Top Picks for the New Orleans Pelicans at the 7th Spot in the 2025 NBA Draft
Revamped and Rebuilding New Orleans Pelicans:
Get ready for a fresh start with the New Orleans Pelicans as they navigate the 2025-26 season, coming off a disappointing 21-61 finish and missing the playoffs. Despite having a talent-stacked roster, injuries took a massive toll, leaving the team searching for direction. Now with a new front office spearheaded by Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, along with a high lottery pick, the Pelicans are set to rebuild and revitalize. Here's a look at the best options for them with their No. 7 draft pick.
Injury Nightmares, New Leadership, and Trading Ingram
The 2024-25 season was a rollercoaster ride for the Pelicans. From Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Jose Alvarado all enduring significant injuries to losing their GM David Griffin and facing uncertainty regarding head coach Willie Green's job, the chaos was endless. Adding to the commotion was the trade of Brandon Ingram to the Indiana Pacers. Despite the turmoil, there were brief moments of hope, such as when a healthy lineup boasted a +13.7 net rating per 100 possessions.
Three Potential Draft Prospects
With the opportunity of a new beginning, the Pelicans need to choose wisely with their No. 7 pick. Here are the top three options:
Option 1: Draft Khaman Maluach (C, Duke)
If defense is the priority, the Pelicans' ideal pick could be Duke's Khaman Maluach. Known as the premier shot-blocking prospect of the class, Maluach brings elite length, mobility, and the ability to anchor a defense. His presence could be the perfect culture-setter for a team that ranked dead last in transition defense and second-to-last in rim protection. Maluach is more than just a defensive presence; he's a smart play-finisher, a rebounder in traffic, and a great catch-and-run player. His ceiling is high, and his floor could be even more valuable for a Pelicans team desperate for stability.
Option 2: Draft Jeremiah Fears (G, Oklahoma)
New Orleans hasn't had a long-term answer at the point guard position since Jrue Holiday departed in 2020. Jeremiah Fears, an electric freshman from Oklahoma, may be the perfect candidate to fill that void. Fears is quick, aggressive, and possesses a fearless approach to shot creation. He's a three-level scorer with the tools to thrive in both pick-and-roll situations and in transition offense. If the Pelicans are thinking about the future, Fears could develop into a franchise point guard, bringing pace, creativity, and clutch shot-making to the team.
Option 3: Draft Kon Knueppel (SF, Duke)
If the Pelicans aim for a versatile wing who can knock down open looks from deep, Kon Knueppel from Duke is the ideal pick. Knueppel is a sharp shooter with a high basketball IQ. For a team that often struggled to space the floor around Zion Williamson, adding a player like Knueppel could be a significant step forward. He's a valuable off-ball mover and perimeter shooter, providing the kind of spacing and sniping that New Orleans has lacked in recent years.
Reimagining the Pelicans' Future
The Pelicans are at a pivotal juncture, facing questions about the future of their current stars and roster. The No. 7 pick presents an opportunity to reset, regardless of who is drafted. From the defensive upside of Khaman Maluach, the explosive promise of Jeremiah Fears, to the elite shooting of Kon Knueppel, New Orleans must make the right choice. They need a player who fits their system, contributes, and helps shape a new era of Pelicans basketball.
In the rebuilding process of the New Orleans Pelicans, the No.7 draft pick could be a game-changer, as the team aims to put an end to their playoff drought and recent struggles with injuries. Among the potential prospects, Khaman Maluach from Duke promises to fortify their defense with his premier shot-blocking skills, addressing their weakness in transition defense and rim protection. On the other hand, Jeremiah Fears from Oklahoma, with his aggressive playing style and three-level scoring ability, could emerge as a long-term answer to the team's woes at the point guard position. Lastly, Kon Knueppel from Duke, known for his sharp-shooting and high basketball IQ, could provide the spacing and sniping that New Orleans has been lacking, revitalizing their offensive potential. The Pelicans are at a crucial crossroads, and their choice could significantly impact the future of their basketball franchise in the NBA.
