Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans Draft Night: The Most Relevant Picks and Why They Matter

By Alex Pickle

METAIRIE, LA - JULY 12: Dell Demps, general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans introduces Jrue Holiday, acquired in a trade on July 12, 2013 at the New Orleans Pelicans practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
METAIRIE, LA - JULY 12: Dell Demps, general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans introduces Jrue Holiday, acquired in a trade on July 12, 2013 at the New Orleans Pelicans practice facility in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As excitement builds for tomorrows NBA draft, very few people are giving much thought to the Pelicans. Armed with a single pick in the latter half of the second round, New Orleans projects to have a quiet draft night. That said, there are still a handful of reasons to tune into the draft if you are Pelicans fan. Here are three picks to watch and the questions they will help to answer for the upcoming season.

Pick Number: 4

How tough is Memphis going to be next year?

After injuries derailed their plans for the ’17-’18 season, the Grizzlies plan to compete next year. With Mike Conley back on the floor, the team will look to be back in the playoffs in 2019. It’s worth watching to find out what Memphis does with the 4th pick. It’s possible that they could trade it in a package with Chandler Parsons to bring in a veteran that can contribute right away. They may also use it to take a ready-to-contribute rookie like Luka Doncic. As tight as the Western Conference playoff race was this spring, it could be even worse next season with a Memphis team at full strength.

Pick Number 5

Will the Dallas Mavericks chase Boogie this summer?

Another Southwest division team with a top-five pick deserves your attention during the draft. Few expect Dallas to compete next season, but their decision here will provide insight on their plans for free agency. Dallas is one of the few teams that could offer a max deal to DeMarcus Cousins this summer, and they have a history of chasing top tier free agent bigs. If they take a perimeter player with this pick, passing on a big like Mo Bamba, it could foreshadow a push for Cousins in July. On the other hand, if they draft a Center, it could mean Cousins isn’t a target for them this summer after all.

Pick Numbers 31-50

Will Dell Demps go through an entire draft night without a trade?

Fans have almost come to expect Dell Demps to execute a draft night trade. The most significant was the 2013 trade that brought in Jrue Holiday. Though the moves are less flashy, the second round is when Demps really stays busy. The Pelicans traded up in the second round to secure players they were high on in both 2016 (Cheick Diallo) and 2017 (Frank Jackson).

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While they don’t have two second-round picks to bundle, it’s unlikely that they simply use the 51st pick and call it a night. If a player they like drops into the early second round, Demps may find a way to move up.