Pelicans’ Draft Decisions Raise Eyebrows
Joe Dumars took over management of the Pelicans in April, and after just three months, the team’s decisions are already being questioned.
In a surprising move, New Orleans traded their top overall pick for the 23rd selection, opting instead for Georgia’s big man, Asthan Newwell. They also managed to secure an unprotected first-round pick for 2026 from the Hawks in exchange for the 13th pick.
This pick was ultimately used to draft Maryland center Derrick Queen. However, analysts are critical of this strategy, citing potential implications for next year’s draft.
Bill Simmons, in a recent podcast, expressed his shock over the move, calling it one of the most questionable trades in a decade. His disappointment was palpable as he reiterated his confusion over the decision.
The negative sentiment surrounding the pick isn’t so much directed at Queen himself but rather at the circumstances that could make this trade problematic.
Last season, New Orleans finished with the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, but with many expecting them to struggle and possibly land another lottery pick in 2026, doubts linger.
Simmons raised further questions about Dumars’s strategy, pointing out the challenges the team faces in their competitive conference. He humorously suggested that the Hawks might be celebrating their good fortune over the Pelicans’ misstep.
This trade represents a crucial juncture for Dumars as he works to reshape the franchise’s direction.
The former executive from the Pistons, who has experience in the NBA League office, has already declared that the team’s future centers on oft-injured Zion Williamson, who has played less than 40% of games since 2021.
Given the allegations surrounding Williamson, combined with his limited playing time—just 30 games last season—the team’s future appears uncertain.
Dumars and the Pelicans presumably believe that the new rookies, Queen and the seventh pick, Jeremiah, can help drive competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Queen had a strong freshman year, averaging 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
The Pelicans are counting on these two newcomers to help mitigate the impact of losing Brandon Ingram, who was traded to Toronto last season. Additionally, they recently acquired the 23rd pick from the Pacers, a move that seems timely given Tyrese Haliburton’s injury in Game 7, raising the stakes for Indiana and the value of that pick.
