The NBA Draft kicks off at 6pm this evening and the new look Pelicans are sporting the 1st and fourth picks, and looking to rebuild after trading former cornerstone superstar Anthony Davis.
It’s a stone cold lock that New Orleans will grab generational talent, Duke legend Zion Williamson with the first pick. Locked on Pelicans publisher Jake Madison says he’s more than just a dominant player…
“He’s very charismatic, very electric, and should really be able to get the fanbase excited about basketball. You could not start the next chapter of New Orleans basketball any better.”
The 6-7, 280 forward says he loved his recent trip to New Orleans to meet team officials. Media caught him smiling ear to ear after having dinner at Commanders Palace and high fiving fans on the street.
The Lakers technically will be making the 4th pick for the Pels tonight, as the trade won’t be final until at least July 6th. Madison says there’s a good chance whoever is picked won’t even suite up for NOLA.
“They are going to look to do anything they can to move out of the number four slot. I don’t think they are particularly enamored with anyone there, and I think it really is a top 3 draft.”
The Pels are reportedly chasing Washington’s All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal, with the 4th pick as part of rumored offers.
If they keep the pick, Madison says there’s three players he sees in contention for the selection, starting with Vanderbilt point guard Darius Garland…
“He’s got some shades of Damian Lillard in his game. You’ve got Deandre Hunter out of Virginia who is a very good three point shooter and can defend multiple positions. Maybe you look at a guy like Jarret Culver who’s more of a two-guard, a wing player, but his shot looks like it will translate particularly well, and he’s a guy who seems to have a team-first attitude.”
There’s reports that the Atlanta Hawks are offering the 8th and 10th selection in exchange for the Pels’ 4th.
