The New Orleans Pelicans will have four second-round picks in the 2021 NBA Draft and could use them in a number of ways.
It’s doubtful that they will use all four, as they will not have the roster space, but if they do, the Pelicans could opt for prospects that are a little bit older or already have an NBA-ready skill.
The Pelicans already have plenty of high-ceiling young talent with Jaxson Hayes, Kira Lewis Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, so will hopefully grab a player or two in the second round who enters the league a little older, more experienced and ready to play.
When it comes to needs, the Pels have many. They could definitely use a big wing who can defend and shoot. They need rim protection, as only Jaxson Hayes projects as an above-average rim protector and he is not there yet.
They might also need some scoring off their bench depending on how the offseason goes, so if the Pels could fill one or more of those needs in the draft, it would be huge for a team that is going to be strapped for cap space.
Could they find some impact talent in the second round of the NBA Draft?
New Orleans Pelicans: What picks do the Pelicans have in the 2021 Draft?
If the draft were held today, the Pels would hold the 11th pick in the first round and the 36th, 39th, 41st and 49th picks in the second.
The Pels are going to be a player one way or another and could definitely package those second rounders to try and move up to the end of the first round, possibly to grab a guy like Cameron Thomas out of LSU.
If the Pels do keep some or all of their second-round picks, Jay Huff out of Virginia is a guy who could potential check a lot of boxes.
Here are his strengths and weaknesses as well as how he might fit on the New Orleans Pelicans.