NSP New Orleans News: The Pelicans draft target has been revealed, and it’s not who you expect… Vie
Here’s the full breakdown of NSP New Orleans News on the Pelicans’ 2025 NBA Draft: the surprise target, and why it’s likely not who you were expecting.
📈 Pelicans Add Another Pick: Trade with Pacers
On June 17, 2025, the Pelicans acquired the No. 23 overall pick in this year’s draft from Indiana—along with the rights to shooting guard Mojave King. In exchange, they sent a 2026 first-rounder to the Pacers (clutchpoints.com, reuters.com).
This means New Orleans now holds two first-rounders: picks No. 7 and No. 23. Suddenly, their draft flexibility skyrockets—they can either double down at No. 7 or pivot later in the round. The addition of King, a 6′5″ scoring guard with G League experience, also gives them a potential developmental piece (reuters.com).
🎯 The (Unexpected) Target: Dylan Harper
While mock drafts have widely speculated on wings like Kon Knueppel or slashing guards such as Tre Johnson and Jeremiah Fears, one rising name is capturing insider attention: Dylan Harper, a 6′6″ guard out of Rutgers.
- Stat line & ceiling: Harper averaged around 19 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast on 48% from the field—draws strong comparisons to Cade Cunningham because of his scoring toolkit and physical play (hoopshabit.com).
- Playstyle fit: He is built for pick‑and‑rolls, can finish at the rim, shift tempo at will, and brings a commanding presence at 6′6″ and roughly 215 lbs—traits sorely missing in New Orleans backcourt (hoopshabit.com).
- Draft outlook: Though some project the Pelicans to stay safe with a wing like Kon Knueppel at 7, or go shooter‑heavy with Tre Johnson or Hawkins, Harper offers both upside and fit—a true two‑way lead guard with size (si.com).
🔍 Why Harper Stands Out
| Factor | Importance | Draft Context |
|---|---|---|
| Backcourt need | The Pelicans are a guard or two away from reliable scoring and playmaking behind Zion & Murray. Harper addresses that directly . | They’ve floated wings and sharpshooters, but their biggest hole is the point‑creation balance. |
| Best player available? | Some outlets (like FanSided’s Whiteboard) say merit, not fit, should lead the pick—Harper fits both criteria . | If top-flight prospect Cooper Flagg is gone, Harper may be the best talent at 7. |
| Trade flexibility | Holding both #7 & #23, the Pels could draft Harper then use 23 to trade for talent—or draft upside at 23. | |
| Complementary young core | With Zion, Murray, Jones, Murphy, and possibly Ingram back, Harper would round out their core with stability, size, and ball‑handling. |
🚨 But Not Everyone Agrees
- Kon Knueppel: A 6′7″ sharpshooter from Duke remains a top mock favorite—fitting high-IQ, off-ball spacing perfectly (profootballnetwork.com).
- Tre Johnson: A dynamic scoring guard at Texas (shoots ~40% from 3 with 7 attempts/game)—offers pure offense at the wing (clutchpoints.com).
- Jeremiah Fears: Solid guard from Oklahoma, seen as another combo option for pick-and-roll/shot-making (fox8live.com).
But Harper is emerging as the best blend of playmaking, size, and upside—not flashy, but possibly the most complete backcourt solution.
🏀 Outlook: Why the Pelicans Might Surprise
- Need meets value: At No. 7, they can’t reach for a boom-or-bust flier—they need a foundation-builder.
- Guard-heavy direction? With Dejounte Murray coming back from injury, adding another lead guard could ease offensive predictability.
- Depth & upside: A second-round yield (No. 23) gives them wiggle room—draft Harper, then leverage 23 for role players or future flexibility.
📝 Bottom Line
The whisper in NBA insider circles? The Pelicans are eyeing Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with pick No. 7—not because he’s the sexiest name available, but because he could be the smartest fit:
- He covers their most glaring need.
- He’s arguably the best talent left after the top tier.
- He brings both size and playmaking pedigree.
If Harper drops to No. 7 and New Orleans pulls the trigger, it could be the surprise move that defined their draft—an under‑the‑radar choice that just makes sense.
Let me know if you want a full prospect scouting report on Harper, breakdowns of the No. 23 options, or deep-dive mock trade ideas!
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