The New Orleans Pelicans are doing their due diligence ahead of this summer’s NBA Draft, where they own the No. 21 and No. 50 pick, to strengthen their roster after they suffered a first-round exit at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in this year’s playoffs.
ESPN’s latest mock draft has them picking USC point guard Isaiah Collier with the No. 21 pick. However, it was indicated that they aim to bolster their frontcourt with their latest move.
According to NBA reporter Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the New Orleans Pelicans have scheduled a draft workout with Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey, who is coming off a runner-up finish in the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Zach Edey was dominant in the collegiate scene, as he was named the Consensus National Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 62.3 percent shooting from the floor in his final year with the Purdue Boilermakers.
Zach Edey can fill a need for the New Orleans Pelicans
The prospect of selecting Zach Edey with the No. 21 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is enticing for the New Orleans Pelicans since it gives them much-needed frontcourt depth with multiple reports indicating that Jonas Valanciunas may not return to the team next season since he’ll be a free agent.
A potential one-two punch of Zion Williamson and Zach Edey could easily become one of the most dynamic frontcourts in the NBA. However, their lack of a reliable outside shot might cause major spacing issues on offense.
Because the New Orleans Pelicans will draft later in the first round, there’s a big likelihood that Zach Edey won’t be available by the time it’s their turn to make their selection. However, don’t be surprised if they take the Purdue Boilermakers standout if he is still available by then.
