Pelicans' 2021 Draft: Who They Picked & Why It Matters

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 55 views

The New Orleans Pelicans entered the 2021 NBA Draft with a clear mission: to add young talent that could complement their existing stars, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. The draft was a pivotal moment for the franchise, offering an opportunity to reshape the team's future trajectory. Let's dive into who the Pelicans selected and why these picks matter for their long-term success.

Analyzing the Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before we get into the specifics of each pick, it's important to understand the Pelicans' overall draft strategy. Heading into the night, the Pelicans had needs at several positions, including point guard, shooting guard, and wing. They needed players who could not only score but also defend and contribute to a winning culture.

Identifying Needs: The Pelicans' front office, led by General Manager Trajan Langdon, likely identified several key areas where the team needed improvement. A consistent outside shooter was a priority, as was a player who could create their own shot and ease the offensive burden on Williamson and Ingram. Defense was also a major concern, as the Pelicans struggled to contain opposing offenses during the 2020-21 season.
Evaluating Talent: The Pelicans' scouting department spent countless hours evaluating prospects, watching film, and conducting interviews to identify players who fit their system and possessed the potential to develop into valuable contributors. They likely used a combination of statistical analysis, on-court performance, and character assessments to rank players on their draft board.
Trade Considerations: The Pelicans were also open to trading their draft picks, either to move up in the draft to select a specific player or to acquire additional assets. They likely had several trade scenarios planned out in advance, depending on how the draft unfolded.

Ultimately, the Pelicans' draft strategy was about finding players who could help them compete for a playoff spot in the short term while also building a foundation for long-term success. This required a careful balance of immediate impact and future potential, as well as a willingness to be flexible and adapt to the changing landscape of the draft. It's all about making the right choices to elevate the team! Guys, you gotta remember, the draft is not just about one night; it's about the years of development that follow.

The Pelicans' First-Round Pick: Trey Murphy III

With their first-round pick, the New Orleans Pelicans selected Trey Murphy III from the University of Virginia. This pick was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts, as Murphy was not widely projected to be selected as high as he was. However, the Pelicans clearly saw something special in the 6'9" wing that made him worth the investment.

Player Profile: Trey Murphy III is a versatile wing known for his shooting prowess and defensive potential. During his time at Virginia, he established himself as one of the premier shooters in college basketball, knocking down threes at a high clip. He also showed flashes of defensive ability, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents and contest shots. Murphy's size and skill set make him a valuable asset in today's NBA, where teams are constantly searching for players who can space the floor and defend multiple positions.
Strengths: Murphy's biggest strength is undoubtedly his shooting. He has a smooth, effortless stroke and can knock down shots from anywhere on the court. His ability to stretch the floor will open up driving lanes for Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, making the Pelicans' offense more dynamic and harder to guard. Additionally, Murphy is a smart and willing defender who has the potential to develop into a solid two-way player. His length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, and he's shown a willingness to learn and improve on the defensive end.
Weaknesses: While Murphy has a lot of potential, he also has some weaknesses that he needs to address. He's not the strongest or most physical player, which can make it difficult for him to guard bigger wings and forwards. He also needs to improve his ball-handling skills and ability to create his own shot. However, these are areas that he can work on and improve with proper coaching and development.
Fit with the Pelicans: Murphy's fit with the Pelicans is intriguing. His shooting ability will immediately help space the floor for Williamson and Ingram, and his defensive potential could make him a valuable asset on that end of the court. He also seems to be a good fit culturally, as he's known for his work ethic and positive attitude. However, he'll need to prove that he can consistently contribute at the NBA level to justify his high draft selection.

Second-Round Selection: Herbert Jones

In the second round, the Pelicans selected Herbert Jones from the University of Alabama. This pick was widely praised by analysts, as Jones was considered to be one of the best defenders in the draft. He was a steal at this point in the draft and has shown a promising carrer in the NBA.

Player Profile: Herbert Jones is a defensive-minded wing known for his versatility and tenacity. During his time at Alabama, he established himself as one of the premier defenders in the SEC, earning multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. He's also a capable offensive player, with a decent shooting stroke and a knack for making timely cuts and passes. Jones's all-around game and defensive intensity make him a valuable asset in today's NBA, where teams are constantly searching for players who can impact the game on both ends of the court.
Strengths: Jones's biggest strength is undoubtedly his defense. He's a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, from point guards to power forwards. He's also a smart and instinctive player who anticipates plays and makes timely rotations. On offense, he's a capable shooter and passer who makes good decisions with the ball. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court makes him a valuable role player.
Weaknesses: While Jones is a solid all-around player, he doesn't have any elite offensive skills. He's not a great ball-handler or shot-creator, and his shooting can be inconsistent at times. He also needs to add some strength and physicality to his frame to better defend bigger players. However, these are areas that he can work on and improve with proper coaching and development.
Fit with the Pelicans: Jones's fit with the Pelicans is excellent. His defensive ability will immediately help improve the team's defense, and his versatility will allow him to play multiple positions. He also seems to be a good fit culturally, as he's known for his work ethic and positive attitude. He could quickly become a valuable role player for the Pelicans, providing energy, defense, and hustle off the bench.

Undrafted Free Agent Signings

In addition to their draft picks, the Pelicans also signed several undrafted free agents following the draft. These players may not have been selected during the draft, but they still have the potential to develop into valuable contributors.

Naji Marshall: Though not a 2021 draftee, Naji Marshall signed with the Pelicans as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and made a significant impact during the 2020-21 season. His development highlights the importance of UDFA signings. Marshall is a versatile player who can contribute in multiple ways. His energy and hustle have made him a fan favorite.
Evaluating UDFAs: The Pelicans' scouting department likely identified several undrafted free agents who they believed had the potential to develop into valuable contributors. They likely used a combination of statistical analysis, on-court performance, and character assessments to identify players who fit their system and possessed the potential to improve. These players often provide valuable depth and competition during training camp.
Development Focus: The Pelicans' coaching staff will play a key role in developing these undrafted free agents. They'll need to work closely with each player to identify their strengths and weaknesses and create a development plan that helps them reach their full potential. This process requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to invest in the player's future.

Overall Grade and Future Outlook

Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans had a solid 2021 NBA Draft. They added a shooter in Trey Murphy III and a defensive stopper in Herbert Jones, both of whom have the potential to become valuable contributors. While Murphy's selection may have been a bit of a reach, his shooting ability could be a game-changer for the Pelicans' offense. Jones, on the other hand, was a steal in the second round and could quickly become a fan favorite with his defensive intensity and hustle.

Short-Term Impact: In the short term, Murphy and Jones will likely play supporting roles off the bench. Murphy will be asked to space the floor and knock down open shots, while Jones will be tasked with defending the opposing team's best players. Their ability to contribute in these roles will be crucial to the Pelicans' success this season.
Long-Term Potential: In the long term, both Murphy and Jones have the potential to become starters for the Pelicans. Murphy could develop into a dynamic scorer and playmaker, while Jones could become one of the league's premier defenders. Their development will be key to the Pelicans' long-term success.
Final Thoughts: The 2021 NBA Draft was an important step for the Pelicans as they look to build a championship-contending team around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. While it's still too early to definitively grade their selections, the Pelicans appear to have added two promising young players who could make a significant impact in the years to come. It's all about player development and building a cohesive team culture. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, the Pelicans could be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference for many years to come. Keep an eye on these young players; they're the future of the franchise!