The New Orleans Pelicans selected Alabama guard Kira Lewis Jr. with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Lewis Jr. entered the draft after his sophomore season at Alabama. During his two years with Alabama, the Alabama native averaged 15.9 points, 4 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. He shot 44.7 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from three-point range during his career at Alabama.
Lewis Jr. improved from his freshman season. There was a 5-point increase in points per game, from 13.5 points per game his freshman year to 18.5 the following season. He also improved his assists with 2.9 per game his freshman year to 5.2 assists per game as a sophomore.
The Pelicans were discussing trade scenarios before their selection, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. However, New Orleans will keep Lewis Jr.
New Orleans then selected R.J. Hampton with their 24th overall pick. Hampton played with the New Zealand Breakers last season. The Pelicans traded Hampton to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future draft pick, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The Pelicans proceeded to trade their 39th and 42nd overall picks. New Orleans acquired a 2022 second-round pick from the Utah Jazz for their 39th pick. They also acquired a 2024 second round pick from the Charlotte Hornet for the 42nd overall pick.