Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: How each 2023 NBA draftee will fit with their new teams

By John Makuch

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jordan Hawkins celebrates after being drafted 14th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Jordan Hawkins celebrates after being drafted 14th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Big East Basketball Jordan Hawkins (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted 14th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Big East Basketball Jordan Hawkins (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted 14th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

1. Pelicans No. 14 Selection, Jordan Hawkins, UConn

Jordan Hawkins was one of the bigger losses for the Huskies heading into their title defense next season, now he becomes a big gain for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Hawkins is a player that provides great shooting with a major hint of athleticism that includes some high-flying dunks and defensive moments. He has seen comparisons to Ray Allen, who had that athletic ability early in his career, and the Pelicans hope he can become an ounce of what Allen did throughout his time in the NBA.

For a team that was near the bottom of the league in terms of three-point shooting, drafting a guy that averaged just around 39 percent from three had to be a no-brainer. Hawkins surprised a lot of teams with his shooting, and that definitely raised his draft stock to become a lottery pick like he now has.

This Pelicans team hopes to take the next step soon with Zion Williamson hopefully coming back and Brandon Ingram continuing to be an elite player, Jackson can be the shooter these guys will have to kick out to.

What makes him so effective though is his ability to still drive while also being effective from behind the arc, he can finish well inside and can make a highlight reel dunk every now and then. His being on a championship team at UConn also helped him out, as getting a player that knows what it takes to win is tough to find.

While Hawkins may have been the first player drafted, many expected another player to go a lot sooner than he eventually did in this draft.

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