The New Orleans Pelicans officially have the worst record in basketball, which should be music to the ears of Atlanta Hawks fans.
The Pelicans foolishly traded the rights to their unprotected 2026 first round pick during last year's draft, when they moved up from 23rd to 13th to select Derik Queen. While the rookie from Maryland has exceeded expectations, this was quite the overpay.
The “market-rate” price for moving from the late first round to the late lottery is usually an average first. The 2026 NOP/MIL swap, however, is no ordinary pick. The Pelicans were widely predicted to finish near the bottom of the standings this season, and they have only helped solidify their position there in recent memory. The trade was so bad that the pick Atlanta landed was dubbed one of the best picks acquired in NBA history.
The Pelicans hovered between the second and fourth-highest lottery odds for weeks, with the Pacers firmly positioned below them. Indiana, however, has rattled off three straight wins, bringing their record to 9-31. This finally allowed Atlanta to see the Pelicans rise to the top spot with their 9-33 tally.
Onsi Saleh saved the franchise with this trade
This pick could be what transforms this Hawks team from playoff hopefuls to championship contenders.
If the season ended today, Atlanta would be guaranteed a top-five pick in this year’s draft, with a 14.0% shot at landing the first overall pick for the second time in three years. And unlike the 2024 draft, this year’s class is stacked with future stars.
Perhaps this is why new GM Onsi Saleh felt comfortable letting go of Trae Young. While the return package for the second-best player in franchise history was disappointing, if you consider the pick as part of the trade, the move makes sense for Atlanta. They can reset their books one final time this offseason to find talent that fits with both Jalen Johnson and their new star.
The Hawks could clear up to $39.7 million in cap space by simply not retaining their free agents. This is enough to sign multiple high-level starters or trade for a true star, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or the next All-Star to hit the market.
Of course, the season doesn’t end today, and don’t expect New Orleans to finish with the top lottery odds. Unlike most bottom-dwellers, the Pelicans have no incentive to lose. The franchise will be actively looking to win while their competition at the bottom rests their stars to secure critical losses.
Still, the Pacers’ three-game streak has leveled the playing field with half of the season remaining. Hawks fans should become familiar with college stars Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and AJ Dybantsa to prepare for the offseason debate over who would fit best with this team.