The New Orleans Pelicans have fallen into a 1-12 hole and by the time Zion Williamson gets back it may be too late to save the season.
The Western Conference has not been great, with eight teams at .500 or below, so the Pelicans’ season is not over yet, but the clock is ticking.
I am not ready to give up on this season yet, as the Pels’ schedule has been brutal and it will lighten up about the time Zion Williamson will (hopefully) return to action, so there is still time for the Pels to go on a run and salvage something from this awful start.
But it’s not too early to start paying attention to the 2022 NBA Draft prospects now that the G-League and NCAA have started.
Here are some of the top freshmen in the country and what they have done so far this season.
New Orleans Pelicans: 2022 NBA Draft prospects to watch
Jaden Hardy-G League
Hardy is considered one of the top shooting guards in this class and is so far averaging 15 points, five rebounds and 3.5 assists in the G-League.
Jabari Smith Jr.-Auburn
The forward from Auburn is averaging 15.5 points, eight rebounds and 2.5 assists in his two games so far. His size and ability to shoot the 3-point shot would be welcome additions to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Emoni Bates- Memphis
Bates won’t be eligible for the 2022 NBA Draft unless the NBA changes its age requirements (which is unlikely), so we probably won’t see him until 2023. Bates had a nice start to his career, notching 17 points, four rebounds and four assists in his only game for Memphis, showing “in the gym” shooting range in the process.