The NBA Draft is a time for teams to make decisions that will shape their future. It’s a chance to bring in fresh talent and build for the seasons to come. However, there are always a few moves that leave fans and experts scratching their heads. This year, one of those moves came from the New Orleans Pelicans.
In a shocking move, the Pelicans traded away their future first-round pick to move up ten spots in the draft and select Maryland star Derik Queen at No. 13. This trade left renowned sports commentator Bill Simmons speechless. In the aftermath of the draft, he couldn’t understand the logic behind this decision and made his thoughts known to the world.
The Pelicans’ move was certainly bold, but let’s take a closer look at why they made it and why it may not be as baffling as it seems.
First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room – trading away a future first-round pick is a risky move. Draft picks are valuable assets in the NBA, and teams are often hesitant to part ways with them. However, the Pelicans are in a unique position. With the young core of Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball, they are clearly focused on winning now. This trade shows their dedication to surrounding their young stars with the right pieces to compete in the tough Western Conference.
Derik Queen may not be a household name, but he has the potential to make a significant impact in the NBA. The 6’9 forward was one of the most versatile players in college basketball, averaging 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in his sophomore season at Maryland. He is known for his high basketball IQ, and his ability to make plays on both ends of the court makes him an ideal fit for the Pelicans’ fast-paced style of play.
But why trade away a future first-round pick for Queen when he was projected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick? The answer lies in the draft itself. This year’s draft class was widely considered to be weak, with no clear standout player. The Pelicans recognized this and saw an opportunity to move up and secure a player they believe has the potential to be a star.
In addition, the Pelicans also acquired the 35th pick in the draft from the Memphis Grizzlies. With this pick, they selected center Filip Petrusev, who was named the MVP of the Adriatic League last season. Petrusev is a skilled big man with a high basketball IQ and a knack for scoring in the paint. He will provide much-needed depth in the frontcourt for the Pelicans.
It’s also worth noting that the Pelicans have a history of making successful draft trades. In 2019, they traded the fourth overall pick to the Atlanta Hawks for the eighth and 17th picks. With those picks, they selected Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, both of whom showed promise in their rookie seasons. This track record gives the Pelicans’ front office the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making bold draft moves.
But it’s not just about the draft picks. The Pelicans also acquired veteran guard Eric Bledsoe in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. Bledsoe is a proven player in the NBA and will bring much-needed experience and leadership to the young Pelicans team. This move, along with the draft trades, shows the Pelicans’ commitment to building a winning team around their young stars.
In the end, while Bill Simmons may have been left speechless by the Pelicans’ draft trade, it’s clear that they had a strategy in mind. They recognized an opportunity to acquire a player they believe will make an impact on their team and were willing to take a risk to make it happen.
Only time will tell if this move will pay off for the Pelicans. But one thing is for sure – they are determined to compete and make a name for themselves in the tough Western Conference. And with young talents like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way, along with the additions of Derik Queen and Eric Bledsoe, the Pelicans are well on their way to achieving their goal.
