This off-season could be a time of upheaval for many teams. The new CBA is extremely prohibitive to teams with multiple max contracts or near-max contract players, and we could see a number of teams try to move to aggressively shed salary at the NBA Draft and get a high-level prospect on a cost-controlled contract. This draft notably has two top-tier prospects: Victor Wembanyama is a lock for No. 1, while Scoot Henderson is expected to go at No. 2 or No. 3.
A recent report from Shams Charania revealed that the New Orleans Pelicans are “aggressively” pursuing the No. 2 or No. 3 pick, and trying to acquire Scoot Henderson.
“The Pelicans are expected to aggressively pursue a top pick, potentially 2 or 3, in this NBA Draft with their eyes set on Scoot Henderson, sources tell me… The Pelicans are among teams seriously pursuing that No. 2 overall pick.”
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 team has dealt with key injuries to star players in recent memory: Zion Williamson only played 29 games this season and averages 28.5 games a season for his career. Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram only played 45 games without including the play-in tournament game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. For the team to move into the top 3 in this NBA Draft, they would likely have to trade one of the two.
It will be interesting to see whether the New Orleans Pelicans do end up getting a top pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. They definitely have players and picks to trade, and we’ll see what happens in the future.
Scoot Henderson Thinks That He Can Play Well Next To Damian Lillard
The Portland Trail Blazers hold the No. 3 pick, and it makes sense for them to be the ones to try and acquire a star from the New Orleans Pelicans to help Damian Lillard compete at the highest level. However, Scoot Henderson is willing to play for the Trail Blazers as well, claiming that he’d fit well with star Damian Lillard.
“Those guys have different games than me,” he said when speaking on other guards his size that played with Lillard. “Anywhere I go, I think I can fit in. I can do a lot of things on the floor and I think that’s the beauty about me and beauty about being Scoot Henderson. I’m going to give 110 percent effort every time. I’m an attacker, I’m a facilitator and I can do a lot of things on the floor. I think I can fit in anywhere.”
It’ll be interesting to see whether the Portland Trail Blazers end up going into next season with a Scoot Henderson-Damian Lillard backcourt. It doesn’t seem likely, but it is definitely something to watch out for.
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