New Orleans Pelicans Draft History: All Picks, Every Year!

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey sports fans! Ever wondered about the New Orleans Pelicans' journey through the NBA draft? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive deep into the Pelicans' draft history, year by year. From the franchise's early days as the Hornets to the current era with Zion Williamson, we'll cover every pick, every trade, and every memorable moment. Get ready for a trip down memory lane, filled with potential superstars, unexpected gems, and maybe a few draft day blunders. Let's get started, guys!

The Early Years (2002-2005): Building a Foundation

The New Orleans Pelicans, or rather, the then-New Orleans Hornets, entered the NBA in 2002, and their draft history began. This period was all about establishing a presence and finding players who could become the cornerstones of the franchise. It wasn't always smooth sailing, but these early drafts laid the groundwork for what was to come. They were searching for those elite talents that could help them take off.

In 2002, the Hornets picked P.J. Brown (traded) and Jeryl Sasser. Not the most electrifying start, but it was a beginning. The 2003 draft brought in David West, a player who would become a key contributor for the Hornets for many years. West's consistency and reliable play quickly made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the team's identity. Then in 2004, the team drafted J.R. Smith (traded). Finally, in 2005, the team brought in Chris Paul, who would become the face of the franchise. Drafting Paul was a game-changer. His incredible court vision, scoring ability, and leadership transformed the Hornets into a playoff contender almost overnight. Paul's impact was undeniable, and he quickly became one of the league's top point guards.

These early drafts were a mix of hits and misses. While they found a superstar in Chris Paul, they also made some picks that didn't pan out as expected. However, the experience of these years helped shape the franchise's approach to the draft, teaching them valuable lessons about talent evaluation and team building. The early 2000s were a crucial period for the Hornets, as they laid the foundation for future success and established themselves in the NBA landscape. The goal was simple, find quality players, build a team identity and have fun.

Key Draft Picks:

  • Chris Paul (2005): The cornerstone of the franchise, a perennial All-Star.
  • David West (2003): A reliable veteran who provided consistent scoring and rebounding.

The Chris Paul Era & The Transition (2006-2011): Playoffs and Rebuilding

With Chris Paul leading the charge, the New Orleans Hornets enjoyed a period of success and excitement. However, the NBA is a business, and changes are inevitable. This era saw the Hornets navigating the highs of playoff runs and the challenges of rebuilding after key players moved on. It was a time of both excitement and uncertainty.

In 2006, the team selected Hilton Armstrong. In 2007, the team drafted Julian Wright. They were hoping for some key role players. The 2008 draft was quiet with no picks. The 2009 draft brought in Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton. In 2010, the team got Cole Aldrich (traded). Finally, in 2011, the team got Austin Rivers. Despite the success with Chris Paul, the Hornets faced challenges in surrounding him with the right talent. The drafts during this period yielded mixed results. While they found some useful role players, they struggled to add impact talent around Paul. The team made the playoffs a few times, but they ultimately couldn't build a championship-caliber roster around their star point guard.

The departure of Chris Paul in a trade marked the end of an era. The team had to retool and rebuild, looking for new players and a new identity. The drafts during this time were crucial for finding the next generation of players to lead the franchise. The focus shifted to developing young talent and building for the future. This period set the stage for the next chapter in the franchise's history.

Key Draft Picks:

  • Darren Collison (2009): A solid point guard who provided scoring and playmaking.

The Anthony Davis Era & The Pelicans Rise (2012-2019): A New Hope

The arrival of Anthony Davis signaled a new era for the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis was a dominant force, and he quickly became one of the league's best players. The Pelicans were finally in a position to build a team around a true superstar, and the draft became even more critical. They went into the draft looking for that star power.

In 2012, the team got Anthony Davis. The 2013 draft brought in Nerlens Noel (traded). In 2014, the team got Nikola Mirotic (traded). They were slowly adding impact players. The 2015 draft brought in Frank Jackson. In 2016, the team picked Buddy Hield. In 2017, the team got Frank Jackson and Cheick Diallo. In 2018, they got Jontay Porter (traded). Finally, in 2019, the team picked Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Marcos Louzada Silva. The Pelicans made some savvy draft choices and some questionable ones. They were looking for players that could complement Davis. While Davis led the charge, the Pelicans were able to make the playoffs a few times, but they couldn't advance very far.

Despite the individual brilliance of Anthony Davis, the Pelicans struggled to build a consistent contender. They made the playoffs a few times, but they always seemed to fall short of their goals. The draft during this time was crucial for adding talent, but the team's ability to develop and retain those players was questionable. The team made some solid picks. It was a time of hope and excitement for Pelicans fans, as they finally had a true superstar to root for. The team was always looking for players to fill the gaps.

Key Draft Picks:

  • Anthony Davis (2012): A franchise-altering player, a dominant force.
  • Buddy Hield (2016): A talented shooter.

The Zion Williamson Era & The Future (2019-Present): The Next Chapter

The New Orleans Pelicans entered a new era with the arrival of Zion Williamson. Zion is a force of nature, and he brought a new level of excitement to the franchise. This period is still unfolding, and the draft continues to play a significant role in shaping the team's future. The hope and expectations are high.

In 2019, the team selected Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. They were trying to add quality players and depth to the team. The 2020 draft brought in Kira Lewis Jr. In 2021, the team drafted Trey Murphy III. In 2022, they got Dyson Daniels. Finally, in 2023, the team picked Jordan Hawkins. The Pelicans' future looks bright with Zion leading the charge and a talented supporting cast. The draft remains a vital tool for the team to add talent and build a sustainable contender. The Pelicans are aiming to become a perennial playoff team and compete for championships. This is a very exciting time for the team. The focus is to build around Zion and develop a winning culture.

The Pelicans have made some promising draft choices, and the future looks bright. With Zion Williamson as the centerpiece and a supporting cast of talented players, the Pelicans are poised to become a force in the Western Conference. The front office is committed to building a winning team through the draft and other avenues. The goal is to create a team that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

Key Draft Picks:

  • Zion Williamson (2019): A dynamic player with immense potential.
  • Trey Murphy III (2021): A great shooter.
  • Dyson Daniels (2022): A talented guard with a high ceiling.

Conclusion: The Pelicans' Draft Legacy

The New Orleans Pelicans' draft history is a story of highs, lows, and everything in between. From the early days of building a foundation to the excitement of the Chris Paul era, the dominance of Anthony Davis, and the current Zion Williamson era, the draft has played a vital role in shaping the franchise's identity and trajectory. The team's draft picks have included future Hall of Famers, All-Stars, and key role players. While there have been some misses along the way, the Pelicans have always used the draft to find talent, develop players, and build for the future. The NBA Draft is always an exciting time for the franchise.

As the Pelicans look ahead, the draft will continue to be a critical tool for adding talent and building a championship-caliber team. With a mix of young talent and established stars, the future looks bright for the New Orleans Pelicans. It is time for a new generation of players to make their mark on the franchise and lead the team to even greater heights. The legacy will keep on growing, and the journey continues. Go Pelicans!