New Orleans Pelicans: Grading the Pels’ offseason so far

New Orleans Pelicans: offseason draft grades

NBA Draft: C

This grade should probably be “incomplete” considering that we won’t really know how it went until the Pels finally use the draft picks that they traded away.

On one hand, this was a tough draft to evaluate, so it made sense to trade some of their four picks and use them when there is more time to scout players in what should be a deeper draft.

On the other hand, the Pelicans still have needs (wing, power forward) that could have been addressed in the draft with the 24th pick or even one of the second-rounders.

The Pels could have traded up to get Saddiq Bey, who will be a steal at #19 and fits a glaring need for the Pelicans.

They could have possibly moved up to take Tyler Bey, another 3-and-D wing who could be an impact talent. They might have had Xavier Tillman, a defensive specialist who could have filled needs all over the floor.

The point is that there were still some talented guys available and if ever there was a draft where you take a chance on a second-round player, it was this one. I wish the Pelicans had taken one more player in this draft, as they still need a wing who can defend.

As far as the player they did select, Kira Lewis Jr. could end up being the steal of the draft. I wasn’t as high on him going in, but everything I have read since makes me believe the Pels made the right choice and got the best player available.

Lewis Jr. could end up being the best point guard in a draft filled with them, which could give the Pelicans a ton of options when it comes to trades.

It will take patience before we know if trading these picks was a smart move or not, but if one of these late first-round or early second-round picks becomes a star, the Pels are going to have some regrets.