Pelicans Draft History: A Year-by-Year Guide

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey guys, let's dive into the New Orleans Pelicans draft history! This is a comprehensive guide to every draft pick the team has made since their inception. We'll go year by year, highlighting the top picks, notable players, and a little bit about how each draft class shaped the franchise. Get ready to explore the highs, the lows, and everything in between! This should be a fun ride for any NBA and Pelicans fan, so let's get started!

2002: The Beginning (New Orleans Hornets)

Alright, let's rewind all the way back to 2002, the inaugural year for the New Orleans Hornets (yup, before they were the Pelicans!). This draft marked the beginning of a new era for basketball in New Orleans. The Hornets, with the 18th overall pick, selected Nene Hilario. Nene, a power forward/center, played a few seasons with the Hornets, providing solid inside play before being traded. Later in the second round, they selected Roger Mason Jr., a shooting guard. This draft class was a foundation, a starting point for what the franchise would try to build.

The 2002 draft was actually pretty interesting, right? It was a time when the league was still figuring out its identity post-Michael Jordan. Think about it: a new team, a new city, and a lot of potential. While Nene didn't become a superstar in New Orleans, he was a solid contributor. Mason Jr., on the other hand, became more known for his play later in his career, especially for his shooting ability. This draft year provided the team with players who helped set the tone. It's cool to see how these early picks helped establish the groundwork for future drafts and teams. It's a reminder that every draft, even the ones that don't produce immediate stars, can be important.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • Nene Hilario: Solid big man, contributed in the early years.
  • Roger Mason Jr.: A journeyman who showed shooting talent later on.

2003: A Year of Misses

The 2003 draft, oh boy. This year was rough. The Hornets, again selecting at 18, chose David West. West became a cornerstone for the team later on, but wasn't initially regarded as such. While West's impact would be felt later, this draft wasn't exactly a star-studded affair for New Orleans in its early going. The second round saw them pick Maceo Baston. This draft class had its challenges, to say the least. It’s a good example of how the draft can be unpredictable.

This year was particularly challenging because of the overall talent level in the draft pool. Beyond the top few picks, it was difficult to find players who would make a significant impact. David West, as we know, turned out to be the real deal, so this draft wasn't a total bust. These picks highlight the complex nature of the draft – the ability to spot talent and project future success. This year served as a lesson and a learning curve for the Hornets' front office. It demonstrates that every pick has consequences and that building a winning team takes time.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • David West: Became a key player and All-Star.
  • Maceo Baston: Limited impact.

2004: Chris Paul Arrives!

This is the draft that changed everything! The Hornets, with the 4th pick, selected Chris Paul. Chris Paul, instantly became the face of the franchise. He brought a level of excitement, skill, and leadership that the team had never seen before. It was a game-changer! The second round saw the selection of Marko Jaric, which didn't pan out. But let's be real, CP3 made this draft a huge success for the team. This draft class would forever be remembered for the arrival of CP3!

Can you imagine the buzz around New Orleans when Chris Paul was drafted? It was like a new era dawned! Paul's impact went beyond the court. He brought fans into the arena, boosted the team's competitiveness, and made the Hornets a team to watch. Jaric didn't have the same success, but let's be honest, CP3 alone makes this draft legendary for the team. This year is proof of how one player can transform a franchise. It's an important moment that any Hornets and Pelicans fan looks back on.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • Chris Paul: Franchise-altering point guard, All-Star.

2005-2010: Building Around CP3

With Chris Paul leading the charge, the Hornets focused on building a supporting cast. The draft picks during this time were a mix of hits and misses. 2005 saw the selection of Chris Taft at 49, who never played a game for the team. 2006 gave us Hilton Armstrong at 12 and Marcus Vinicius at 43. 2007 saw Julian Wright at 13. 2008 was a good year with Donte Greene at 28. 2009 saw the team pick Dar Tucker at 55. 2010 gave us Craig Brackins at 21, and Quincy Pondexter at 26, who did go on to become a key player.

These years were all about surrounding CP3 with talent. While not every pick was a home run, the team managed to find players who could contribute. The drafts in the mid-2000s were all about making smart choices to support their star point guard. It really shows how you need a combination of star power and role players to achieve success. These picks reveal the different strategies the front office considered during that time. They give us a glimpse into the evolution of the team.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • Quincy Pondexter (2010): Solid role player.

2011-2013: The Transition

After Chris Paul's departure, the team entered a rebuilding phase. In 2011, they picked Austin Rivers with the 10th pick. 2012 gave them Anthony Davis, with the first overall pick. This selection set the foundation for the future. 2013 saw Nerlens Noel get drafted, and traded away. These picks were a mix of high hopes and development. The team was finding its new identity after CP3 left.

These drafts were about starting over and building a new core. Drafting Anthony Davis with the first pick was huge, and a signal to the whole league of the team's potential. This was about making the right choices to set the team up for long-term success. The decisions made during this period reflect a strategic shift, and a focus on long-term development. These picks would shape the Pelicans for years to come.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • Anthony Davis (2012): Franchise player, All-Star.

2014-2018: Building with AD

With Anthony Davis leading the way, the Pelicans aimed to build a competitive roster. 2014 brought in Nikola Mirotic. 2015 saw D'Angelo Russell (traded away on draft night), and Frank Jackson was drafted in the second round. 2016 gave them Buddy Hield, and Cheick Diallo. 2017 was Jayson Tatum, but traded, and Frank Jackson. 2018 saw Jalen Brunson (traded away on draft night).

During this time, the team was trying to surround Anthony Davis with players who could complement his skillset. They hoped to build a team that could contend in the playoffs. These picks demonstrate the team's strategies and the challenges of the draft. It's about finding the right pieces to fit around your star player. These decisions were instrumental in shaping the team's identity during the Anthony Davis era.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • Buddy Hield (2016): Solid player.
  • Frank Jackson (2017): Showed promise.

2019-Present: The Post-AD Era

Following Anthony Davis's departure, the Pelicans entered a new chapter. 2019 brought in Zion Williamson. Zion immediately became the face of the franchise. 2020 saw them get Kira Lewis Jr., and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 2021 gave us Trey Murphy III. 2022 brought in Dyson Daniels and E.J. Liddell. 2023 got the team Jordan Hawkins. The team is currently building its core around Zion and these recent draft picks.

With Zion Williamson as the focal point, the Pelicans are working on establishing a new identity. These recent drafts have been crucial in assembling a young, talented roster. The goal is to build a team that can compete in the Western Conference for years to come. These picks reflect a shift toward a new era, with an emphasis on youth, potential, and long-term development. This is an exciting time to be a Pelicans fan, with a roster full of promising players.

Notable Picks and Impact

  • Zion Williamson (2019): Franchise player.
  • Trey Murphy III (2021): Promising young player.
  • Dyson Daniels (2022): Showing potential.

Conclusion: The Pelicans Draft Legacy

Wow, that was a ride, right? From the early days in New Orleans to the current era, the Pelicans draft picks have shaped the team's journey. There have been moments of brilliance (Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson), and times of learning. Every draft pick contributes to the team's story. It's a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NBA draft. The team has a bright future ahead! Thanks for joining me on this tour through Pelicans draft history! Keep an eye on those young talents, because the future is bright in New Orleans! The draft remains a crucial part of building a winning team! Go Pelicans!