In comparison to other NBA clubs, the New Orleans Pelicans have a brief history, but they have had a lot of luck in the NBA Draft, which brought some outstanding players to the Big Easy. The Pelicans have selected some of the most skilled and intriguing players in the league, ranging from high school superstars to college all-stars. The top five players the New Orleans Pelicans have ever selected are as follows:
Zion Williamson
At Duke, Zion Williamson was a phenomenon, averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game as a rookie. He also earned the AP National Player of the Year and the Naismith Award, among other honors. Despite missing most of his rookie season due to injury, the Pelicans selected him with the first overall choice in the 2019 NBA Draft, and he immediately rose to fame in New Orleans. In his first two seasons in New Orleans, he averaged 25.8 points, seven rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He made his first All-Star team in 2021 and broke several records along the way.
Anthony Davis
At Kentucky, where he led the Wildcats to a national title and won several individual honors, including the Naismith Player of the Year and the Wooden Award, Anthony Davis was a resounding presence. He was selected first overall by the Hornets in the 2012 NBA Draft, and he swiftly rose to the top of the league among big men. In seven seasons in New Orleans, he averaged 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, and he was selected to six All-Star teams and three All-NBA teams. Additionally, he established 200 blocks in a season and 59 points in a game, both of which are team records. He earned his first title in 2020 after being traded to the Lakers in 2019.
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J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith, who was chosen by the Hornets with the 18th overall choice in the 2004 NBA Draft out of St. Benedict's High School, was one of the final prep-to-pro athletes to play in the NBA. Smith averaged 9.2 points per game on 39 per cent shooting during his two years in New Orleans, displaying glimmers of his agility and shooting prowess. After being traded to the Bulls in 2006, he went on to play a significant part for the Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Nuggets, earning a championship with LeBron James in 2016.
David West
At Xavier University, David West excelled for four years and was named the AP National Player of the Year as a senior. In the 2003 NBA Draft, he was selected by the Hornets as the 18th overall choice, joining a talented group that also featured LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade. West played in New Orleans for eight seasons, averaging 16 points and 7 rebounds per game while also making two All-Star appearances. He served as the franchise's lynchpin and teamed up brilliantly with Chris Paul.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul was a standout at Wake Forest University when as a freshman and sophomore, he led the country in steals. He was selected by the Hornets with the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft as one of the top guard prospects. Paul had an instant effect in New Orleans, earning Rookie of the Year and rising to the top of the league as a point guard. In six seasons with the Hornets, he averaged 18.7 points, 9.9 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game, and he was selected to four All-Star teams and two All-NBA teams. In addition, he guided the Hornets to their finest season in team history in 2007–08, when they won 56 games and advanced to the postseason second round.
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