The NBA draft is just five days away, and the league is about to get crazy. The Pelicans have been the subject of all sorts of rumors this week, starting with the idea of New Orleans trading up to draft Ace Bailey if he makes it past the Charlotte Hornets at pick 4.
Yesterday, it emerged that New Orleans' desire to trade up for Bailey was overstated and that he isn't the Pels' intended target of a trade-up. This report comes from NBA insider Marc Stein. This leads me to believe New Orleans' real trade-up target is Tre Johnson.
Johnson, like I've talked about before is an exciting scorer coming off an incredible freshman season with the Texas Longhorns. During his run in college, Johnson averaged 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
That being said, Johnson's range is all over the place in mock drafts. A few days ago, No Ceilings had him mocked going 3rd to the Philadelphia 76ers. ESPN had him going 5th to the Utah Jazz, and Bleacher Report had him ending up in New Orleans at 7.
What Johnson's wide range means for the Pelicans
If Johnson indeed is the intended target for the Pelicans, his wide range of anywhere No. 3 to No. 7 puts the Pelicans in an interesting spot. Sometimes, prospects are seen as clear fits for specific picks due to strong workouts or team preferences, but that’s not the case with Johnson. This wide range means that the Pelicans will likely be forced to wait for Draft Night.
Trading up for Johnson isn't like trading up for Dylan Harper, as we know the Rutgers guard is a lock to be the second overall pick. So, if the Pelicans wanted to take Harper, they knew they needed to make a move with the Spurs for No. 2.
Trading up for Johnson is an exciting opportunity, but New Orleans will have to wait and see how the draft falls. With Johnson's range being anywhere from 3 to 7, the Pels may not even have to trade up to get their guy. Currently, it seems the only surefire picks are Cooper Flagg to Dallas at No. 1 and Dylan Harper to the Spurs at No. 2.
So, Pelicans fans, if Joe Dumars has his heart set on either Johnson or maybe still Ace Bailey, don't expect any moves until the draft starts at 7 p.m. this Wednesday, June 25th.