New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft Odds: Pelicans Need More Co-Stars for Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram

New Orleans Pelicans (31-41)

Picks: 10, 35, 40, 43, 53

The New Orleans Pelicans had a disappointing campaign given the excitement that surrounded the team leading up to the season. Pelicans star Zion Williamson was outstanding, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball continued to show growth, but their improvement didn't translate into a playoff berth.

With former head coach Stan Van Gundy out and new head coach Willie Green taking over, the Pels will look to keep Williamson happy and put a team together than can maximize his potential. Lonzo Ball is a restricted free agent enter the summer and rest of the roster is in flux, but the Pelicans will most likely look for a player who fits best with their star forward.

NBA Draft Needs

• 3-Point Shooting/Floor-Spacing: This one is simple. Zion Williamson is a generational talent who is quite possibly the best finisher in the league outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. Surrounding him with as many proficient 3-point shooters as possible will open up even more lanes for him to drive to the rim.
• Versatile Defenders: Williamson has an impressive future on both sides of the ball, but the New Orleans' defense was not very good last season. With whoever becomes the next Pelicans head coach being tasked with meshing these talents together to make a solid defense, the front office could aid them by adding prospects who already excel at perimeter defense and switching to the roster.

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