Pelicans might get a lot of value, with their 2022 NBA Draft pick

The New Orleans Pelicans are in the playoffs, but owing to Anthony Davis’ trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, they are practically certain to receive a lottery pick.

Picks 8-10 have a 73.3 percent probability of being chosen by the Pels, with choice eight having the best odds at 34.5 percent.

New Orleans does have a 26.2 percent probability of making the top four, which would be ideal for a club that is currently in the playoffs and has a good balance of youthful and veteran players.

If the Pelicans do end up with the 8th pick, there are a handful of players they may select that could likely contribute right away, such as Tarason and Johnny Davis, who have already played two seasons in college and have NBA-ready skills.

However, the Pelicans are in the advantageous situation of already having a solid roster in place for next season, including Zion Williamson.

They don’t have high expectations for their 2022 NBA Draft pick, so they might take a chance on upside and let the player a few years to grow.

The New Orleans Pelicans are the NBA Draft’s major enigma for 2022.

Shaedon Sharpe, an 18-year-old guard, is one of the NBA Draft’s biggest unknowns in 2022. He was considered as the best high school player in the country coming into this season, but he didn’t play and instead enrolled early at Kentucky.

Sharpe practised with Kentucky but didn’t play, so there isn’t much footage of him, and he hasn’t declared yet, so there’s a chance he’ll return and play another season for the Wildcats before moving on to the NBA.

Sharpe hasn’t been seen much by scouts, but what they have seen is impressive. He has a 6-foot-6 frame and a lightning fast first step. For someone his age, he has a sophisticated offensive repertoire, and he appears to be a 3-level scorer with excellent agility that might transfer to solid defence.

Sharpe will have minimal experience and will need time to acclimatise to the NBA, so he could be a longer-term project that doesn’t pay off straight away, even if he does come out. Sharpe, on the other hand, has a shot to be the top player in this draft if he reaches his full potential.

Even if the Pelicans had the 8th pick, there’s no assurance he’d be there, as another team might take a chance on the unknown potential over individuals who are more experienced but have lesser ceilings.

It’s a good spot to be in, because the Pelicans can take a chance on something new without jeopardising their bright future.

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