Pelicans 2022 Draft: Who Did They Pick?

Hey Pelicans fans! Let's dive deep into the New Orleans Pelicans' 2022 draft and see how their picks are shaping up. This draft was a crucial moment for the team, offering a chance to add promising young talent to their roster. The Pelicans had some key opportunities, and we're here to break down each pick, discuss their potential, and analyze how they fit into the team's long-term plans. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Analyzing the Pelicans' Draft Strategy

Before we get into the specifics of each pick, let's talk about the Pelicans' overall strategy heading into the 2022 draft. General Manager Trajan Langdon and his team had some clear objectives: adding shooting, bolstering their wing depth, and finding players who could contribute on both ends of the court. With Zion Williamson's health always a concern, building a versatile and resilient roster was paramount. The Pelicans needed players who could complement Zion and Brandon Ingram, providing spacing and defensive intensity.

Their approach was multifaceted: First, they aimed to identify players with high upside who could develop into key contributors over time. Second, they looked for prospects who fit their culture and were willing to buy into the team's vision. Third, they valued players with a strong work ethic and a willingness to improve. This strategy was evident in their selections, as they targeted players with specific skill sets and the potential to make an immediate impact.

One of the critical factors influencing their strategy was the composition of their existing roster. With stars like Zion and Ingram already in place, the Pelicans didn't necessarily need to draft a player who would demand the ball. Instead, they prioritized players who could thrive in complementary roles, such as spot-up shooters, defenders, and playmakers. This approach allowed them to add talent without disrupting the team's existing chemistry and hierarchy. It’s also worth noting that the Pelicans had multiple picks in the draft, giving them the flexibility to take some risks and target players with different skill sets. They weren’t just looking for one type of player; they were aiming to add diversity and depth to their roster.

Moreover, the Pelicans' front office demonstrated a keen understanding of the modern NBA landscape. They recognized the importance of three-point shooting and perimeter defense, and they prioritized players who excelled in these areas. This forward-thinking approach suggests that the Pelicans are committed to building a team that can compete with the best in the league.

First Round Pick: Dyson Daniels

The Pelicans' first-round pick in 2022 was Dyson Daniels, selected eighth overall. This pick was highly anticipated, and Daniels brought a unique set of skills to the table. Dyson Daniels is a versatile guard known for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and developing offensive game. Standing at 6'7", he possesses excellent size for a guard, allowing him to defend multiple positions and see over defenders to make plays.

Daniels' defensive abilities were a major draw for the Pelicans. He's an active and disruptive defender, using his length and athleticism to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and create turnovers. He has a high defensive IQ and a knack for anticipating opponents' moves. In a league where perimeter defense is increasingly important, Daniels' ability to guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset. His defensive intensity and commitment to that end of the floor were seen as a perfect fit for the Pelicans' defensive identity.

Offensively, Daniels is a capable playmaker with good court vision and passing skills. He can handle the ball effectively and make smart decisions in transition and in the half-court. While his scoring is still developing, he has shown flashes of potential as a shooter and finisher. The Pelicans were confident that their coaching staff could help him refine his offensive game and unlock his full potential. The Pelicans' coaching staff saw Daniels as a player who could contribute in a variety of ways, even without being a high-volume scorer. His ability to create opportunities for others and make smart plays was seen as a valuable addition to the team's offense.

The selection of Dyson Daniels also signaled the Pelicans' commitment to building a team with versatility and positional size. In today's NBA, having players who can play multiple positions is a major advantage, and Daniels fits that mold perfectly. He can play point guard, shooting guard, or even small forward in certain lineups, giving the Pelicans a lot of flexibility with their rotations. Overall, the Pelicans were thrilled to add a player with Daniels' potential to their roster. They believed that he could develop into a key contributor on both ends of the court and help them compete for championships.

Second Round Pick: E.J. Liddell

With their second-round pick, the Pelicans selected E.J. Liddell. E.J. Liddell was viewed as a steal by many draft experts. Liddell is a powerful and skilled forward who played college ball at Ohio State. He's known for his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive versatility. At 6'7", he's slightly undersized for a power forward, but he makes up for it with his strength, athleticism, and tenacity. Unfortunately, Liddell suffered a torn ACL in the offseason, which sidelined him for a significant portion of his rookie year. Before the injury, the Pelicans were excited about his potential and what he could bring to the team.

Liddell's scoring ability was one of his biggest strengths coming out of college. He's a versatile scorer who can score in a variety of ways, both inside and outside the paint. He has a solid jump shot, a reliable post game, and the ability to attack the basket off the dribble. The Pelicans believed that he could provide instant offense off the bench and become a valuable scoring option. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down open shots was seen as a perfect fit for the Pelicans' offensive system.

He's also a strong rebounder, using his strength and athleticism to grab boards on both ends of the court. He has a knack for positioning himself well and boxing out opponents. The Pelicans valued his rebounding ability, as it would help them control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for opponents. Liddell's rebounding prowess was seen as a valuable asset, especially considering the team's emphasis on defensive rebounding.

Defensively, Liddell is a versatile player who can guard multiple positions. He's strong enough to defend bigger players in the post and quick enough to stay in front of smaller players on the perimeter. He's also a good shot-blocker, using his length and timing to protect the rim. The Pelicans were impressed by his defensive versatility and his willingness to compete on that end of the floor. Although the injury was a setback, the Pelicans remain optimistic about Liddell's future. They believe that he has the potential to become a valuable contributor once he fully recovers. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility makes him a unique and intriguing prospect.

Undrafted Free Agents and Summer League

Beyond their draft picks, the Pelicans also added several undrafted free agents and gave them opportunities to showcase their skills in the Summer League. This is a crucial period for young players to prove their worth and earn a spot on the roster or with the team's G League affiliate. The Pelicans' Summer League team provided a platform for these players to demonstrate their abilities and compete for a chance to stick around. Some notable undrafted free agents who participated in the Summer League included: Dereon Seabron, Daeqwon Plowden, and Karlo Matković. The Pelicans utilized the Summer League to evaluate these players and determine who could potentially contribute to the team's long-term success.

Dereon Seabron is a wing player who displayed impressive athleticism and scoring ability during his time in college. He has a knack for attacking the basket and finishing strong, and he also showed potential as a playmaker. The Pelicans were intrigued by his athleticism and scoring potential, and they gave him a chance to prove himself in the Summer League.

Daeqwon Plowden is a versatile forward who impressed scouts with his shooting ability and defensive versatility. He's a capable three-point shooter and a willing defender, making him a valuable asset in today's NBA. The Pelicans valued his versatility and his ability to stretch the floor, and they gave him an opportunity to showcase his skills in the Summer League.

Karlo Matković an international prospect who possesses a unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill. He has the potential to develop into a valuable contributor on both ends of the court, but he needs time to refine his game. The Pelicans were impressed by his potential, and they saw the Summer League as a valuable opportunity to evaluate his progress. The Pelicans' approach to undrafted free agents and the Summer League demonstrates their commitment to finding talent in every corner of the basketball world. They're willing to give young players a chance to prove themselves, and they're always on the lookout for hidden gems who can contribute to the team's success.

Overall Grade and Future Outlook

So, what's the final verdict on the Pelicans' 2022 draft class? Overall, the Pelicans had a solid draft, addressing key needs and adding promising young talent to their roster. The selection of Dyson Daniels in the first round was a strategic move, as he brings a unique combination of defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and positional size. While his offensive game is still developing, the Pelicans are confident that their coaching staff can help him reach his full potential.

E.J. Liddell, despite his unfortunate injury, was viewed as a potential steal in the second round. His scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive versatility made him an intriguing prospect, and the Pelicans remain optimistic about his future. The Pelicans' approach to undrafted free agents and the Summer League further demonstrates their commitment to finding talent and building a deep and versatile roster.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans' 2022 draft picks have the potential to play significant roles in the team's future success. Dyson Daniels has already shown flashes of potential, and E.J. Liddell is expected to contribute once he fully recovers. The Pelicans are building a young and exciting team, and their 2022 draft picks are a key part of that process. With stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way, the Pelicans are poised to compete for championships in the years to come. The 2022 draft class has the potential to play a significant role in helping the Pelicans achieve their goals and establish themselves as a perennial contender in the Western Conference. The future looks bright for the New Orleans Pelicans, and their 2022 draft picks are a big reason why.