When New Orleans pulled off a trade Wednesday to land an additional second-round pick, there was immediate speculation that the Pelicans would use the extra draft choice to move up into the first round of Thursday’s draft. They ultimately came very close to doing so, parlaying their other second-round choice to acquire the 31st overall pick, the initial selection of Round 2.
Duke guard Frank Jackson was the beneficiary of New Orleans’ wheeling and dealing, officially being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 31, but winding up as a member of the Pelicans. Jackson, who was attended the draft at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, donned a teal hat on stage, before being informed that he was going to the Crescent City.