## 14. [New Orleans Pelicans](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/pelicans/) (via LAL)
## Rob Dillingham | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Kentucky
With Dillingham, scouts point to his elite speed with the ball in his hand in addition to his touch. Dillingham plays fast but maintains his control at a really high level. He’s averaging 14.7 points and four assists this season while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 44.8 percent from 3. He has a bevy of high speed crossovers, then he’ll use his speed to play off a hesitation game to change pace. Having said that, he’s also listed at 6-3, and scouts have some questions as to whether he’ll measure quite that big. That impacts him as a finisher at times despite his explosiveness, but it really causes issues on defense. Dillingham has a real case as the worst defender in the class, struggling to get over screens at the point of attack and having issues dealing with any sort of mismatch. He also can get a bit distracted off the ball and make poorly timed digs and rotations.
The questions surrounding Dillingham are pretty simple. Can he be a starting point guard, or is he more of a backup? Is he a good enough distributor? Or is he going to settle in largely as a score-first guard? Can he hold up at all on defense to allow him to close games? The best comparison I have been able to come up with for Dillingham is Lou Williams. Where would a team take Williams in this class? My best bet right now is in the back end of the lottery. But I’ve gotten ranges from No. 5 all the way down to No. 20.
## 21. New Orleans Pelicans
## [Jaylon Tyson](https://theathletic.com/college-basketball/player/jaylon-tyson-CIrgLDo7xKOtEyIM/) | 6-7 wing | 21 years old | California
Tyson’s gone on a real journey to this point, going from Texas to [Texas Tech](https://theathletic.com/college-basketball/team/texas-tech-red-raiders-college-basketball/) to Cal in three years. But after entering college as a top-40 player in his recruiting class, Tyson has finally emerged as an elite player who looks like a real NBA prospect. At 6-7 with long arms, he has great measurements for the NBA. He’s not an elite athlete in terms of explosiveness, but he’s powerful and isn’t all that bothered by contact, allowing him to get the most out of his length and athleticism, throwing down 15 half-court dunks this season. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from 3. Over the last 30 years, only four other players reached those statistical thresholds, and all of them went on to be first-round picks. Tyson plays an archetype of need around the NBA as a wing with size and is clearly coming into his own.
​
11 comments
I know nothing but I like Dillingham only on the strength of having seen that viral video of him hooping before college with some funny announcers going crazy as he keeps talking shots and the fact that Calipari has continually not gotten the best out of star players who go to Kentucky. It has lead to them getting drafted lower and doing much better in the NBA. Shai, Booker and Maxey all come to mind
If they keep th lakers pick they may trade ours to a team over the cap who needs cheap players right now for 2 future 1sts. There is a lot of ball to be played before they decide. A late run by the lakers or a serious injury to lebron or A.D. would have a big impact
Dillingham would be amazing. He’s the next Trae Young. Mark my words.
Edit: except cool as hell instead of goofy as fuck.
I mean a PG would be nice for us since CJ is a SG. The other pick should focus on an athletic Center.
It doesn’t matter because they won’t get playing time.
With where we are tax wise I still feel we will defer the LAL pick to 2025 and bet AD and or LeBron can’t have 2 healthy season in a row and become a top seed. Too many good teams in the west. I think we will use our pick take best player available and develop them like we have our other young guys. Play some when there are injuries let the play in the g league and see if they can help us in year 2-4
What we need is a mobile shot blocking big.
This offseason, Zeller, Jonas, and Naji will be free agents. There are team options on both Jose’s and JRE’s contracts. Ingram and Nance will be on expiring contracts. There is plenty of flexibility if the front office wants it.
We need to see how the rest of this season plays out before we truly know what the Pelicans roster needs.
Y’all also need another center
I’m not counting the lakers pick because it’s too up in the air at the moment, but from all the guys I’ve scouted I would 100% take Tyler smith with our pick 6’11 pf/sf can shoot from at a decent clip and good defender, he’s probably play in his first year off the bench because of his good defence
If he can’t play defense Willie won’t play em so why bother