steal. Jones quickly exceeded expectations and established himself as a key contributor to the team. Known for his tenacious defense and high basketball IQ, Jones was exactly what the Pelicans needed to bolster their perimeter defense.

Jones' Strengths:

• Defense: Herb Jones' biggest strength is his defense. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, from point guards to power forwards. He is known for his ability to disrupt opponents with his length, quickness, and anticipation.
• Basketball IQ: Jones has a high basketball IQ and makes smart decisions on both ends of the court. He understands spacing, rotations, and how to make the right play.
• Hustle: Jones plays with a relentless motor and never gives up on a play. He is always diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds, and making hustle plays that don't always show up in the box score.

Jones' Weaknesses:

• Shooting: Jones' biggest weakness is his shooting. While he has improved his shooting over time, it is still not a consistent part of his game.
• Offensive Creativity: Jones is not a natural scorer and relies more on his defense and hustle to make an impact on the game. He needs to develop his offensive skills to become a more complete player.
• Strength: Like many young players, Jones could benefit from adding more strength to his frame. This would help him defend bigger players and hold his own in the paint.

Jones' Impact on the Pelicans:

Herb Jones has been a revelation for the Pelicans. His defensive intensity and high basketball IQ have made him an invaluable asset. He consistently guards the opposing team's best player and makes life difficult for them. Jones has also shown improvement on the offensive end, developing into a reliable role player who can knock down open shots and make smart passes. He has become a fan favorite in New Orleans, known for his hard work and dedication to the team. Jones has proven to be a draft steal and a cornerstone of the Pelicans' future. No doubt about it, Herb is him!

Other Draft Picks and Undrafted Players

While Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones were the headliners of the Pelicans' 2021 draft class, it's important to acknowledge the other players who were drafted or signed as undrafted free agents. These players may not have had the same immediate impact as Murphy and Jones, but they still play a role in the team's overall success.

Typically, these later-round picks and undrafted players provide depth, competition in training camp, and potential for future development. Some may spend time in the G League, honing their skills and waiting for an opportunity to contribute at the NBA level. Others may become valuable role players, providing energy and effort off the bench. The success of these players often depends on their work ethic, coachability, and ability to seize opportunities when they arise.

In the 2021 draft, the Pelicans also selected Naji Marshall who has proven to be a useful player off the bench with his hustle and versatility.

Overall Assessment of the 2021 Draft

Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft can be considered a major success. They landed two key contributors in Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, both of whom have become integral parts of the team's rotation. Murphy's shooting and versatility have been a valuable addition to the offense, while Jones' defensive intensity and high basketball IQ have made him an invaluable asset on the other end of the court. These two players have exceeded expectations and have the potential to become even better in the future.

Of course, it's still early to make a definitive judgment on the long-term impact of the 2021 draft. However, the early returns are very promising. The Pelicans have added two talented players who fit well with their existing stars and contribute to winning basketball. This draft class has helped to solidify the Pelicans' foundation and position them for future success. The front office deserves credit for identifying and selecting these players, as well as for creating a culture where they can thrive. Pelicans fans have every reason to be excited about the future of their team. Keep Pounding!

The Future of the Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are a team on the rise, and the 2021 draft class has played a significant role in their ascent. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way, and with the contributions of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, the Pelicans have a bright future ahead of them. They have a well-rounded team with a mix of talent, athleticism, and defensive intensity. They have a coach in Willie Green who is respected by his players and is committed to building a winning culture.

The Pelicans still have work to do to reach their full potential. They need to continue to develop their young players, improve their consistency, and stay healthy. They also need to make smart decisions in free agency and trades to add even more talent to their roster. However, the foundation is in place, and the future looks bright. The Pelicans are a team to watch in the Western Conference, and they have the potential to contend for championships in the years to come. The 2021 draft was a pivotal moment in their journey, and it has set the stage for a new era of success in New Orleans.