Pelicans draft: Possible 1st and 2nd round pick in Tennessee vs. OSU
The New Orleans Pelicans will have one eye on the NCAA tournament when it kicks off today, as there are a number of possible draft picks who will be featured.
The Pelicans currently find themselves tied for the 8th-worst record in the NBA, which gives them a fighting chance of landing a top-four pick and long shot odds at the first pick overall.
While that would be amazing, it’s more likely that the Pels will fall into the 8-12 range in the lottery once things shake out in the regular season.
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They can still find impact talent in this range, especially in this draft, which is projected to be deep with talent.
New Orleans Pelicans: What draft picks do the Pels have for 2021?
Right now, the Pelicans have three picks in the 2021 NBA Draft though that could change based on where the Lakers end up.
The Pelicans have their own pick in the first round, but right now the Lakers’ pick would defer to 2022, as it is protected at 8-30, so unlikely to be conveyed this season.
They also own two picks in the second round that could both be good, as one comes from the awful Cavaliers and another from the Wizards who are also heading towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
If things were to end today the Pelicans would have the 8th pick in the first round and the 35th and 36th picks in the second.
The Tennessee vs. Oregon State game today features two prospects who could fall into that range, one in the first round and one in the second.