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Pelicans' Draft Strategy Raises Eyebrows After Disappointing Season

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The New Orleans Pelicans targeted Derik Queen in the draft but selected Jeremiah Fears at No. 7.
To secure a second lottery pick, they traded Pacers' 2026 first-round pick for No. 23.
They paired No. 23 pick with an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to reach No. 13 for Queen.
The move drew scrutiny and remains questionable, as the Pelicans finished last season with 21 wins and were among the league's worst.

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Story summary

The New Orleans Pelicans targeted Derik Queen in the draft but selected Jeremiah Fears at No. 7.
To secure a second lottery pick, they traded Pacers' 2026 first-round pick for No. 23.
They paired No. 23 pick with an unprotected 2026 first-rounder to reach No. 13 for Queen.
The move drew scrutiny and remains questionable, as the Pelicans finished last season with 21 wins and were among the league's worst.