2019 ScheduleAll times ET

2019 Schedule
33-49, 3rd in Southwest
Jalen: Pressure on RJ Barrett 'not even close' to Zion (1:35)
Zion reminds Greenberg of Barkley (0:54)
Greenberg: Zion, Pelicans' young core will form a special team (1:32)
Zion: It was surreal seeing my name on an NBA jersey (0:36)
Matteo Marchi/NBAE/Getty Images
3d

Pelicans introduce humble Zion to grateful city

Zion Williamson called the overwhelming amount of praise being showered upon him "a bit much," and said he is still a couple of weeks shy of his 19th birthday.

Zion explains 'Let's Dance' phrase with Avengers scene (0:55)
Zion on hype: I'm 18, I haven't even played one game (0:20)

Malika Andrews ESPN Staff Writer 

An abridged version of the origin story behind Zion Williamson's, "Let's dance" phrase: He said he went to see Avengers End Game. The villain, Thanos, is his favorite character. In the final fight scene — just as it seemed Thanos would have the advantage — Zion said his friend leaned over to him and said, "Let's dance." (Disclaimer: I have not seen End Game.)

Stephen A.: Zion is not a NBA superstar yet (1:33)
Pelicans, Grizzlies winners in NBA draft, Suns disappoint (1:54)
Griffin: Zion isn't the savior of the franchise (1:59)
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
4dMalika Andrews

Pelicans GM: Zion not here to 'save this franchise'

An eventful week for the New Orleans Pelicans came to a peak on Thursday evening when general manager David Griffin and the front office chose Zion Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

Gilgeous-Alexander congratulates cousin on being drafted (0:32)
Zion: Going No. 1 in the draft 'didn't feel real' (0:35)
Hayes going to Pelicans at No. 8 in deal with Hawks (0:57)

Seth Walder ESPN Analytics 

ESPN's Draft Analytics model loves Jaxson Hayes. It gives Hayes a 9% chance to reach an all-star level and the second-best median projection among players in the 2019 class.

NOLA celebrates Pelicans picking Zion (0:37)
Zion emotional after Pelicans take him No. 1 overall (3:03)
Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports
4dTim Bontemps

Pelicans pick Zion to open draft; Morant goes 2nd

The Pelicans selected the superstar forward out of Duke No. 1 overall in Thursday night's NBA draft at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, confirming what had been inevitable once New Orleans won the draft lottery last month.

Seth Walder ESPN Analytics 

Zion Williamson was the unquestioned No. 1 pick in this year's draft – but how does he stack up against past prospects? According to ESPN's NBA Draft Analytics model, Williamson has the best median projection of any prospect since 2005 and has the second-highest chance to reach an all-star level (59%) – only behind Anthony Davis (61%).

Pelicans leverage No. 4 pick for multiple assets (1:05)

Team Stats

Points Per Game115.43rd
Rebounds Per Game47.35th
Assists Per Game27.03rd
Points Allowed116.827th

Team History

YEARWLPCT
2018-193349.402
2017-184834.585
2016-173448.415
2015-163052.366
2014-154537.549