Pelicans' 2021 Draft: Who Did They Pick?

Alright Pelicans fans, let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans 2021 draft and break down exactly who the team picked and what they bring to the table. The 2021 NBA Draft was a crucial moment for the Pelicans, a chance to add young talent and address some key needs on their roster. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram already in place, the pressure was on to find players who could complement their stars and help propel the team toward contention. The Pelicans had a few picks in the draft, giving them multiple opportunities to add promising prospects. The draft is always a gamble, but it's also an opportunity to find a diamond in the rough, a player who can exceed expectations and become a valuable contributor. For the Pelicans, the 2021 draft was about finding those pieces that could help them take the next step. It was about adding depth, shooting, defense, and overall talent to a team that was hungry to compete in the tough Western Conference. So, without further ado, let's get into the specifics of who the Pelicans selected and what we can expect from them.

The Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before we get into the individual picks, let's briefly touch on the Pelicans' overall draft strategy. Heading into the 2021 draft, the Pelicans had clear needs. They needed to improve their three-point shooting, add defensive versatility, and find players who could create their own shots off the bench. With Zion Williamson's dominance inside and Brandon Ingram's smooth scoring ability, the Pelicans needed players who could space the floor and knock down open shots. Defensively, they needed players who could guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses. And with a relatively thin bench, they needed players who could come in and provide instant offense and energy. Given these needs, it was widely expected that the Pelicans would target players who fit this mold. They were rumored to be interested in shooters, defenders, and versatile players who could contribute in multiple ways. The Pelicans also had to consider the long-term future of the team. With Zion and Ingram as their cornerstones, they needed to find players who could grow alongside them and become key contributors for years to come. This meant prioritizing players with high potential and a willingness to develop their skills. The Pelicans' front office, led by general manager Trajan Langdon, had a clear vision for the team, and they used the 2021 draft to try to bring that vision to life.

Who the Pelicans Picked

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Who did the Pelicans actually select in the 2021 NBA Draft? With their first-round pick, the Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III from the University of Virginia. Murphy was the 17th overall pick in the draft. Standing at 6'9" with a sweet shooting stroke, Murphy was exactly what the Pelicans needed: a knockdown shooter with size and length. During his time at Virginia, Murphy shot over 43% from three-point range, showcasing his ability to space the floor and make defenses pay for leaving him open. He also possesses the size and athleticism to defend multiple positions, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. In the second round, the Pelicans selected Herbert Jones from the University of Alabama. Jones was the 35th overall pick. Jones is known for his defensive prowess and high motor. He's a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and is always willing to do the dirty work. While his offensive game is still developing, his defensive abilities and relentless effort make him a valuable role player. Overall, the Pelicans' 2021 draft class was focused on addressing their needs for shooting, defense, and versatility. Murphy and Jones both fit this mold, and they have the potential to become valuable contributors for the team.

Trey Murphy III: The Sharpshooter

Trey Murphy III was the Pelicans' prized pick in the 2021 draft. His selection was met with excitement from fans and analysts alike, as he perfectly addressed one of the team's biggest needs: three-point shooting. In today's NBA, having players who can consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc is essential for success. Murphy's ability to space the floor and make defenses pay for doubling Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram is invaluable. But Murphy is more than just a shooter. He's also a capable defender with good size and length. He can guard multiple positions and is willing to use his athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses. During his time at Virginia, he showed flashes of being a complete player, and the Pelicans are hoping that he can continue to develop his game in the NBA. One of the biggest areas where Murphy needs to improve is his ability to create his own shot. While he's a great catch-and-shoot player, he needs to become more comfortable putting the ball on the floor and attacking the basket. If he can develop this aspect of his game, he has the potential to become a truly special player. The Pelicans are committed to helping Murphy reach his full potential. They've surrounded him with talented teammates and coaches who can help him improve his skills and adjust to the NBA game. With hard work and dedication, Murphy has the chance to become a key piece of the Pelicans' future.

Herbert Jones: The Defensive Ace

While Trey Murphy III was the Pelicans' first-round pick, Herbert Jones has quickly become a fan favorite in New Orleans. Jones is known for his defensive intensity and relentless effort. He's the kind of player who leaves it all on the court every single night. During his time at Alabama, Jones was one of the best defenders in college basketball. He can guard multiple positions and is always willing to take on the toughest defensive assignments. He's also a smart player who understands defensive schemes and rotations. While his offensive game is still a work in progress, Jones has shown flashes of potential. He's a decent finisher around the basket and is improving his three-point shot. But his biggest value lies in his defense. In today's NBA, having players who can defend multiple positions is essential. Jones's versatility allows the Pelicans to switch defenses and matchup with different types of players. He's also a great teammate who is always willing to do the dirty work. The Pelicans are excited about Jones's potential and believe that he can become a key role player for the team. With his defensive abilities and relentless effort, he has the chance to make a big impact in New Orleans. He embodies the kind of grit and determination that the Pelicans are looking for in their players. Jones is the type of player who can energize a team and get the crowd on their feet. He's a valuable asset to the Pelicans, and they're lucky to have him.

How the Draft Picks Fit with the Pelicans

So, how do Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones fit in with the rest of the Pelicans' roster? As we've already discussed, Murphy addresses the team's need for three-point shooting. He'll likely come off the bench and provide instant offense, spacing the floor for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. He'll also get opportunities to play alongside them, giving the Pelicans a versatile offensive lineup. Jones, on the other hand, will provide defensive versatility and energy off the bench. He'll be able to guard multiple positions and take on tough defensive assignments. He'll also be a valuable asset on the glass and in transition. The Pelicans' coaching staff is excited about the potential of both players. They believe that Murphy and Jones can both become valuable contributors for the team. They're committed to helping them develop their skills and adjust to the NBA game. With their talent and work ethic, Murphy and Jones have the chance to make a big impact in New Orleans. They're both great additions to the Pelicans' roster, and they'll help the team compete at a high level. The Pelicans' front office did a great job of identifying and selecting these players in the 2021 draft. They addressed the team's needs and added two promising young players to the roster. The future is bright for the Pelicans, and Murphy and Jones are a big part of that.

Final Thoughts on the 2021 Draft

Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft can be considered a success. They addressed their needs for shooting, defense, and versatility by selecting Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones. Both players have the potential to become valuable contributors for the team, and they fit well with the Pelicans' existing roster. Of course, it's still early, and it will take time to see how these players develop. But the early signs are promising. Murphy has already shown flashes of his shooting ability, and Jones has quickly become a fan favorite for his defensive intensity. The Pelicans are committed to helping these players reach their full potential, and they believe that they can become key pieces of the team's future. The 2021 draft was a crucial moment for the Pelicans, and they made the most of it. They added two talented young players who can help them compete at a high level. The future is bright in New Orleans, and the Pelicans are well-positioned to make a run at the playoffs in the years to come. So there you have it – a comprehensive look at the New Orleans Pelicans' 2021 draft picks! Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of who they picked and what they bring to the team. Keep an eye on these guys – they could be key to the Pelicans' future success! What do you guys think about the picks? Let us know in the comments below!