Summary of NBA models: With option 8, Pelicans selects …

The New Orleans Pelicans have 8th place in Thursday’s NBA draft.

This office is familiar with the nest.

In 2019, shortly after CEO David Griffin took over, the Pelicans changed their draft. They sent the 4th choice to the Atlanta Hawks. They were given back options 8, 17 and 35.

Pelicans took the 8th place in the sporty but raw man Jaxson Hayes. Hayes’ playing time has fluctuated during his first three seasons. In December, he dropped out of the New Orleans rotation completely, but in the spring, he started as a force attacker and played a role in the turn of his team.

Three years later, the Pelicans re-elect to the 8th position.

Here’s what three different outlets see Pelicans doing with their first round selection and our analysis of each choice.

Sports Illustrated

Choice: Shaedon Sharpe, 6 feet long, Kentucky

Sports Illustrated says: The Pelicans successfully developed quite a few races last season, leaving them in a flexible position to go to the draft night if they want to hit a big boost. Whoever makes the New Orleans draft is not under pressure to bet immediately, and future first-round selections will still come from the Lakers and Bucks. Given Sharpe’s rise and the fact that the Pelicans may not make such a high draft for some time, this may be a soft landing for him.

Our analysis: Sharpe has played the lottery for select teams, including Orlando Magic, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets. According to a league source, the Pelicans have not yet been able to host Sharpe for training in New Orleans. Sharpe was considered the best player in the 2022 high school class. He studied in Kentucky in the middle of the year, but refused to play. He is a talented shooter and a talented jumper. NBA talent evaluators are wondering how he will react when faced with intense competition.

Yahoo Sports

Choice: Dyson Daniels, 6-foot guard, G League Ignite

Yahoo Sports says: The Australian grew 2 inches from the start of the G-League season and is now close to 6-8 in footwear. His height and high basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect when he falls to 8th place in the draft. Pelicans could use a guard like Daniels in length and connect him right next to CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram.

Our analysis: We’ve been saying for weeks that Pelicans has a serious interest in Daniels. If he’s on board # 8, there’s a good chance the Pelicans will pick him up. Daniels has a great size for a guard. He is a talented instructor who is one of the best defenders in his class. There are questions about Daniels’ kick. In 14 games with G League Ignite, he hit 25.5% of the 3-point hit. Pelicans assistant Fred Vinson, who helped Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones improve the jumpers, is one of the NBA’s best shooting coaches. When Daniels lands in New Orleans, he could become Vinson’s next student.

CBS Sport

Choice: Daniels

CBS Sports says: Daniels was the main intermediary for the G-League Ignite. His exterior is in progress. But while Pelicans have the appetite to play a long game after the playoffs, Daniels has a huge two-way rise.

Our analysis: Daniels’ versatility is one of his most attractive features. He can bring the ball to the floor and launch an attack or play on the edge. He should be able to defend multiple seats at the NBA level. He is a good side-by-side mover who spoils his 6-10 wingspan attacks. If the Pelicans can get away with Daniels on the draft night, they’ll feel good.