Pelicans Consensus Mock Draft Selections
According to Drew Packham of NBA.com, the consensus picks for the New Orleans Pelicans are mostly shooting guards. The list of candidates at No. 14 ranges from Kobe Bufkin (Michigan), Cason Wallace (Kentucky), Jordan Hawkins (UConn), Jalen Hood-Schifino (Indiana), Dereck Lively II (Duke), Noah Clowney (Alabama), Bilal Coulibaly (Wing, Metropolitans 92), and Brice Sensabaugh (Ohio State).
Based on the various 2023 NBA Mock Drafts, the No. 14 spots belong to the following:
- Pelicans Scoop: Dereck Lively II
- Sports Illustrated: Bilal Coulibaly
- NBA.com: Cason Wallace
- ESPN: Jordan Hawkins
- The Ringer: Noah Clowney
- The Athletic: Dereck Lively II
- Yahoo Sports: Bilal Coulibaly
- Bleacher Report: Jalen Hood-Schifino
- Netscouts Basketball: Jordan Hawkins
- Gary Parrish - CBS Sports: Kobe Bufkin
- Kyle Boone - CBS Sports: Jalen Hood-Schifino
- SB Nation: Brice Sensabaugh
- USA Today/FTW: Cason Wallace
SI's Kevin Sweeney reports two shooting guards who project at No. 14:
Bilal Coulibaby (Wing, Metropolitans 92)
Previous Ranking: No. 31
Current Ranking: No. 14
"This is a huge move, driven largely by Coulibaly's impressive play lately during the French playoffs helping Victor Wembanyama's team to the LNB Pro A finals. Previously most well-regarded for his defense, Coulibaly has consistently expanded his offensive game throughout the season in France. It's hard not to be intrigued by his physical tools and fluidity, and he's still just 18 years old, making him one of the younger players in this draft. Don't be surprised if he ends up in the lottery." Sweeney
Jordan Hawkins (UConn)
"Hawkins is an elite off-movement shooter who knocked down 109 threes for a title-winning UConn team as a sophomore. UConn's offense required Hawkins to be in near-constant motion, using mostly off-ball screening and player movement to get him open despite opponents' best efforts. He'll immediately be comfortable getting his shot off out of pindowns and staggers in the NBA, and his lightning-quick release allows him to generate open shots even against a good defense. Plus, he shot extremely well when the lights were brightest, sinking a ridiculous 21-of-42 from deep in the NCAA tournament. How much a team buys in to the rest of his skill set will determine whether Hawkins lands in the lottery on draft night, but he's clearly an elite three-point threat." Sweeney
Sports Illustrated's Big Board's Top-25 Draft Prospects
- Victor Wembanyama, F, Metropolitans 92
- Scoot Henderson, PG, G League Ignite
- Brandon Miller, Wing, Alabama
- Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite
- Anthony Black, G, Arkansas
- Jarace Walker, F, Houston
- Cam Whitmore, Wing, Villanova
- Ausar Thompson, Wing, Overtime Elite
- Taylor Hendricks, F, UCF
- Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky
- Gradey Dick, Wing, Kansas
- Jordan Hawkins, G, UConn
- Noah Clowney, F, Alabama
- Bilal Coulibaly, Wing, Metropolitans 92
- Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana
- Nick Smith, G, Arkansas
- Dereck Lively II, C, Duke
- Keyonte George, G, Baylor
- Kris Murray, F, Iowa
- Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan
- Jett Howard, Wing, Michigan
- Leonard Miller, Wing, G League Ignite
- Rayan Rupert, Wing, New Zealand Breakers
- Colby Jones, Wing, Xavier
- Brice Sensabaugh, G, Ohio State
If the player New Orleans is eyeing is unavailable at No. 14, they may consider trading their selection. Despite the pressure to make a big move, the Pelicans' front office must select a skilled player who can effectively compete for a spot on the roster and playing time. The draft tonight in Brooklyn doesn't necessarily require a home run selection.
Since David Griffin became the executive vice president of basketball operations in New Orleans on April 17, 2019, the Pelicans have produced erratic records but improved.
The basketball team's top pick in 2019, Zion Williamson, has experienced multiple injuries and has been in and out of games. Additionally, internal conflicts within the organization have led to discussions about potentially trading the talented forward. Last week, the team released his closest confidant, assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon, which led to more speculation about Zion's status with the team.
Critics argue that the Pelicans executive must deliver results this season after two consecutive appearances in the NBA Play-In Tournament, one playoff appearance in the 2021-22 season, and four seasons with at least 40 regular season wins. The proposal of trading Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram would be more problematic than "problem-solving" if New Orleans is to have a banner year in 2023-24. Will Griffin, Langdon, and Cash make a splash tonight at the 2023 NBA Draft for the Pelicans?
We shall see.
