Pelicans Draft History: Every Pick, Every Year

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered about the New Orleans Pelicans' draft history? It's a rollercoaster of excitement, potential, and sometimes, well, let's just say not every pick turns into a superstar. This article dives deep into the Pelicans draft picks by year, giving you the lowdown on every player they've selected since the franchise's inception (including their time as the Hornets). We'll cover the big names, the hidden gems, and the ones you might have forgotten. So, grab your popcorn, and let's get into the world of Pelicans draft picks, exploring the successes, the misses, and everything in between.

Early Years: Building a Foundation (2002-2010)

Alright, let's rewind the clock to the early 2000s when the team was known as the New Orleans Hornets. This period was all about laying the groundwork, trying to find players who could become the cornerstones of the franchise. The Pelicans draft picks during this era were crucial for establishing an identity and competitive spirit. Remember, the draft is where teams can build their future.

Starting with the 2002 draft, the Hornets, in their inaugural season in New Orleans, selected one of the most impactful players in franchise history, this is the draft pick everyone remembers, that is, the first draft pick of the Pelicans. But before that, there were a lot of misses, for example in 2003, they drafted David West, who turned out to be a solid player, and a great role player. Now, let's move forward and analyze other players the Hornets drafted in the following years. In 2004, the team drafted a player from Duke University, J.R. Smith. Though Smith had a lot of potential, his time in New Orleans was short. His off-court issues were more important than his on-court performance. The 2005 draft provided the Hornets with Chris Paul. CP3 immediately turned the franchise into a contender. In 2006, the team selected Hilton Armstrong. This pick didn't pay off for the Hornets.

The 2007 draft was another solid year, with Julian Wright. The 2008 draft saw the team pick a promising rookie, and he was the team's first round pick, but he was later traded. The following year, the 2009 draft, the team picked a young player, but he was traded later on. And finally, the 2010 draft saw the franchise pick a young player. Overall, the early years were a mixed bag. Some picks worked out great, while others didn't quite pan out. But the key takeaway is that these early drafts helped shape the franchise.

Notable Draft Picks:

  • Chris Paul (2005): The cornerstone of the Hornets' success during this era. A true floor general and one of the best point guards of his generation.
  • David West (2003): A reliable power forward who brought toughness and leadership to the team. A great role player during his years.

The Anthony Davis Era and Beyond (2011-2019)

Fast forward to the Anthony Davis era, when the team was known as the New Orleans Pelicans. This period was all about finding the right pieces to complement a superstar. The Pelicans draft picks took on even greater importance. The franchise was looking to build a contender around a generational talent. This meant making smart picks, finding players who could contribute immediately, and those with high upside. The 2011 draft saw the team select a young player. The team also drafted Austin Rivers in 2012. Rivers never became a star, but he had a long career in the NBA. The 2013 draft was the year of Anthony Davis. Davis became the face of the franchise.

The 2014 draft saw the team get Jrue Holiday via a trade. In the 2015 draft, the team drafted a player from Duke, and he showed promise, but didn't live up to the expectations. In 2016, the team picked a young player, but was later traded. The 2017 draft wasn't a great draft for the Pelicans. In 2018, the team made some moves, but didn't have much success. The 2019 draft saw the team getting Zion Williamson. Overall, the Anthony Davis era was a mixed bag in terms of draft success. The team had some hits and misses. But the goal was to surround Davis with enough talent to compete. It's a critical moment for the franchise's trajectory.

Notable Draft Picks:

  • Anthony Davis (2012): A dominant big man who became one of the league's top players. His time in New Orleans was ultimately a bit short-lived, but his impact was undeniable.
  • Jrue Holiday (2013): Acquired via trade, Holiday became a key player and fan favorite for his all-around game.
  • Zion Williamson (2019): An exciting prospect with immense potential. His career has been marred by injuries, but he remains a key part of the Pelicans' future.

Recent Drafts: Building for the Future (2020-Present)

Now, let's zoom in on the recent drafts. The Pelicans draft picks in this era are all about building a young core and establishing a sustainable winning culture. The goal is to identify players who can grow alongside the team's existing stars. These recent drafts provide a glimpse into the team's future. The 2020 draft saw the team picking a young player. In 2021, the team drafted a shooting guard. The Pelicans had an interesting draft in 2022, as they traded for more picks. In 2023, the team selected a player and showed promise. Overall, the recent drafts are a work in progress. But the focus is on building a talented and competitive roster.

Notable Draft Picks:

  • Herbert Jones (2021): A defensive specialist who has quickly become a valuable role player. He shows promise as he continues to improve.

The Complete List of Pelicans Draft Picks by Year

Here's a comprehensive list of all the Pelicans draft picks by year, including their draft position and the college they came from:

  • 2002: P.J. Brown (19th overall), University of New Orleans
  • 2003: David West (18th overall), Xavier University
  • 2004: J.R. Smith (18th overall), St. Benedict's Preparatory School
  • 2005: Chris Paul (4th overall), Wake Forest University
  • 2006: Hilton Armstrong (12th overall), University of Connecticut
  • 2007: Julian Wright (13th overall), University of Kansas
  • 2008: Donte Greene (28th overall), Syracuse University
  • 2009: Darren Collison (21st overall), UCLA
  • 2010: Cole Aldrich (11th overall), University of Kansas
  • 2011: Anthony Davis (1st overall), University of Kentucky
  • 2012: Austin Rivers (10th overall), Duke University
  • 2013: Nerlens Noel (6th overall), University of Kentucky (Traded)
  • 2014: No pick (Jrue Holiday acquired via trade)
  • 2015: Frank Jackson (31st overall), Duke University
  • 2016: Buddy Hield (6th overall), University of Oklahoma
  • 2017: Frank Jackson (31st overall), Duke University
  • 2018: No pick (Traded)
  • 2019: Zion Williamson (1st overall), Duke University
  • 2020: Kira Lewis Jr. (13th overall), University of Alabama
  • 2021: Trey Murphy III (17th overall), Virginia
  • 2021: Herbert Jones (35th overall), University of Alabama
  • 2022: Dyson Daniels (8th overall), NBA Global Academy
  • 2023: Jordan Hawkins (14th overall), University of Connecticut

Conclusion: The Pelicans' Draft Legacy

So, there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the Pelicans draft picks by year. From Chris Paul to Zion Williamson, the draft has played a massive role in shaping this franchise. While some picks have turned into superstars and others haven't quite lived up to expectations, each one tells a story about the team's journey. What do you guys think? Who were the best and worst picks? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading!