New Orleans Pelicans’ priority No. 3: Time to see what Hayes and NAW can do
With three picks in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Pelicans drafted three players in the top 20. These picks were viewed as possible foundational building blocks as the Pelicans received three players with plenty of promise and potential.
Williamson at No. 1 overall was a no-brainer but the Pelicans made a splash at No. 8 with the selection of Jaxson Hayes from the University of Texas. With their third selection in the first round, they drafted Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a combo guard from Virginia Tech with good size and versatility. Both Hayes and Alexander-Walker played roles coming off the bench and put up decent numbers during their rookie campaigns.
Hayes averaged 16.9 minutes while scoring 7.4 points per game and 4 rebounds while playing in 64 games while Alexander-Walker appeared in 47 games averaging 12.6 minutes and 5.7 points per game. In the event that starting center Derrick Favors leaves in free agency, Hayes would be an option to assume the starting role.
That way, the Pelicans can save money on their salary cap while giving one of their one lottery picks the playing time and experience he needs to develop while also building chemistry with Williamson and Ingram. Alexander-Walker will likely continue to come off the bench as a backup to Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday. His development is also important due to trade rumors involving Holiday and the fact that he could possibly sign elsewhere having a player option after this season ends.
Ball will be a restricted free agent and Alexander-Walker’s performance could largely affect the forthcoming decisions the front office makes next offseason. Hayes and Alexander-Walker were first-round picks for a reason and it will be seen whether they will be a major part of the Pelicans future going forward.