The New Orleans Pelicans were an absolute nightmare last season. The goal this summer was to bounce back and retool.
The Pelicans had the seventh pick in the draft, and they used it on Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears. Fears is one of the more electric players in this year’s draft, and he fills New Orleans’ need for a long-term floor general. He’s got a crafty handle, is a creative finisher around the rim, and has great court vision.
The Pelicans then traded back into the lottery to select Maryland big man Derik Queen. Queen has a smooth offensive game and has the potential to be an offensive hub at the next level. He is a high-IQ big man, who operates in the mid-range and post areas. He needs to work on his defense, but he is a high-upside pick.
The bottom line is that New Orleans picked great players. The problem is what they traded to get those players. The Pelicans gave up their 2026 first-round pick next year to the Hawks when they traded up for Queen.
The New Orleans Pelicans made a huge mistake giving up their pick
New Orleans was already reeling from the…
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