For the fourth time in franchise history, the New Orleans Pelicans will enter the NBA Draft with multiple first-round picks. It’s a rare chance to reshape the roster, and a painful reminder of how often this franchise has failed to capitalize on these moments.
In 2006, 2012, and 2019, the Pelicans/Hornets had at least two first-rounders in the same draft. Across those three drafts, they made seven picks. Only two of those, Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson, made it past their rookie contracts with the franchise. Both were No. 1 overall selections.
That’s not just a bad batting average. It’s a red flag.
Now, holding picks No. 7 and No. 23 in a draft without many stars but full of potential contributors, the Pelicans have to get this right.
The Past: Big Picks, Small Returns
The 2006 draft was a missed opportunity from the jump. Armed with picks 12 and 15, the Hornets took Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons, two bigs with defensive upside and limited offensive skills. Neither lasted four seasons with the team. Simmons appeared in just 43 games in New Orleans. Armstrong was a rotation piece on his best day.
In 2012, the team lucked into Anthony Davis at No. 1, but followed that up by reaching for Austin Rivers at No. 10. Rivers never found his footing in New Orleans and was traded before the end of his rookie deal. Davis eventually forced his way out, too, mostly because the Pelicans couldn’t build a contender around him.
2019 looked like a fresh start. The Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson first overall, then selected Jaxson Hayes at No. 8 and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at No. 17. Six years later, only Zion remains, and his future is cloudy at best. Hayes is looking for his third NBA home, and Alexander-Walker his fourth.
What ties it all together? Repeated bets on raw athletes with long development curves, inconsistent coaching, and a front office that has lacked a clear plan or identity. The Pelicans haven’t just made bad picks; they’ve failed to create an environment where players can grow into contributors.
The Present: New Faces, New Philosophy
Enter Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, the two former Detroit executives now tasked with reshaping the Pelicans’ future.
Dumars, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, didn’t panic after the Pelicans fell to No. 7 in the draft lottery. “Even when we went from 4 to 7, I wasn’t one of the people that was really disappointed,” Dumars said. “I was OK with it. I know this draft and we’re going to get a good player.”
That confidence partly comes from his first hire: Weaver, the former Pistons GM and Thunder executive, known for his talent evaluation. It was Weaver who pushed for Russell Westbrook in 2008, despite questions about Westbrook’s readiness and skillset. He also had a voice in selecting Serge Ibaka later that night at No. 24.
The Pelicans aren’t just looking for talent, they’re trying to find players who fit what this team needs: toughness, maturity, and guys who are ready to contribute sooner rather than later.
The Stakes: This Draft Can’t Be Another “What If”
The Pelicans aren’t rebuilding. They’re not tanking. Dumars has emphasized that the franchise will build around Williamson, at least for now.
But right now, the Pels’ championship window is only slightly cracked, if it’s open at all.
Zion Williamson’s future is in doubt.
Dejounte Murray is sidelined for months.
Trey Murphy and CJ McCollum need help on the wings.
CJ McCollum is getting older and more expensive.
Yves Missi is alone on the interior.
This isn’t a time to take a pair of projects and hope they work out before 2028. The Pelicans need contributors now. Players who can earn minutes in the rotation. Players who don’t have to be babysat.
They’ve already had seven shots at this over the past two decades. And they’ve missed five times.
Expect the Pelicans to try to thread the needle next week, taking one proven talent and one player with upside.
This year, with new leadership and two valuable picks, they need to find players who can help build a foundation, not just sell hope on draft night.
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