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.
New Orleans Pelicans: 2022 NBA Draft prospects to watch
Trevor Keels-Duke
The guard from Duke has had a nice start to the season, averaging 17.5 points, two rebounds and two assists in two games so far. Keels is not necessarily on the big board yet, but the freshman has looked very good for Duke and will be climbing draft boards.
Bryce McGowens-Nebraska
Another freshman who has impressed, McGowens is averaging 27 points and 5.5 rebounds in two games so far this season and will be a name to keep an eye on.
Jalen Duren-Memphis
This Memphis team is loaded with young talent, including center Jalen Duren, who is thought to be the second-best big in this class.
Duren showed why in his first game, scoring 15 points and grabbing six rebounds to go with five blocked shots. He and Bates are going to be fun to watch this season. Though the New Orleans Pelicans don’t need a center on paper, the play of Jaxson Hayes has to have the team wondering if he is the answer.
New Orleans Pelicans: 2022 NBA Draft prospects to watch
Patrick Baldwin Jr.-Milwaukee
The 6-foot-10 forward has been rocketing up draft boards lately and had a big performance in his first game of the season, putting up 21 points and pulling down 10 boards.
When his 3-point shot comes around, this kid is going to be a force and is a guy whose all-around game would fit on the New Orleans Pelicans, as he can play a few different positions.
Paolo Banchero- Duke
Banchero is considered one of the top-3 2022 NBA Draft prospects and many believe the 6-foot-10 forward could be the top overall pick.
He hasn’t disappointed so far, averaging 20 points and 9.5 rebounds in his first two games at Duke.
Chet Holmgren- Gonzaga
Holmgren is considered by many to be the top guy this year, as the seven footer can pretty much do it all. He can shoot from range, put it on the floor and defend the rim, which is pretty much all you could want out of a modern big.
He put up eye-popping numbers in his first game, notching 14 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and seven blocks.
It’s possible that Holmgren will put up a quadruple double at some point this season and if I had to guess, I’d say he’ll be the number one pick. Will the New Orleans Pelicans be the ones doing the picking? Holmgren would be a great fit with Zion Williamson as a big who can spread the floor and block shots.