The New Orleans Pelicans had one of their most important drafts in team history in 2019, securing Zion Williamson with the number one overall pick.
This is a move that they would not take back, as Zion has blossomed into a superstar already and could end up as a generational talent if he can stay healthy.
But he wasn’t the only guy they drafted in 2019, as that draft also produced Jaxson Hayes, with the 8th pick, Nickeil Alexander-Walker with the 17th pick and Didi Louzada with the 35th pick.
All of these players are expected to be in the Pelicans’ rotation next season, so 2019 was a big one for the Pels.
If they could do it again, would they? I am particularly interested in how things might go for that 8th pick, which I don’t think the Pelicans would use on Jaxson Hayes if they could do it again.
Let’s take a look at how the 2019 NBA Draft might go now.
New Orleans Pelicans: Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft #1-3
I don’t think there is any doubt the Pelicans made the right decision when they took Zion Williamson. Ja Morant has had more team success so far and is probably an easier player to build around, but in the end, Zion is putting up historic numbers and the Pels wouldn’t hesitate to make this pick again.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ division rival wouldn’t do anything differently either, as Morant has been a star since arriving in Memphis and promptly winning Rookie of the Year in Zion’s absence.
Zion may have the higher ceiling but Morant is still a star and the guy the Grizzlies are building around, so they aren’t complaining.
Boring! I know, but the first three picks would not change in this draft after Barrett had a breakout season last year. I think these three go in the same order and have separated themselves from the pack in the 2019 NBA Draft.
New Orleans Pelicans: Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft #4-6
This is where things get debatable and difficult, as the Hawks are happy with De’Andre Hunter and may just draft him again.
This one is more on potential, as Kevin Porter Jr. has not played much so far, but has shown the ability to be an elite scorer, averaging over 16 per game with the Rockets to go along with 6.3 assists.
He dropped a 50 spot on the Bucks late last season and even though he’s had some off-the-court issues, I think teams would take a chance on his potential now.
I think there is a strong argument that the Cavaliers would just take Darius Garland again, as he is arguably the best player available and has been very good for the Cavs.
Since Collin Sexton seems like the most likely to get traded, Garland looks like the point guard of the future and I think the Cavs would just take him again.
The Suns took Jarrett Culver here, and though he hasn’t been terrible, I think they’d go with a different guy if given a second chance.
Lu Dort was undrafted the first time around but has earned his way into the OKC starting lineup with his non-stop motor and energy. He is one of the best defenders in this draft class, averaged 14 points per game and has an improving 3-point shot.
His defense would look pretty good on the Suns right now with Devin Booker and Chris Paul.
New Orleans Pelicans: Re-drafting the 2019 NBA Draft #7-8
The Bulls originally took Coby White here but if they had to do it again, they’d opt for defense and size over offense.
Hunter scored 15 a game for Atlanta last season, and as his 3-point shot continues to develop, he could end up being one of the best two-way wings from this draft.
I think he fits onto just about any roster and would be great with what the Bulls currently have.
There are a lot of ways the New Orleans Pelicans could go with this pick. They originally took Jaxson Hayes here, but Hayes has been rather slow to develop and has had some off-the-court issues that might scare the Pelicans away.
You could certainly argue for Tyler Herro, Brandon Clarke, Came Reddish or Rui Hachimura here, but in the end, I think the Pelicans are happy with NAW, who has shown flashes that he’ll be better than all of these guys.
NAW has a chance to have a breakout season with the Pelicans in an expanded role. He has averaged 19 points per game as a starter and I think he’ll get close to that next season playing off the ball with Zion and Brandon Ingram.
This might be my Pels’ homerism talking, but I think NAW goes top-10 if this draft were done again and that Hayes slips out of the lottery altogether.
Now that we’ve seen plenty of both, NAW seems to have the higher ceiling and has the potential to evolve into a player like his cousin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC.
If the New Orleans Pelicans were to do this draft again, they might end up with the same guys, as the Hayes pick would look at lot better at 17th in the draft.