Pelicans 2019 Draft: Who Did They Pick & How'd They Do?

Hey sports fans! Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans' 2019 NBA draft class. This was a pivotal moment for the team, especially following the blockbuster trade that brought in Zion Williamson. The Pelicans were looking to build a new era of basketball, and the draft was a crucial part of that plan. We will be looking at each of the Pelicans 2019 draft picks, and analyzing their potential impact on the team. Let's get right into it, shall we?

The Lottery Pick: Zion Williamson - The Hype and the Reality

Zion Williamson was, without a doubt, the biggest name coming out of the 2019 draft. The hype surrounding him was unprecedented since LeBron James. The New Orleans Pelicans were lucky enough to win the lottery and secure the first overall pick, which they used to select this powerhouse forward. Guys, it was a huge deal! Everyone was buzzing about Zion's incredible athleticism, his highlight-reel dunks, and his overall potential to become a generational talent. The expectations were sky-high, and for good reason: his performance at Duke University was truly mesmerizing.

Zion's rookie season was unfortunately marred by injuries. He missed a significant chunk of the season due to a knee injury. However, when he did play, he showed flashes of brilliance. His scoring ability was immediately apparent; he was able to use his strength and agility to score at the rim, finishing with impressive efficiency. He averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in the 2019-20 season, which was a remarkable performance for a rookie who played only 24 games. The injuries continued to plague him in the following seasons, and these were a source of frustration for both the player and the team. Though Zion showed moments of dominance, he struggled to remain on the court consistently, which made it hard to reach the level of the hype. The question for Zion and the Pelicans has always been, could he stay healthy? When he's on the court, he is unstoppable. Zion has the potential to become one of the best players in the league, but he needs to stay healthy and continue to develop his game. The Pelicans' success hinges on his ability to stay on the court and lead the team. His impact on the court is undeniable, but his absence is equally felt. The Pelicans organization has worked hard to support Zion with recovery. His impact is already changing the trajectory of the Pelicans. He is a key player and the team will have to do everything to ensure his success.

Zion's Impact and Future

Despite the injury setbacks, Zion has shown enough potential to warrant the Pelicans' continued investment in him. His presence on the court boosts the team's offense, and his ability to draw fouls opens up opportunities for his teammates. The Pelicans are building a team around Zion, with the hope that he can develop into a true superstar. They’ve added pieces around him to maximize his strengths and mitigate his weaknesses. With a core group of talented players, the future looks bright for the Pelicans, but Zion's health remains the single most important factor in the team's success. The front office will have to be strategic in managing his minutes and workload to ensure that they can get the most out of him over the long haul. The goal is to build a winning culture around Zion and see the team contend for a championship. It’s a long game, but the foundation is there. The Pelicans fans are very excited to see what Zion will be able to do. The team has a bright future, and the excitement for the upcoming season is palpable.

The Later Picks: Evaluating the Supporting Cast

The Pelicans, in addition to Zion, also had other draft picks. Let's see who else the Pelicans selected in the 2019 draft. The success of a draft class isn't just about the lottery pick; it's also about finding valuable players in the later rounds.

Jaxson Hayes: Athleticism and Potential

The Pelicans selected Jaxson Hayes with the eighth overall pick. Hayes, a center out of Texas, was known for his incredible athleticism and shot-blocking ability. He was seen as a raw but promising prospect who had the potential to develop into a valuable rim protector. During his tenure with the Pelicans, Hayes showed flashes of what he could be. His athleticism allowed him to be a lob threat on offense and a disruptive defender on the other end of the court. However, his development was inconsistent. He struggled with foul trouble and consistency. Hayes was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2023 offseason. Jaxson Hayes's career has had its ups and downs. However, he is still young and has time to improve. If he can become more consistent, he has a shot to have a productive career in the NBA. He’ll need to find a place to fit in. He has shown glimpses of what he can do, but he needs to find a way to make it more consistently.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker: Scoring Guard

The Pelicans traded for the 17th pick in the draft, and selected Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a combo guard from Virginia Tech. Alexander-Walker was viewed as a skilled scorer with a high basketball IQ. He was capable of creating his own shot and making plays for others. During his time with the Pelicans, he showed glimpses of his potential as a scorer, but he also struggled with consistency and efficiency. He was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a deal that brought CJ McCollum to New Orleans. Alexander-Walker has since played for the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves. Alexander-Walker is a solid player who can score the ball. He is still working on becoming a more consistent and efficient player. He has the potential to become a valuable role player in the NBA. Time will tell if he can reach his full potential.

Didi Louzada: International Prospect

The Pelicans also selected Didi Louzada with the 35th overall pick. He was a versatile wing player from Brazil. The Pelicans traded his rights to the Atlanta Hawks. Louzada eventually joined the Pelicans during the 2021-22 season. He showed flashes of potential, but he struggled to find consistent playing time. He was later traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. The team waived him, before the Pelicans brought him back. He was released by the team during the 2022 offseason. Didi Louzada is no longer in the NBA. He played in the Brazilian league. He will need to continue improving his skills if he hopes to make a return to the NBA. The NBA is a tough league. It requires a lot of hard work. The goal is to be a great player in the NBA.

Overall Grade and Conclusion: Assessing the 2019 Draft

So, what's the verdict on the Pelicans' 2019 draft? On the surface, it looks like a mixed bag. The selection of Zion Williamson was an obvious win, despite the injuries. He is a potential franchise player who can transform the team's fortunes. Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided some value, but their tenures with the Pelicans were ultimately short-lived. The selection of Didi Louzada didn't pan out.

Overall, the 2019 draft was a mixed bag for the Pelicans. It was a draft that had the potential to be a franchise-altering one, and Zion Williamson's selection was a massive win. The injuries, however, have made it difficult to fully evaluate the draft class. With the right development and health, Zion could become a superstar. The other picks have shown flashes of potential, but they've been inconsistent. The Pelicans' front office will be looking to build on the success of the 2019 draft. The goal is to find players that will complement Zion and the other key players on the team. The Pelicans have a bright future, and the 2019 draft was a step in the right direction. The future of the team is up to Zion. He has to take care of himself and continue to improve his game. The Pelicans are set up for a championship run. The fans are also excited to see the team contend for a championship.

Looking Ahead

The Pelicans are building a team that is designed to compete for championships. They have a core group of talented players, and they are committed to developing them. The team also has a lot of young talent, and they are constantly looking to improve their roster. The Pelicans have a lot of potential, and they are poised to become a contender in the Western Conference. They have the pieces in place to compete for a championship. The future is bright for the Pelicans, and the 2019 draft was a crucial part of that plan. The team is positioned to be a top contender in the NBA. The Pelicans are an exciting team to watch, and their fans have a lot to look forward to. The goal is to win a championship and build a lasting legacy. The team has a lot of potential, and the future is bright.