It may not seem like a big deal but the fact that Zion Williamson represented the Pelicans at the draft lottery may have important implications, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack post.
That’s not the sort of role you ask a star player to take on if you’re looking to trade him, Stein notes. There has been been plenty of speculation regarding Williamson’s status within the organization, particularly after ownership overhauled the front office and put Joe Dumars in the lead executive role.
The Pelicans wound up dropping to the No. 7 pick in the draft following the lottery results.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- With Kyrie Irving on the mend, the Mavericks will likely need two point guards to stabilize that position for next season, according to Yossi Gozlan of Thirdapron.com. One of those players will likely have to be acquired via trade. Of course, their lottery luck alters their outlook dramatically. As Gozlan tweets, they’ll now have a loaded cap sheet but they’ll be active this summer. Gozlan held an in-depth discussion with Dallas beat writer Grant Afseth that was posted on Youtube and can be accessed via the above link.
- It’s fair to wonder where Cam Whitmore and Reed Sheppard stand in terms of the Rockets’ long-term plans, considering their spotty playing time this season. Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle points out that Whitmore, the No. 20 overall pick in 2023, played in 51 games but averaged fewer minutes in his second season (16.2) than he did as a rookie (18.7). Sheppard, last year’s No. 3 overall pick, appeared in 52 games and averaged 12.6 minutes.
- The Spurs hold the second and 14th picks in the aftermath of the draft lottery. LJ Ellis of Spurstalk.com reveals his first Big Board of picks 1-14, which includes some surprises.
Breaking: Zions eats the ping pong balls causing the Pelicans lottery slide.
Pelicans are going to be a key player if Giannis is traded, since they have two swaps. I think you could do something that benefits the Pelicans, gets them out of Dejounte’s Achilles, and lands Giannis in San Antonio. Bucks ultimately would stretch and waive Dame. Wait out Dejounte’s injury due to his age. You’d see potential trades of Brooke and Portis if they opted in.
Depending on the draft capital the Pels gave up they could end up with Vassell and Johnson versus a lame Dejounte and questionable prospect at 7.
Spurs would obviously be a WCF favorite.
Except that Giannis will never accept a trade to New Orleans, so they make 0 sense as a key player.
Huh?
Spurs already have Fox, Castle and Wemby and now have the second overall and 14th overall picks. Ofcourse there’s also Vassell and Sochan etc but in terms of core guy that’s there men.
I wonder if they consider trading the second overall pick and someone for Zion Williamson and one of the pelicans picks. Pels are in need of a fresh start and a second overall pick would bring in a star young can build around (Harper or Bailey). As for the spurs take a flier on Zion and unhinge if you can get the best out of him next to Vic and Fox.
Idk Spurs are in a great position and should be open to offers
Dylan Harper is gonna be the best guard in Spurs history. Fox may well be a future HOFer & Steph Castle is obv the ROY & a very promising young guard but Dylan & Wembo are the future of that team. In fact I’d probably end up trading Castle for a star wing this summer.
Nah that’s what I don’t see happening they have two point guards, Castke can play some shooting guard but I don’t see them adding a third.
Ace Bailey or VJ make more sense if they keep the pick but I’d be looking at trades
Whitmore either has to get more minutes or get moved next year it’s unfair to him at this point he’s been really good in the short spurts he’s played but obviously it’s hard to fully judge or develop him in such little minutes
Mavs sign Tyus jones or trade for Marcus smart. Solving the PG spot is easy.
So the Mavs blow up potentially the best backcourt in modern history in Luka/Brunson for zero reason at all…and gets rewarded for it. Cool world.
I do not think Cam or Reed have a future with Houston. Although kept hearing Reed could be shooter they need. Was not impressed with him. Perhaps can help another team. Not a Mavs fan either.