Pelicans 2021 Draft: Who Did They Pick?

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021 NBA Draft with the hopes of adding young talent to their roster and building a team capable of competing in the tough Western Conference. Draft night is always filled with excitement and uncertainty, and the Pelicans were certainly a team to watch as they looked to make strategic selections that would pay dividends down the road. For fans, understanding who the Pelicans picked, why they made those choices, and how these players fit into the team's future is crucial.

Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before diving into the specifics of each pick, let's consider the Pelicans' overall draft strategy heading into 2021. The team was in an interesting position, possessing a blend of established stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, alongside promising young players. This meant that their draft strategy could go in several directions. They could target players who could contribute immediately and complement their existing stars, or they could opt for high-upside prospects with the potential to develop into key players in the future. It's like deciding whether to buy a house that's ready to move into or one that needs some fixing up – each approach has its own advantages.

One of the key areas that the Pelicans needed to address was their shooting. Consistent outside shooting can open up the floor for Zion and Ingram, making them even more dangerous. Another area of focus was perimeter defense. Adding players who could guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses would be a huge boost. Lastly, the Pelicans needed to consider adding depth to their roster. Injuries are inevitable in the NBA, so having reliable players who can step in and contribute is essential.

General Manager Trajan Langdon and the Pelicans' front office had a clear vision. They were looking for players who not only possessed the necessary skills but also fit the team's culture and were willing to put in the work to improve. They emphasized character and work ethic just as much as talent, understanding that those qualities are crucial for building a winning team. They weren't just looking for good players; they were looking for the right players – guys who would buy into the team's system and be willing to sacrifice for the greater good.

Round 1, Pick 10: Ziaire Williams (Traded to Memphis Grizzlies)

Originally, the Pelicans held the 10th overall pick in the first round. However, draft night is always full of surprises, and the Pelicans were involved in one of the biggest trades of the night. They traded the 10th pick, which turned out to be Ziaire Williams, to the Memphis Grizzlies. This move was part of a larger deal that brought additional assets to New Orleans. It's like trading a stock in your portfolio for another one that you believe has more growth potential – it's a strategic decision aimed at maximizing long-term value.

Ziaire Williams, a talented wing player from Stanford, was a highly touted prospect known for his athleticism and scoring potential. While he ultimately didn't play for the Pelicans, it's important to understand why he was considered a lottery-level talent. Williams possesses a smooth offensive game and the ability to create his own shot. He's also a capable defender with the potential to guard multiple positions. However, the Pelicans clearly had other plans and saw an opportunity to acquire assets that better aligned with their overall strategy.

Round 1, Pick 17: Trey Murphy III

With the 17th overall pick, acquired via trade, the Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III, a versatile forward from the University of Virginia. This pick was widely praised by analysts as a great fit for the Pelicans' needs. Murphy is known for his exceptional shooting ability, which is exactly what the Pelicans needed to space the floor for Zion and Ingram. He's not just a shooter, though. He's also a smart and athletic player who can contribute in a variety of ways.

Trey Murphy III brings a lot to the table. First and foremost, his shooting is elite. He shot over 40% from three-point range in college, demonstrating his ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court. This is a skill that will immediately translate to the NBA and make him a valuable asset for the Pelicans. His presence on the court will force defenses to respect the three-point line, creating more driving lanes for Zion and Ingram. It's like adding a sniper to your team – someone who can punish opponents for leaving him open.

Beyond his shooting, Murphy is also a solid defender. He uses his length and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses and can guard multiple positions. This versatility is crucial in today's NBA, where players are expected to be able to switch and defend a variety of opponents. He's also a smart player who understands defensive rotations and is willing to put in the effort on that end of the court. This makes him a valuable two-way player who can contribute on both offense and defense.

Furthermore, Murphy has a great attitude and work ethic. He's known for being a humble and coachable player who is always looking to improve. This is exactly the type of player that the Pelicans want to build their team around. He's someone who is willing to put in the time and effort to reach his full potential, and he's a great fit for the team's culture. Think of him as the ultimate teammate – someone who is always willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.

Round 2, Pick 35: Herb Jones

In the second round, with the 35th overall pick, the Pelicans selected Herb Jones, a defensive-minded wing from the University of Alabama. This pick turned out to be an absolute steal for the Pelicans. Jones quickly established himself as one of the team's best defenders and a valuable contributor on both ends of the court. Sometimes, the best things come in unexpected packages, and Herb Jones is a perfect example of that.

Herb Jones is a defensive ace. He's known for his relentless effort and his ability to guard multiple positions. He's the type of player who is willing to dive on the floor for loose balls and take charges. His defensive intensity is contagious and helps set the tone for the entire team. Every team needs a player like Herb Jones – someone who is willing to do the dirty work and make life difficult for the opposing team. He's like the team's bodyguard, always there to protect his teammates.

While defense is his calling card, Jones is also a capable offensive player. He's not a flashy scorer, but he's a smart and efficient player who makes good decisions with the ball. He's a willing passer and a good cutter, always looking for opportunities to contribute on offense. He's also improved his shooting since entering the league, making him a more complete offensive player. He exemplifies how hard work and dedication can turn a player into a valuable asset, even if they weren't initially seen as a high-scoring threat.

What makes Herb Jones so special is his unwavering commitment to the team. He's always willing to do whatever is asked of him, whether it's guarding the opposing team's best player or knocking down a clutch shot. He's a true team player who puts the needs of the team above his own. He embodies the type of culture that the Pelicans are trying to build – one of selflessness, hard work, and dedication. He’s become a fan favorite in New Orleans, and rightfully so.

How the Draft Picks Fit

The Pelicans' 2021 draft picks were all about adding complementary pieces to their existing core. Trey Murphy III provided much-needed shooting and floor spacing, while Herb Jones brought defensive intensity and versatility. These players weren't necessarily expected to become superstars, but they were expected to contribute to winning basketball, and that's exactly what they did. It's like adding the right ingredients to a recipe – each one plays a specific role in creating a delicious dish.

Trey Murphy III quickly became a reliable shooter off the bench, providing valuable points and spacing. His ability to knock down threes opened up the floor for Zion and Ingram, making them even more difficult to guard. He also showed improvement on the defensive end, becoming a more reliable defender as the season progressed. He proved that he could be a valuable contributor to a winning team, and he's only going to get better as he gains more experience.

Herb Jones, on the other hand, immediately made his presence felt on the defensive end. He quickly became one of the team's best defenders, drawing tough assignments and making life difficult for opposing players. His relentless effort and defensive intensity were contagious, helping to elevate the team's overall defense. He also showed flashes of offensive potential, proving that he could be a valuable contributor on both ends of the court. He's become a key part of the Pelicans' rotation and a player that the team can rely on in crucial situations.

Final Thoughts

The New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft was a success. They added two players who have the potential to be key contributors for years to come. While Ziaire Williams never donned a Pelicans jersey, the trade that sent him to Memphis ultimately yielded positive results. Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones have both exceeded expectations and have become valuable assets for the team. The Pelicans' front office deserves credit for identifying these players and bringing them to New Orleans. The future looks bright for the Pelicans, and their 2021 draft picks are a big reason why. The Pelicans set out to find players who would complement their stars, contribute to winning basketball, and fit the team's culture, and they found exactly that in Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones. Cheers to a successful draft, Pelicans fans!