2023 NBA Draft Live Tracker: Grading every pick made
2023 NBA Draft grade: No. 14 pick Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
G. Jordan Hawkins. 69. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Connecticut. 14. player
Grade: D
The Pelicans have more depth than most teams in the lottery and a core that’s ready to contend when healthy. Jordan Hawkins is a proven winner fresh off the NCAA championship and he has one shining NBA skill: his 3-point shooting, which is arguably the best on the board.
Hawkins’ movement shooting ability will make him a natural fit alongside Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and the Pelicans’ other playmakers. That said, he’s simply not the best player on the board here.
There are real concerns about Hawkins’ skill set beyond the shooting and he’s a limited defender at 6-foot-5 with a skinny frame. He should be able to carve out a career as a role player but the Pelicans are passing up several more interesting names.
From our NBA Draft Big Board:
"He more than doubled his 3-point attempts compared to last season and he hit them at a prodigious rate. Drawing expanded duties as a sophomore, Jordan Hawkins led UConn to the national championship with his impressive shot-making and boundless energy. Sometimes, all it takes to carve out an NBA role is one elite, translatable skill. Hawkins certainly has one that teams value."