Things are starting to come together for the New Orleans Pelicans.
They finally have Brandon Ingram back in the lineup, their three rookies are contributing, Jonas Valanciunas continues to have the best season of his career and CJ McCollum has given them the 3-point shooting and lead guard that they lacked.
After last night’s comeback win over the Lakers, he Pels claimed the 9th seed, which would give them home court in the play-in game if they can hold onto it.
This also increases the chances that they will keep the 2022 NBA Draft pick they are owed from the Lakers, which the Pelicans only keep if it falls into the top-10.
We’ve talked a lot about this scenario and the odds of it happening, but many fans have forgotten that the Pelicans have a shot at having two picks in the upcoming draft.
Of course, they could also have none, which is why this will be one of the most tense NBA lotteries in years, as the future of three different teams could be decided by ping pong balls.
The scenario the Pelicans are looking for is a long shot, but still very possible.
New Orleans Pelicans draft: The chance for two picks
So the Pelicans are due one pick from the Lakers, but also owe a protected pick to the Portland Trail Blazers from the McCollum trade.
The Lakers pick goes to Memphis if it falls outside of the top 10 and the Pelicans’ pick goes to Portland if it falls outside of the top-4.
So how about the New Orleans Pelicans just keep them both?
I did two spins over at Tankathon and got a simulation in which the Pelicans jump up six spots to the 4th pick with their own pick and the Lakers’ dropped one spot to the 10th pick, meaning they would keep both.
If the Pelicans get some lottery luck and jump into the top-4, there is a good chance they will end up with two picks in the top-10.
It’s a long shot, but the Pels would have a 13.9 percent chance of their pick landing in the top-4.
Imagine adding two more lottery picks to this team or trading one of them for a proven veteran to add to the bench? The New Orleans Pelicans could end up with a lot of options and one of the most loaded teams in the league going into next season, especially if Zion Williamson returns at 100 percent as expected.
Of course, the Pelicans have to take care of business and secure the 9th seed to increase their chances, but luck could finally be coming New Orleans way.