ESPN Predicts Pelicans Selecting Guard As 1st-Round Pick

ESPN analysts project the New Orleans Pelicans would select a shooting guard with their first-round pick.

According to ESPN analysts Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony, the New Orleans Pelicans will likely choose shooting guard Jordan Hawkins as their first-round pick.   The 2023 NBA Draft has New Orleans in the No. 14 slot, where EVP David Griffin could look to bolster the depth at the guard or center position.

"Hawkins' deadeye movement shooting would immediately add a different dimension to their personnel on a roster already full of ball handlers. His experience level and valuable role might make him more appealing here than trying to develop a younger guard on a longer timeline."  Woo and Givony

Apr 3, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Jordan Hawkins (24) and San Diego State Aztecs forward Keshad Johnson (0) reach for a rebound in the national championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournamemt at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: NCAA Basketball: Brett Wilhelm/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans wanted to make a splash with a power move for guard Scoot Henderson to trade into either spot occupied by the Charlotte Hornets (No. 2) and Portland Trail Blazers (No. 3).  It appears that the hype surrounding a Pelicans trade has subsided.  They are now focusing on potential recruits such as Jordan Hawkins, a guard from UConn.   The 2023 NCAA champion averaged 16.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 1.3 APG last season as the Huskies hoisted the championship trophy in April.

Hawkins has nice height at 6-5, but weighs in at 195 pounds — he'll need to bulk up a bit for the NBA.  His scoring and play-making potential would be valuable for Willie Green's offense, especially from 3-point range.   New Orleans could work Hawkins much like the Warriors utilizes Klay Thompson.  I watched Miami and San Diego State have problems guarding him at the 2023 Final Four in Houston.  You immediately notice the length and size advantage in the locker room.  Jordan Hawkins is a fundamentally sound player with a good feel for the game, realizing when to be aggressive in attacking the paint.

The only problem is New Orleans has a similar player — Trey Murphy III.  The 6-8 sharp-shooter contributed by averaging 14.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 1.4 APG during the 2022-23 season.  Would bringing on Hawkins be the answer, with Murphy developing into a shooting ace for the Pelicans?  Well, depth is always a good problem to have for any team, but...we can't forget about Trey!

We shall see.