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As the New Orleans Pelicans begin to explore their offseason priorities, one report has now surfaced suggesting that the Pelicans, who currently own the No.14 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, are now trying to move up in the draft and select G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson.
Henderson is widely considered as the best point guard available in the 2023 NBA Draft. In 19 games with the Ignite, he averaged 16.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game on 42.9% shooting from the field. The 19-year old prospect is projected to go either No.2 to the Charlotte Hornets or No.3 to the Portland Trail Blazers.
“The Pelicans are expected to aggressively pursue a top pick, potentially two or three, in this upcoming NBA Draft with their eyes set on Scoot Henderson sources tell me,”
Western Conference playoff contender seriously pursuing a top 2-3 pick in this month’s NBA Draft, with eyes on point guard Scoot Henderson: pic.twitter.com/UFCs9VEU7Q
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 12, 2023
The Pelicans hold a bevy of draft picks and marquee players that could make up an enticing offer if they’re locked in on pursuing Henderson in the upcoming draft. Previously, one trade idea from Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale had Pelicans star Brandon Ingram going to the Hornets for the No.2 overall pick.
Per Bleacher Report:
“Packaging the No. 2 pick in a deal for Brandon Ingram would represent the best of both worlds. The Hornets not only get a star wing who can self-create and table-set, but he doesn’t turn 26 until September. This is a move that juggles present and future.
They’re on an even more urgent timeline themselves. But their payroll is rapidly approaching luxury-tax territory, and there’s real overlap between Ingram, C.J. McCollum and Zion Williamson when they’re all healthy. They could also use a truer floor general like Scoot Henderson to steady offensive possessions and overarching rim pressure when Zion’s not on the floor.”
