Pelicans 2019 Draft: Who Did They Pick & Why?

Alright, basketball fans, let's rewind to the 2019 NBA Draft! This was a pivotal moment for the New Orleans Pelicans, a franchise looking to rebuild and establish a new identity. With the departure of Anthony Davis, the Pelicans were armed with a treasure trove of assets, including the coveted No. 1 overall pick. The 2019 draft was filled with potential, and the Pelicans had the opportunity to reshape their future. So, who did they pick, and what impact did these selections have on the team? Let's dive in and break down the New Orleans Pelicans 2019 draft class.

The No. 1 Pick: Zion Williamson

Okay guys, let's start with the obvious! The New Orleans Pelicans held the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and with it, they selected Zion Williamson, the highly touted power forward from Duke University. This was a monumental decision, as Williamson was considered one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill had scouts and fans buzzing. He was seen as a generational talent, capable of transforming a franchise. The expectations were sky-high, and for good reason. Zion's dominant performances at Duke, where he showcased his incredible dunking ability, explosive drives to the basket, and surprisingly good court vision, had the entire basketball world captivated. The Pelicans hoped Zion would become the face of their franchise and lead them to a new era of success. There's no doubt that Zion has shown flashes of brilliance, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability. He has the potential to be a dominant force in the league. However, injuries have unfortunately plagued his career so far, preventing him from consistently reaching his full potential. When healthy, Zion is a force. The Pelicans were banking on Zion to become their franchise player, and while injuries have been a major setback, the potential is still there for him to make a huge impact on the team.

Zion's arrival in New Orleans generated a ton of excitement. The team's marketing and branding were immediately centered around him. Merchandise sales soared, and the fan base was rejuvenated. The impact of the No. 1 pick on the city and the team was immediately felt. The hope was that Zion could step in and lead the team to the playoffs. Now, while Zion's injury history has been a major concern, the Pelicans have always maintained a long-term approach to his development. The team has invested in his recovery and has been patient, hoping he can return to his dominant form. Zion's ability to drive to the basket, his powerful rebounding, and his improved playmaking have shown promise. If he can stay healthy, he can definitely become a cornerstone of the Pelicans' future. The excitement around Zion remains, and the fans are hoping to see him reach his full potential and lead the Pelicans to sustained success in the future. The Pelicans organization has shown a commitment to providing him with the resources and support he needs to thrive in the NBA. The goal is to build a winning team around him, and the future looks bright with Zion as the central figure.

Other Draft Picks: The Supporting Cast

The 2019 draft wasn't just about Zion. The Pelicans also made other selections to bolster their roster and build depth. Let's take a look at the other players they drafted in 2019 and see how they fit into the team's plans. These picks were crucial in adding young talent and building a more well-rounded team.

Jaxson Hayes

With the No. 8 overall pick, the Pelicans selected Jaxson Hayes, a center from the University of Texas. Hayes was seen as a high-potential big man with impressive athleticism and shot-blocking abilities. He was expected to provide energy and rim protection off the bench. He had a lot of upside, and the Pelicans were hoping he could develop into a key piece of their frontcourt. His athleticism was immediately evident, and he could throw down some incredible dunks. Early on, he showed flashes of potential, but his development has been inconsistent. He has had trouble staying on the court due to foul trouble and struggles with consistency. Hayes' role with the Pelicans has evolved over the years, and he has shown improvement in certain areas. He has the potential to become a valuable contributor, and the team will need him to step up if they want to make a real push in the playoffs. The Pelicans believed in his potential, and they were willing to give him time to develop. He can be an intimidating force inside the paint, and he can be a solid defender. Hayes' ability to run the floor and finish around the rim made him an interesting prospect. The Pelicans hoped to develop him into a reliable contributor who could anchor the defense.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

In a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the Pelicans acquired the No. 17 pick and selected Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a guard from Virginia Tech. Alexander-Walker was a versatile player with a good shooting touch and the ability to handle the ball. He was expected to provide scoring and playmaking off the bench. His shooting ability was a key factor in his selection. He could knock down shots from beyond the arc. He also demonstrated good court vision and the ability to make smart passes. Alexander-Walker had the potential to be a valuable addition to the team. He provided instant offense, and his playmaking skills were a plus. His scoring ability was especially crucial, as he could light up the scoreboard quickly. The Pelicans saw him as a player who could contribute in multiple ways. He could be a key offensive weapon, and the team was excited about his potential. While he didn't quite reach the heights many had hoped, he still showed moments of brilliance and contributed to the team. His scoring ability and versatility made him a valuable asset. The Pelicans hoped he would develop into a key role player who could contribute on both ends of the court.

Marcos Louzada Silva

With the No. 35 overall pick, the Pelicans selected Marcos Louzada Silva, a wing player from Brazil. Silva was seen as a raw but promising prospect with good athleticism and potential. He was expected to develop in the G League. He had the potential to become a valuable role player. His athleticism and defensive skills were notable, and the Pelicans were hoping to see him grow. He spent time developing his skills in the G League. He also had the chance to learn from experienced players. While he didn't have a major impact on the Pelicans, he gained valuable experience and showed glimpses of his potential. The Pelicans were hoping to give him time to develop and eventually contribute to the team. The Pelicans saw him as a low-risk, high-reward pick, and they were hoping to develop his skills and see what he could become. His time in the G League and his development within the organization have allowed him to grow. His defensive skills and potential have made him an interesting prospect for the Pelicans. Although he was not a major contributor, his time in New Orleans allowed him to develop.

The Impact of the 2019 Draft

The 2019 draft was a mixed bag for the Pelicans. While they landed a potential superstar in Zion Williamson, injuries have hindered his ability to reach his full potential. The other draft picks have had varying degrees of success, some providing valuable contributions, while others have struggled to find consistent roles. The draft class has undoubtedly had an impact on the team, shaping its roster and influencing its future. The hope was that the 2019 draft class would become a core component of a contending team. While Zion remains the biggest question mark, the team has continued to build around him, adding more talent through trades and free agency. The ultimate goal is to build a championship team. The Pelicans' front office has been working hard to build a competitive team around Zion. The organization has shown a commitment to improving the team. The Pelicans have made key moves to improve their roster. They have also invested in their coaching staff and player development programs. The goal is to build a winning culture. The Pelicans have improved their overall depth, which is a key part of building a winning team. The impact of the 2019 draft class on the team's trajectory is still being felt. It's a work in progress, but the Pelicans are moving in the right direction.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are in an interesting position. With Zion Williamson as their centerpiece, the team has the potential to be a major force in the NBA. However, the key to their success lies in Zion's health and the development of the supporting cast. The team's ability to build a winning team will hinge on several factors. The Pelicans need to make smart decisions in trades and free agency. The team's front office has been working to build a winning team. They need to continue to build a strong team around Zion. If they can stay healthy and improve their chemistry, they will be contenders. The team's coaching staff is working hard to develop the players and implement a successful game plan. The future is bright for the Pelicans, and the team is working hard to become a championship contender. The team is positioned to make a deep playoff run. The Pelicans are building a team that is built for long-term success. The Pelicans are striving to become one of the league's top teams. The team's success will depend on its ability to develop its young players and make smart roster moves.

So, there you have it, a breakdown of the New Orleans Pelicans' 2019 draft class! It was a draft that held so much promise, and while there have been challenges, the Pelicans are still building toward a bright future. The success of this draft class will ultimately be measured by Zion Williamson's ability to stay healthy and lead the team to success. As a whole, the 2019 draft has set the stage for a new chapter in Pelicans basketball. The Pelicans have shown their commitment to long-term success. With Zion leading the charge and the team building around him, the future looks bright. Stay tuned, because the Pelicans are definitely a team to watch in the coming years! It's going to be exciting to see how this team evolves. The Pelicans are striving to build a team that can compete for championships for years to come.