The New Orleans Pelicans’ next draft pick could come from Gonzaga

The New Orleans Pelicans will definitely be watching the Gonzaga vs. Creighton game today, as it could feature a couple of future Pelicans’ draft picks.

The Pels would currently own the 10th pick if the draft went to scratch, though that could definitely change by season’s end.

The Pels are slowly clawing their way into playoff contention after their win over Dallas and are now in the thick of things when it comes to the play-in game.

Of course, they could start losing again, which seems to happen every time fans start to have some hope, so I wouldn’t count the Pels out of the lottery just yet, I’ve been fooled too many times before this season.

Whether they end up in the top-five or the top-ten, there are two guys from Gonzaga who might be a fit on draft day.

Possible Pelicans draft picks: Jalen Suggs

A whole lot of things would have to go wrong for the Pelicans to end up with Jalen Suggs. Not only would they have to end up in the top-five of the draft, which means either a lot more losing or a lot more lottery luck, but they would have to think that none of their current point guards are “the” guy.

I can’t really see either of those things happening, so Suggs is highly unlikely but he would be a nice fit given his size and defensive ability on the perimeter.

Even with their glut of guards, he would be a replacement for Josh Hart if he ends up walking in free agency, as Suggs profiles as guy who could be an elite and versatile defender on the perimeter.

He does a little bit of everything and would be a nice fit in any number of lineups.

New Orleans Pelicans: Corey Kispert could be the pick for the Pels

A far more likely option would be Suggs’ teammate Corey Kispert, who is projected to go somewhere in the late lottery and could very likely be there when the Pels pick.

Kispert would give the Pels some of the shooting they desperately need, as he projects to be one of the best 3-point shooters in this draft.

He has good size for a wing and is a bit older so could probably step in and play from day one. The Pels already have several project players so it might behoove them to get a guy who has a bit more experience.

Kispert is an accurate, high-volume 3-point shooter who could back up Brandon Ingram and give the Pels some scoring punch off the bench. Don’t rule him out because he is a senior as Kispert can play and though he might not have the highest ceiling, his floor is pretty much set at “elite 3-point shooter” if nothing else.

The Pelicans are a tough team to predict but if they keep winning Kispert will be a guy who fills a need and will likely be available.