1. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans need to start winning some games and making playoff pushes. There are already rumors that Zion Williamson’s family wants him out of New Orleans and that is something the organization has to change.
With the Anthony Davis trade happening so recently, and Chris Paul before that, the Pelicans have to do everything they can to make Williamson happy. Success on the court would be a good remedy for that and Fred VanVleet would help them accomplish that goal.
The Pelicans’ two biggest needs on their roster are 3-point shooting and defense. After agreeing to a sign-and-trade with Lonzo Ball, they are in need of those things, especially defense, even more. Devonte’ Graham was acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets, but he won’t help their issues defensively; VanVleet would.
Having someone like VanVleet at the point of attack defensively would help New Orleans immensely on that end of the court. Last season, VanVleet finished the season with a defensive rating of 110.2 and the Raptors had a rating of 112.6 without him on the floor. The offensive rating difference was even more drastic, as VanVleet registered a 113.6 offensive rating and the team dropped to 107.4 with him on the bench.
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Adding someone of that caliber would help push the Pelicans toward being playoff contenders. A trio of VanVleet, Williamson and Brandon Ingram would be an excellent core for David Griffin and the front office to build around for the foreseeable future.
