Pelicans Draft Picks 2022: Who Did They Choose?

The New Orleans Pelicans had a busy and exciting 2022 NBA Draft! For fans, understanding who the Pelicans picked and why is super important. Let's dive into the specifics of the Pelicans' draft picks in 2022, dissecting each player and what they bring to the team. It's gonna be a fun ride, guys!

The NBA Draft is a pivotal moment for every franchise, and the Pelicans are no exception. It's an opportunity to inject fresh talent into the roster, address weaknesses, and build for the future. The 2022 draft was particularly significant for New Orleans as they looked to capitalize on their recent playoff appearance and continue their ascent in the Western Conference. Before we get into the specific players they picked, it's essential to understand the broader context of the Pelicans' situation heading into the draft. They had a promising young core led by Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum, but they needed to add depth and complementary pieces to truly contend for a championship. The draft presented a chance to do just that, and the Pelicans' front office had a clear vision for what they wanted to accomplish. They were targeting players who could contribute both in the short term and the long term, with an emphasis on shooting, defense, and athleticism. The draft is not just about selecting the best players available; it's about finding players who fit the team's culture and playing style. The Pelicans have prioritized character and work ethic in their draft evaluations. They want players who are coachable, willing to learn, and committed to the team's success. This holistic approach to player evaluation sets the Pelicans apart from many other teams and has contributed to their recent success. The Pelicans also understand the importance of drafting players who can develop over time. They have a strong track record of player development, with coaches and trainers who are dedicated to helping young players reach their full potential. This makes the Pelicans an attractive destination for draft prospects who are looking to improve their game and become valuable contributors to a winning team. In summary, the 2022 NBA Draft was a crucial opportunity for the Pelicans to add talent, address weaknesses, and continue building towards a championship. Their strategic approach, emphasis on fit and character, and commitment to player development made them one of the most intriguing teams to watch on draft night.

First Round Selection

In the first round, the Pelicans selected Dyson Daniels with the 8th overall pick. Dyson Daniels is a combo guard known for his defensive versatility and playmaking ability. At 6'7", he's got great size for a guard and can guard multiple positions, which is a huge plus in today's NBA. His offensive game is still developing, but his passing and court vision are already impressive. Let's break down why the Pelicans were so high on Daniels. First off, his defense is legit. He's got quick hands, good instincts, and a willingness to get after it on that end of the floor. In a league where scoring is at a premium, having a guy who can lock down opposing guards is super valuable. His ability to guard multiple positions gives the Pelicans a ton of flexibility with their lineups. He can switch onto bigger wings or even smaller point guards, making him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes. On the offensive end, Daniels is still a work in progress, but he's got a lot of potential. He's a good passer who can run the pick-and-roll effectively. He sees the floor well and makes smart decisions with the ball. His shooting is the area where he needs to improve the most. He's not a bad shooter, but he needs to become more consistent from beyond the arc to reach his full potential. The Pelicans are confident that their coaching staff can help him develop his shooting and become a more complete offensive player. Beyond his on-court abilities, Daniels is also known for his high character and work ethic. He's a team-first guy who is always willing to put in the extra work to improve his game. The Pelicans value these qualities highly, as they want players who are committed to the team's success and willing to do whatever it takes to win. Daniels fits that mold perfectly. He's a guy who will come in every day ready to work and eager to learn. He's also a natural leader who can help set the tone for the team both on and off the court. The Pelicans envision Daniels as a key part of their future. They believe he has the potential to become a star in the league. He's got the size, athleticism, and work ethic to be a special player. If he can continue to develop his offensive game, he could become one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. In summary, the Pelicans' selection of Dyson Daniels with the 8th overall pick was a smart move. He's a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He's also a high-character guy who is committed to the team's success. The Pelicans are excited about his potential and believe he can be a key part of their future.

Second Round Selection

In the second round, the Pelicans picked E.J. Liddell with the 41st overall pick. Liddell is a forward out of Ohio State, known for his scoring ability and toughness. He's a bit undersized for a power forward at 6'7", but he makes up for it with his strength and athleticism. However, Liddell suffered a torn ACL during the Summer League, which unfortunately sidelined him. Let's delve into why the Pelicans were so intrigued by Liddell, even before his injury. First and foremost, Liddell is a scorer. He can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. He's got a good jump shot, he can drive to the basket, and he's a good finisher around the rim. He's also a tough player who is not afraid to mix it up inside. The Pelicans were looking for a player who could provide some scoring punch off the bench, and Liddell fit that bill perfectly. He's a guy who can come in and immediately contribute on the offensive end. His ability to score in multiple ways makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders. He can shoot over smaller defenders, drive past slower defenders, and use his strength to overpower weaker defenders. Beyond his scoring ability, Liddell is also a good rebounder and defender. He's a tough player who is not afraid to get physical. He's also a smart player who understands rotations and positioning. The Pelicans value these qualities highly, as they want players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Liddell fits that mold perfectly. He's a guy who will come in every day ready to work and eager to improve. He's also a natural leader who can help set the tone for the team both on and off the court. The Pelicans were excited about Liddell's potential and believed he could be a valuable contributor to their team. They were looking forward to seeing him develop and improve over time. His injury was a tough blow for both Liddell and the Pelicans. However, they are confident that he will be able to recover and come back even stronger. The Pelicans have a strong track record of player development, and they will provide Liddell with all the resources he needs to get back on the court. They believe he still has a bright future in the NBA. In summary, the Pelicans' selection of E.J. Liddell with the 41st overall pick was a good move, despite his injury. He's a talented player who can contribute on both ends of the floor. He's also a high-character guy who is committed to the team's success. The Pelicans are excited about his potential and believe he can be a key part of their future once he recovers. The Pelicans' commitment to player development will be crucial in helping Liddell overcome his injury and reach his full potential. The Pelicans' front office and coaching staff have a proven track record of working with young players and helping them improve their game. They will provide Liddell with the support and resources he needs to get back on the court and become a valuable contributor to the team.

Undrafted Free Agents

After the draft, the Pelicans also signed a few undrafted free agents to fill out their roster. While these players aren't as highly touted as the draft picks, they can still provide value to the team as role players or developmental projects. Keep an eye on these guys; you never know who might surprise you! Undrafted free agents often face an uphill battle to make an NBA roster, but they can carve out a role for themselves with hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. The Pelicans have a history of finding hidden gems among undrafted players, and they will be looking to continue that trend with their recent signings. These players often bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the team. Some may have been overlooked due to their size, athleticism, or playing style, while others may have simply fallen through the cracks in the draft process. Regardless of the reason, they are all hungry to prove themselves and make the most of their opportunity. The Pelicans' coaching staff will work closely with these players to develop their skills and integrate them into the team's system. They will focus on improving their weaknesses and maximizing their strengths. They will also emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, and attention to detail. The goal is to transform these raw prospects into valuable contributors who can help the team win games. The Pelicans' front office will also play a role in the development of these undrafted free agents. They will provide them with access to the team's training facilities, medical staff, and other resources. They will also monitor their progress closely and provide them with feedback and guidance. The Pelicans understand that developing undrafted free agents is a long-term process. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to invest in their potential. However, the rewards can be significant. Undrafted players who develop into valuable contributors can provide a team with a significant competitive advantage. They can fill key roles, provide depth, and contribute to the team's overall success. In summary, the Pelicans' signing of undrafted free agents is an important part of their roster-building strategy. These players may not be as highly touted as the draft picks, but they can still provide value to the team. The Pelicans' coaching staff and front office will work closely with them to develop their skills and integrate them into the team's system. The goal is to transform these raw prospects into valuable contributors who can help the team win games. The Pelicans' history of finding hidden gems among undrafted players gives them confidence that they can continue to find success in this area.

Overall Grade

So, how did the Pelicans do overall in the 2022 NBA Draft? I'd give them a solid B+. Getting Dyson Daniels was a great move for their defense and playmaking. E.J. Liddell showed promise, but his injury is a major setback. The undrafted free agents add some depth and potential. The Pelicans addressed some of their needs and added some intriguing talent to their roster. Their overall draft performance was solid, but Liddell's injury tempers some of the excitement. The Pelicans' success in the draft will depend on their ability to develop these young players and integrate them into their system. They have a strong coaching staff and a proven track record of player development, so there is reason to be optimistic. However, the NBA is a league of constant change, and the Pelicans will need to continue to evolve and improve to stay ahead of the competition. The 2022 NBA Draft was a significant step in their journey, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. The Pelicans' front office and coaching staff will continue to work hard to build a championship-caliber team. They will be active in free agency, trades, and other player acquisition opportunities. They will also continue to emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, and attention to detail. The goal is to create a culture of success that attracts and retains top talent. The Pelicans' fans are excited about the future of the team. They have seen the team grow and improve over the past few years, and they believe that they are on the verge of something special. The 2022 NBA Draft was a step in the right direction, and the fans are eager to see how these young players will contribute to the team's success. In summary, the Pelicans' overall grade for the 2022 NBA Draft is a solid B+. They added some intriguing talent to their roster, but Liddell's injury tempers some of the excitement. The Pelicans' success in the draft will depend on their ability to develop these young players and integrate them into their system. The Pelicans' front office and coaching staff will continue to work hard to build a championship-caliber team, and the fans are excited about the future.