"Are the New Orleans Pelicans the most interesting team of the summer?"
The New Orleans Pelicans will pick seventh in this year's NBA Draft. While that isn't the spot the Pelicans had hoped for (or perhaps planned for), there is still a lot to be excited about due to the exorbitant amount of talent this draft consists of. We all know about the big three of Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper Jr., but beyond these prospects, the draft is brimming with talent, providing a strong sense of reassurance and confidence to every Pelicans fan. Here are the top four prospects that the Pelicans should target with the seventh overall pick, pending their availability.
Team Stats (Jazz @ Pelicans) Final Score: 123-136 Rebounds: 40-56 Assists: 30-34 Blocks: 8-8 Steals: 7-9 Turnovers: 15-13 Stat Leaders (Jazz/Pelicans) Scoring Leaders: Keyonte George, 26; CJ McCollum, 26 Rebound Leaders: Isaiah Collier, Drew Eubanks, 7; Zion Williamson, 14 Assist Leaders: Isaiah Collier, 11; Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado, Dejounte Murray, 6 My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson Chrissy's Takeaways: * The New Orleans Pelicans have won four of their last five games and their only loss came against the Boston Celtics by one point. * If you were hoping for the Pelicans to tank to get a high draft pick, then you are are going to be disappointed. * Zion has to be at his lowest weight in years. He looks great and was explosive the whole night. * Yves Missi did not play because he was sick with the flu, according to Joel Myers. * This team can keep going on a run with so many guys healthy, and Brandon Ingram is close to returning too. That will leave Herb Jones as the only main player who is still hurt. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
Team Stats (Timberwolves @ Pelicans) Final Score: 104-97 Rebounds: 53-46 Assists: 26-23 Blocks: 8-5 Steals: 9-12 Turnovers: 16-14 Stat Leaders (Timberwolves/Pelicans) Scoring Leaders: Anthony Edwards, 32; Dejounte Murray, 29 Rebound Leaders: Rudy Gobert, 14; Yves Missi, 9 Assist Leaders: Donte Divencenzo, 7; Dejounte Murray, 6 My Player of the Game: Dejounte Murray Chrissy's Takeaways: * Zion was back on the court and looked great and full of energy and a spring in his step. * Dejounte Murray played exceptionally well, leading the team in points and assists. * Jose Alvarado brought a spark after the Pelicans started the game down 7-0. * If the Pelicans would have Trey Murphy able to play then I think they could have won this game. * Herb Jones hit two big corner three's so it's nice to see him get back in a rhythm. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
Team Stats (Pelicans @ Wizards) Final Score: 110-98 Rebounds: 49-46 Assists: 26-25 Blocks: 8-4 Steals: 7-6 Turnovers: 11-15 Stat Leaders (Pelicans/Wizards) Scoring Leaders: CJ McCollum, 24; Kyle Kuzma, 28 Rebound Leaders: Dejounte Murray, 10; Alex Sarr, 11 Assist Leaders: Dejounte Murray, 12; Malcolm Brogdon, Jared Butler, 5 My Player of the Game: Dejounte Murray Chrissy's Takeaways: * CJ McCollum was still hot following his previous game where he hit 50 points. * Dejounte Murray has had two games in a row where he has had 12 assists and only three turnovers so it' s nice to see him become the PG that the team needs. * The Pelicans have won two games in a row. * Trey Murphy sprained his ankle in the game and his status is to be determined. * Yves Missi had two blocks against the Wizards and continues to be a bright spot on this Pelicans squad. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.
Team Stats (Wizards @ Pelicans) Final Score: 120-132 Rebounds: 48-37 Assists: 28-36 Blocks: 0-6 Steals: 6-10 Turnovers: 21-7 Stat Leaders (Wizards/Pelicans) Scoring Leaders: Jordan Poole, 29; Christian James McCollum, 50 Rebound Leaders: Jonas Valanciunas, 10; Yves Missi, 11 Assist Leaders: Jordan Poole, 7; Dejounte Murray, 12 My Player of the Game: CJ McCollum Chrissy's Takeaways: CJ McCollum dropped 50 points on the Wizards in a spectacular performance where he made 10 three-pointers in the game. He was cooking from the first quarter and you could tell something special was going to happen that night. The Pelicans snapped their 11-game losing streak by beating Washington, who had six wins coming into the game. One of the biggest keys to the victory for New Orleans was that the team only had seven turnovers the entire game. Rookie Yves Missi was spectacular again, finishing the game with 11 rebounds and one block. Jose Alvarado was back on the court after being sidelined for six weeks from a hamstring injury, and he immediately brought energy and a defensive presence to the team. Dejounte Murray had 12 assists, which was great, because he struggled offensively. The Pelicans look to get another win against the Wizards on Sunday on the road. Follow @TheKneaux on X, and follow me there too, @SportsChrissy.