NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Western Conference franchise
69. . . . New Orleans Pelicans. . team
Biggest needs: Point guard and power forward
Projected picks: 13, 39, 43, 60
The Pelicans are in an interesting spot for the next few years. They have a ton of future first-round picks thanks to the Lakers and could be more if they decide to trade all-star guard Jrue Holiday this offseason. It makes sense since it’ll take a while before they’re ready to compete, but he was the team’s best pure defender and they already were one of the worst in the league at that end of the court.
Who they almost certainly will lose is starting forward Derrick Favors, who is now a free agent. He didn’t fit well for New Orleans and they likely will look to find a better frontcourt partner for Zion Williamson. Duke’s Vernon Carey would be a great potential center prospect and would provide more scoring than rookie Jaxson Hayes may be capable of.
If guard play is the preferred focus instead, Tyrell Terry of Stanford is a tremendous shooter, while Cole Anthony of North Carolina may have been underrated after falling in most mock drafts. With Lonzo Ball on the hot seat in terms of being a legit NBA starter, having some real competition wouldn’t hurt.
I’m not sure that the Pelicans will keep all three of their second-round picks but they should include some frontcourt players capable of rebounding and defending. Also finding a quality shooter to eventually replace JJ Reddick in the backcourt will help.