New Orleans Pelicans: 2020 NBA Draft Grade Roundup

The New Orleans Pelicans opted to take Kira Lewis Jr. with the 13th pick in the NBA Draft and then trade away the rest of their picks, now the reviews are in

The 2020 NBA Draft for the New Orleans Pelicans was a bit of a head-scratcher. On one hand, the team has undoubtedly set themselves up for the future with a brilliant cache of draft-picks. On the other, the Pelicans not only passed on but traded some young players in this draft who could be key contributors for the team in the short-term.

Because of that, we gave the Pelicans a C grade for this draft, but really we wanted to give them an incomplete because corresponding moves based on what the organization did in this draft could move to make this draft look better or worse for them. Feel free to check out that piece in full for more analysis.

Other national media publications disagreed with our assessment because they mostly looked at the selection of Kira Lewis Jr. and the potential he brings rather than what the Pelicans did later in the draft. Let’s take a look at what they had to say:

Our own FanSided network decided to give the Pelicans a positive review given the fact that selected Kira Lewis Jr. while stocking up on assets for the future.

Gerald Bourguet, FanSided NBA – B

"“For a team that’s stockpiled more future first-rounders than any team not named the Thunder, it was a pretty quiet night for the Pelicans. After snagging the speeder Kira Lewis at No. 13, they traded out of No. 24 (for a future first-rounder) … and then out of No. 39 … and then out of No. 42 … after already sending Milwaukee No. 60 in the Jrue Holiday trade.That’s not bad by any means, since the Pelicans have already added Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and now the rookie Lewis to their backcourt in the last week. It was just a much more understated night than expected, even if the undersized Lewis has a very loud game.”"

The Ringer’s NBA Draft grades also gave the Pelicans an amazing review for the NBA Draft, but their grade was solely focused on the selection of Kira Lewis Jr. and the potential he has with Zion Williamson.

Jonathan Tjarks, The Ringer– A

"“Some really talented guards have come off the board at the end of the lottery. Lewis is the fastest player in this draft and is the rare speed demon who comes into the NBA with a reliable 3-point shot. He’s the perfect complement to Lonzo Ball in that he can consistently get into the lane and create cracks in the defense that Ball can then exploit as a secondary playmaker. Both will be fantastic in the open court next to Zion Williamson and Jaxson Hayes, the two athletic big men drafted in last year’s lottery. The Pelicans will be flying next season.”"

Sports Illustrated seemed to agree with our network’s review but noted that this year might not allow the New Orleans

Pelicans to get much out of Kira Lewis Jr. thanks to the pandemic.

Micheal Shapprio, Sports Illustrated– B

"“Kira Lewis was a rising name across the league in the lead-up to the draft, and he found a comfortable landing spot in New Orleans. His impressive speed will be heavily showcased as the Pelicans run the floor with Zion Williamson, and Lewis’s shot-making ability will allow him to play alongside Lonzo Ball. Lewis may not make a major impact as a rookie, but he fits well within New Orleans’s timeline. He should become a quality starter alongside Williamson in the coming years.”"

How about one more? CBS Sports went along with the Ringer and then some by raving about the selection of Kira Lewis Jr. They even gave a bit of insider analysis to explain why they thought he was a good pick for the Pelicans.

Gary Parrish & Kyle Boone, CBS Sports– A+

"“My CBS Sports HQ colleague Avery Johnson recruited Lewis to Alabama, and he has spent the past months convincing me that Lewis was a lottery talent. And when you watch the film, it’s easy to see why. He’s a blur with the ball AND can shoot. He’s a point guard with size and speed and skill. He could be the best point guard in this class. Put him next to Zion Williamson, and things get exciting.”"

Positive reviews are always good even if they might disagree with our opinions. I think it’s safe to say that we all just hope that Kira Lewis Jr. turns into a star for the New Orleans Pelicans as many people think he will.