Pelicans' 2021 Draft: Who Did They Pick?

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 41 views

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021 NBA Draft with a clear mission: to add talent that would complement their existing core of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The draft was crucial for the Pelicans, as it presented an opportunity to address weaknesses and build a roster capable of competing in the tough Western Conference. Let's dive into who the Pelicans selected and how these picks were expected to impact the team.

The Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before getting into the specifics of the picks, it's essential to understand the Pelicans' mindset heading into the draft. Analysts and fans alike speculated on what positions and skill sets the team would target. Common wisdom suggested that the Pelicans needed to improve their shooting, add defensive toughness, and find players who could thrive in a fast-paced, modern NBA offense. General Manager Trajan Langdon and his staff had a challenging task of balancing immediate needs with long-term potential.

Addressing Team Needs

Going into the 2021 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans had several glaring needs that they hoped to address through their draft selections. One of the most pressing issues was three-point shooting. The Pelicans struggled from beyond the arc during the 2020-21 season, hindering their ability to space the floor and maximize the effectiveness of Zion Williamson's interior dominance. Adding players who could consistently knock down shots from the perimeter was seen as a top priority.

Another area of concern was perimeter defense. The Pelicans often struggled to contain opposing guards and wings, leading to defensive breakdowns and easy scoring opportunities for their opponents. Identifying players with the length, athleticism, and defensive instincts to disrupt opposing offenses was crucial. The team needed players who could not only defend their position but also contribute to the team's overall defensive scheme.

Depth at the guard position was also a need, as the Pelicans lacked reliable playmakers and ball-handlers outside of their starting backcourt. Finding a guard who could come off the bench and provide a scoring punch, facilitate the offense, and defend at a high level was essential for improving the team's overall balance and competitiveness. This guard would need to be versatile and capable of playing alongside different lineups.

Balancing Potential and Readiness

The Pelicans had to weigh the benefits of selecting players with high upside versus those who were more NBA-ready. Drafting a player with immense potential could pay off in the long run, but it might require patience and development. On the other hand, selecting a player who was already polished and experienced could provide an immediate boost to the team's performance. The Pelicans needed to find a balance between these two approaches, considering their timeline for contention and the specific skills they were targeting.

Ultimately, the Pelicans aimed to use the 2021 NBA Draft to strengthen their roster and build a team capable of competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. By addressing their needs for shooting, defense, and guard depth, while also considering the balance between potential and readiness, the Pelicans hoped to make significant strides toward becoming a more competitive and well-rounded team.

The 2021 Draft Selections

So, who did the New Orleans Pelicans actually pick in the 2021 NBA Draft? The Pelicans had multiple picks, giving them the flexibility to address various needs. Let's break down each selection and what they brought to the table.

1. Trey Murphy III (Pick #17)

With the 17th overall pick, the Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III, a forward from the University of Virginia. This pick was seen as addressing the team's need for shooting and versatility. Murphy was known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability, as well as his size and athleticism on the wing. He was expected to provide immediate spacing and floor balance for the Pelicans' offense.

Trey Murphy III stood out as one of the premier shooters in the 2021 draft class. During his time at Virginia, he demonstrated a consistent ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, making him a valuable asset in today's NBA, where three-point shooting is highly prized. His shooting prowess was seen as a perfect complement to Zion Williamson's dominant interior presence, as Murphy's ability to space the floor would create more room for Williamson to operate.

In addition to his shooting, Murphy also brought size and athleticism to the Pelicans' wing. Standing at 6'9" with a long wingspan, he had the physical tools to defend multiple positions and contribute on the glass. His athleticism allowed him to run the floor in transition and finish above the rim, adding another dimension to the Pelicans' offense. This versatility made him a valuable asset who could fit into various lineup combinations.

Furthermore, Murphy's basketball IQ and work ethic were highly regarded by scouts and coaches. He was known for his ability to make smart decisions on the court, his willingness to learn and improve, and his dedication to the game. These qualities suggested that he had the potential to develop into an even more impactful player as he gained experience in the NBA.

The Pelicans were hopeful that Trey Murphy III would quickly become a key contributor off the bench, providing valuable shooting, defense, and athleticism. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots from the perimeter was expected to create more opportunities for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to score, while his defensive versatility would help the team improve their overall defense.

2. Herbert Jones (Pick #35)

In the second round, with the 35th overall pick, the Pelicans selected Herbert Jones, a forward from the University of Alabama. Jones was recognized for his defensive prowess and high motor. While not a prolific scorer, his defensive intensity and versatility were seen as valuable assets for the Pelicans' second unit.

Herbert Jones quickly gained a reputation as one of the best defenders in college basketball during his time at Alabama. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his relentless effort and defensive instincts, made him a standout player on that end of the court. The Pelicans were particularly drawn to his defensive versatility, as he could effectively guard both smaller, quicker guards and bigger, stronger forwards.

In addition to his defensive skills, Jones also brought a high level of energy and hustle to the court. He was known for his willingness to do the dirty work, whether it was diving for loose balls, setting screens, or crashing the boards. His motor and determination were infectious, and he had a knack for lifting the spirits of his teammates.

While his offensive game was still developing, Jones showed flashes of potential as a playmaker and passer. He had a good feel for the game and was willing to make the extra pass to find an open teammate. The Pelicans believed that with continued development, he could become a more well-rounded offensive player and contribute in a variety of ways.

The Pelicans envisioned Herbert Jones as a valuable role player who could come off the bench and provide instant energy and defensive intensity. His ability to guard multiple positions would allow the team to switch seamlessly on defense, while his hustle and determination would help set the tone for the second unit. The Pelicans were confident that his defensive skills and work ethic would make him a valuable asset as he continued to develop his offensive game.

Immediate Impact and Future Outlook

How did these draft picks fit into the Pelicans' plans, and what was their expected impact? Both Murphy and Jones were seen as players who could contribute relatively quickly. Murphy's shooting was expected to open up the floor, while Jones's defense was anticipated to provide a boost on the less glamorous end of the court.

Trey Murphy III's Impact

Trey Murphy III was expected to make an immediate impact for the New Orleans Pelicans due to his exceptional three-point shooting ability and versatility on the wing. His arrival was seen as a crucial addition to the team's offensive spacing, creating more room for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to operate inside the paint. By consistently knocking down shots from beyond the arc, Murphy would force opposing defenses to stretch out, preventing them from double-teaming Williamson and Ingram and opening up driving lanes for the Pelicans' star players.

In addition to his shooting prowess, Murphy's size and athleticism were also expected to contribute to the team's overall performance. Standing at 6'9" with a long wingspan, he had the physical tools to defend multiple positions, making him a valuable asset on the defensive end of the court. His ability to switch onto different players and contest shots would help the Pelicans improve their perimeter defense, which was a key area of concern.

Furthermore, Murphy's basketball IQ and work ethic were expected to allow him to quickly adapt to the NBA game and contribute in a variety of ways. He was known for his ability to make smart decisions on the court, his willingness to learn and improve, and his dedication to the game. These qualities suggested that he had the potential to develop into an even more impactful player as he gained experience in the league.

The Pelicans were confident that Trey Murphy III would quickly become a key contributor off the bench, providing valuable shooting, defense, and athleticism. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots from the perimeter was expected to create more opportunities for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to score, while his defensive versatility would help the team improve their overall defense.

Herbert Jones' Impact

Herbert Jones was projected to make a significant impact for the New Orleans Pelicans through his exceptional defensive skills, relentless energy, and high motor. His arrival was seen as a major boost to the team's defensive intensity, as he had the ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses.

Jones's defensive versatility was particularly valuable, as he could effectively guard both smaller, quicker guards and bigger, stronger forwards. This allowed the Pelicans to switch seamlessly on defense, making it more difficult for opponents to find favorable matchups. His ability to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and force turnovers was expected to make him a disruptive force on the defensive end of the court.

Final Thoughts

The 2021 NBA Draft was an important moment for the New Orleans Pelicans. By selecting Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones, the team aimed to address key needs and add talent that would complement their existing core. While the success of these picks would ultimately be judged by their performance on the court, the Pelicans were optimistic that they had found players who could contribute to the team's long-term success. Whether you're a die-hard Pelicans fan or just an NBA enthusiast, these draft picks added an intriguing chapter to the team's ongoing story. Only time will tell how these selections pan out, but the initial signs were promising for the Pelicans' future.