If the 2025 NBA Draft were to begin today, the New Orleans Pelicans would have the fourth overall pick. With that being said, N.O. has 48.1 percent chance of keeping their top-four pick and a 12.5 percent chance of winning the No. 1 pick in the impending NBA Draft Lottery. However, for simplicities sake, let\u2019s assume that they hold steady at No. 4.<\/p>\n
For multiple seasons, it\u2019s been clear that the Pelicans are a talented bunch but one with very noticeable flaws.<\/p>\n
Firstly, they\u2019ve had issues just staying healthy. In fact, Zion Williamson<\/a>\u2019s lack of durability is one reason his future hanging in the balance. Secondly, they\u2019ve had too many weak links at the defensive end. Here too, Williamson has left a lot to be desired but CJ McCollum<\/a> even more so. Last but not least, they\u2019ve struggled beyond the arc. Again, Williamson could stand to improve in this area, but he\u2019s far from alone.<\/p>\n There are times or seasons when the Pelicans are better in one of those aforementioned areas than given credit for. Nevertheless, these are the pillars of their overarching problem. With the No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they need to select a player that can knock at least one of those balusters down.<\/p>\n Enter Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey<\/a>, who averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in 2024-25.<\/p>\n2025 NBA Offseason: Pelicans Master Plan<\/h2>\n
Draft<\/h3>\n