New Orleans Pelicans
After trading for CJ McCollum and Larry Nance Jr., the New Orleans Pelicans now have nearly everything they need to make a serious run at the title — as soon as Zion Williamson makes his long-awaited return, that is.
Between CJ, Zion, and Brandon Ingram, the Pellies have all of the star power they need to seriously contend. Now, they’ll just have to make minor improvements around the edges to keep themselves in the upper echelon of the league.
The Pelicans, like every team in the NBA, could add more firepower and defense to their bench. Devonte’ Graham has mostly been a disappointment so far in the Big Easy, his defensive deficiencies outweighing his offensive contributions. Maybe the Pelicans should trade for a different Hornets guard to bolster their backcourt depth.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ collapse has given the Pelicans an unexpected asset this off-season, LA’s first-round pick which is positioned with the eighth-best lottery odds. This gives them a 26.3% percent chance of rising into the top four. Of course, if the Pelicans wind up with one of the first four selections in the draft, they should take the best talent available and go from there.
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If the pick lands outside the top-tier of prospects, though, maybe General Manager David Griffin could package it with some of his role players for more of a sure thing in James Bouknight. The Lakers’ first-round pick and Jaxson Hayes seem like a good place to start for both teams in a Bouknight trade.
The Hornets add a springy rim protector who can throw down lobs from LaMelo going the other way, as well as another top draft pick to build with. The Pelicans add a two-way guard with potential to buoy their bench and balance out Devonte’ Graham and shed a talented, but troubled young player in Hayes.
