Boot Scoot Boogie? Pelicans eyeing Scoot Henderson in NBA Draft

New Orleans could soon be doing the “Boot Scootin' Boogie” if a recent media report is correct. 

Shams Charania and William Guillory report the Pelicans "are expected to aggressively pursue a top pick ... to target G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson" in the upcoming draft.

Henderson is a consensus first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and is projected by most outlets to go in the top three.

The Pelicans have the No. 14 pick this year and a bevy of future picks from the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades. They could part with several of those -- as well as some of their own -- to trade up for Henderson.

In addition to all of their own future first-round selections, New Orleans also has unprotected picks from the Lakers (in 2024 or 2025) and Bucks (in 2025 and 2027). 

Another route could be the team trading a piece of the team's promising young core. Stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson would fetch the biggest hauls, and a recent report from Nola.com suggests the organization might be frustrated with both after injuries forced them to miss 90 games combined.

When available at the same time, the duo of Ingram and Williamson has been devastating. It might seem premature to break up that formidable pairing but if the Pelicans have a significant doubt that they'll be able to play consistently, trading one for a promising young talent like Henderson -- and possibly future picks as well -- could be a wise move.

New Orleans also has intriguing young players including Herb Jones, Trey Murphy and Jose Alvarado, but building a trade around those players and draft picks would seriously hurt the team's depth, which is crucial for the Pelicans if they roll with Ingram and Williamson next season.

Henderson played for the G-League Ignite this year. In 25 games, he averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists.

If New Orleans lands him, The Boot will have another promising young NBA prospect to cheer for while likely having to wave goodbye to one of the stars already in the state.