THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There are some seriously impressive prospects available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

The final team on the cards for the week are the New Orleans Pelicans, who snuck into the postseason but could not do any damage after injuries struck again.

New Orleans Pelicans

Draft Selections

21

Contracted Players

CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels (team option), Jordan Hawkins, Trey Murphy III (team option), Jose Alverado (team option), EJ Liddell, Matt Ryan, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (team option)

The Pelicans made their way to the second stage of the play-in, but fell short after Williamson suffered an injury and missed the game.

Now armed with a first round draft pick, New Orleans will be able to add to a reasonably young roster that will only improve in years to come. With no glaring roster needs, the team will be able to add the best available player.

One player that the Pelicans could target is Isaiah Collier, who was once considered a number-one pick candidate, and would be a steal if still on the board at 21. A talented point guard who can score the ball at ease, he would be a perfect successor to McCollum.

Another option would be to draft Yves Missi out of Baylor, who would be the big man presence the team may be missing if Jonas Valanciunas does not return. A genuine rim protector and lob threat, Missi would be likely given heavy minutes in his first season and would fit well alongside the pieces the team already has.

The third and final potential player for the Pelicans could be Aussie talent Johnny Furphy, who has been one of the biggest risers in the draft class. Although he is a raw prospect, his potential as a perimeter threat in the frontcourt could see him selected quite early on draft night.