The New Orleans Pelicans went into the NBA draft lottery with high hopes, but there was no lucky bounce with this year's ping pong balls.
Despite finishing with the NBA's 4th worst record in the 2024-'25 NBA season, they landed at No. 7 overall in the upcoming draft. To underscore just how disappointing the result was, New Orleans more than a 48% chance to land in the top 4. They were guaranteed a pick in the top 8.
Here's how the lottery results broke down:
- 14: San Antonio Spurs (34-48)
- 13: Atlanta Hawks (40-42)
- 12: Chicago Bulls (39-43)
- 11: Portland Trail Blazers (36-46
- 10: Houston Rockets (52-30)
- 9: Toronto Raptors (30-52)
- 8: Brooklyn Nets (26-56)
- 7: New Orleans Pelicans (21-61)
- 6: Washington Wizards (18-64)
- 5: Utah Jazz (17-65)
- 4: Charlotte Hornets (19-63)
- 3: Philadelphia 76ers (24-58)
- 2: San Antonio Spurs (34-48)
- 1: Dallas Mavericks (39-43)
Dallas at No. 1 was a stunner, with the team holding just a 1.8% chance to land the top pick.
The Pelicans finished the 2024-'25 season with a record of 21-61, giving them the 4th best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick at 12.5%. Much like in 2019 when the Saints landed the No. 1 pick, the sweepstakes was for a Duke phenom head and shoulders above the rest of the field. This year that player is Duke forward Cooper Flagg.
Williamson, whom the Pelicans drafted No. 1 overall that year, was in attendance at the lottery to represent the Pelicans despite some buzz that he could be traded this offseason. New Pelicans EVP Joe Dumars was also in attendance.
Some players who could potentially be a target for the Pelicans at No. 7 include Duke forward Kon Knueppel, Oklahoma PG Jeremiah Fears, Illinois combo guard Kasparas Jakucoionis and Duke C Khaman Maluach, among many others. The draft is scheduled for June 25.
The Pelicans have seen some varied draft luck in recent years. Here's their recent draft history:
- 2024, 1.21: Yves Missi, C, Baylor
- 2023, 1.14: Jordan Hawkins, SG, UConn
- 2022, 1.8: Dyson Daniels, F, G League Ignite
- 2022, 2.41: E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio State
- 2022, 2.52: Karlo Matkovic, C, Croatia
- 2021, 1.17: Trey Murphy, F, Virginia
- 2021, 2.35: Herb Jones, F, Alabama
- 2020, 1.13: Kira Lewis Jr, PG, Alabama
- 2019, 1.1: Zion Williamson, F, Duke
- 2019, 1.8: Jaxson Hayes, C, Texas
- 2019, 1.17: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG, Va. Tech
New Orleans has opted to retain head coach Willie Green after a season that was beset by injuries to virtually every major player and saw star forward Brandon Ingram sent by trade to the Raptors.
