2023 NBA Mock Draft: Trail Blazers get future star, Magic surprise at 6
By Tyler Watts
14. New Orleans Pelicans acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino
The Pelicans are eager to move up in the 2023 NBA Draft, but can they find a partner? New Orleans is rumored to want Scoot Henderson, and they may be willing to put Zion Williamson in the package that gets them up there. Can the Pelicans get a deal done? If not, they could still target a point guard with the final lottery selection.
Hood-Schifino is 6’4 with a 6’10 wingspan, which fits New Orleans’ mold of targeting length. He is a strong pick-and-roll ball handler that could thrive next to Zion. Hood-Schifino also has a strong mid-range game that scouts hope portends improvements in his long-range shooting. The 19-year-old shot just 33.3 percent from 3-point range during his lone season at Indiana.
The Pelicans have a ton of young talent on their roster, and they will look to bring whoever they select here along slowly. Hood-Schifino could spend most of his time in the G League working on his game, which gives him the opportunity to improve his jumper and ball-handling chops.
The New Orleans Pelicans love to shoot for length and upside in the draft, and Jalen Hood-Schifino offers plenty of both. The 6’4 guard could go in the top ten or fall into the 20s on draft night, but expect some team to gamble on his potential two-way impact.