Can David Griffin find talent in Round 2 of NBA Draft for Pelicans?

The NBA Draft can turn an organization from an afterthought to upcoming contender overnight. If history proves anything, the second round is crucial for rebuilding rosters, especially for teams in a smaller market, like the New Orleans Pelicans. Can David Griffin continue his good luck streak late in the draft?

With the NBA playoffs underway, New Orleans has to endure what has become a common sight for their basketball fanbase; another year, another failed playoff berth. But with inevitable drastic changes taking place in the New Orleans Pelicans organization, optimism is shining light in the darkness. David Griffin has entered the fray as Vice President of Basketball Operations and will oversee many things, including the team’s NBA Draft activity.

With Griffin’s addition comes a championship pedigree to a city that has only seen two postseason appearances this decade. And Griffin’s first order of business in the turnaround of this franchise? Potentially trading away a disgruntled megastar and rebuilding through young talent via the NBA Draft. 

The New Orleans Pelicans have a lottery pick; they could have multiple depending on how the Anthony Davis saga concludes. In a front heavy NBA Draft, the appeal for multiple franchise-altering talents is at large for the team and fans alike. However, if scouted correctly, the Pelicans can flourish if they pick wisely in the second round as well. That’s not necessarily saying they’re going to find talent equivalent to a lottery pick in the second round, but role players (players that fit the mold of your rebuild), can be in abundance in Round 2.

David Griffin’s history in the second round

Newly anointed Pelicans VP of Basketball Operations David Griffin has had success in the second round of NBA Drafts in the past. In 2014, he selected Joe Harris with his second round selection. Joe Harris is fresh off a career year for the Brooklyn Nets, a season in which he averaged 13.7 points, 2.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game on 50% shooting from the field, including a league-leading 47.4% from distance.

In 2015, he traded away 24th overall pick Tyus Jones in the first round for a couple of second rounders. One of these ended up being Cedi Osman, who’s also coming off a career season with the Cavaliers. In 2018-2019, Osman averaged 13.0 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game on 43% from the field and is still developing at 24 years old.

All-Stars selected in the second round

David Griffin is not the first general manager to have success in the second round, and certainly will not be the last. Over the past decade, all-star level talents like Draymond Green (35th in 2012), Nikola Jokic (41st in 2014), Khris Middleton (39th in 2012), and Isaiah Thomas (60th in 2011) have all come in the final round of the NBA Draft. What each player has in common; enormous chips on their shoulders and the need to prove the doubters and those who overlooked them wrong. Though it is challenging to sniff out under-the-radar stars like these, it can be done.

Strong role players selected in the second round

However, the more likely scenario is finding role players that compliment your star talent, such as Danny Green (46th in 2009), Patrick Beverley (42nd in 2009), Malcolm Brogdon (36th in 2016), Monte Morris (51st in 2017), or even more recently Mitchell Robinson (36th in 2018). This is just a small sample size and does not encompass every player picked in the second round the draft that has had a profound effect on their team.

Players like the ones aforementioned are what brings smaller market teams championships. Use the San Antonio Spurs as an example. Tony Parker was a late first-rounder and Manu Ginobili went 57th overall in 1999. Yet both those players were significant contributors to the Spurs dynasty. When you don’t have the luxury of going out every offseason and recruiting the biggest names the league has to offer, it is vital to draft well. Not just in the first round, but in the second as well.

Could the Pelicans depth issues be answered?

The New Orleans Pelicans’ supporting cast as is needs improvement. But this is an organization going through a transitional period. The makeup of this team could be completely altered over the course of the summer. The second unit that was 25th in the league in bench points is due for a facelift. With the correct transactions and later round draft selections, depth might no longer be a lingering issue for the Pelicans.

With David Griffin’s above average history in Round 2 of the NBA Draft, look for him to do everything he can to find a diamond in the rough in his first year with the New Orleans Pelicans.