Though the Pelicans had a rocky start to the 2020/21 season, they remain in the hunt for a play-in appearance. With a 15-21 record, New Orleans is currently three games behind the Grizzlies, the No. 10 seed, for a shot at a postseason play-in game. Christian Clark, Rod Walker and Scott Kushner of NOLA.com explore how New Orleans might be able to make the postseason.
The NOLA.com team examines the Pelicans’ porous defense, whether or not guard Lonzo Ball‘s improvement since missing a handful of games in January with knee soreness is here to stay, and the lack of consistent minutes for multiple recent first-round picks. The improvement of Zion Williamson on offense, reflected by his first All-Star appearance this weekend, also gives the writers hope for the Pelicans’ postseason chances.
There’s more out of the Western Conference:
- The Warriors have several big-picture items to address heading into the post-All Star break portion of the year, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Slater examines the future of pricey forward Kelly Oubre Jr., an unrestricted free agent this summer, plus the development of young big men James Wiseman and Eric Paschall, among other issues.
- With Atlanta power forward John Collins rumored to be a trade target for the sinking 7-29 Timberwolves, Michael Rand of the Star Tribune assesses how such a deal could play out. Collins, still just 23, rejected a reported $90MM+ extension from Atlanta earlier this season in the hopes of netting a much bigger offer sheet this summer. His two-way impact could greatly improve the struggling Timberwolves, who are undersized at the position and clearly in need of an interior defensive presence. Orlando power forward Aaron Gordon also may be a target.
- The reeling 11-23 Rockets, losers of 13 straight, face a bevy of questions heading into the season after the All-Star break, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle writes. Feigen wonders how much of Houston’s trouble can be solved by the expected return of injured big man Christian Wood (whose 13-game absence has coincided with the team’s losing streak), and just how good Wood will prove to be over the length of his new deal with the team. Feigen also discusses new addition Kevin Porter Jr., and considers just how much of the team’s veteran-laden roster will stick around past the trade deadline.
The Rockets were 11-10 before Wood’s injury, so obviously his absence hurts a lot.
That record was even more impressive consider how much turnover their roster had before and early in the season with the Harden trade. Only 4 players still with the team played for Houston last season: Gordon, Tucker, House, and McLemore (Nwaba was with them for part of 2020 but was injured, now he’s hurt again).
McLemore isn’t even in the rotation anymore, and now they will be adding Kevin Porter to the mix in the next few days. Getting Wood back will be huge for them.
Rockets are done. Just like all your predictions about them. Phrase it anyway you want. Fact is you will be changing your name again soon.
Trade Oladipo, PJ, Gordon and things will look a lot brighter. Those three can bring back value in younger players or picks. Neither has a future in Houston.
Start with Gordon for Obrue. Obrue and Wall backcourt has potential.
I know the Knicks were one of the more competitive teams in the NBA until the past 20 years, going to the playoffs 38 times in their first 55 seasons.
But we all know that since then they’ve only managed to get to the postseason 4 times since 2001 and they only got out of the first round once.
After the 1994 Finals no one can blame fans in NY for the way they feel about Houston. Sorry, but the Rockets still have the brighter future here.
Touche. Yeah the Knicks have been a mess for a while but things are looking up with new management and coaching. Hopefully they can draft well and develop return to the top of the East.
As for the Rockets I’m kind of looking forward to them blowing the entire thing up. As a Red Sox fan I enjoyed seeing them rebuild and trading Mookie for four guys and things like that. As a fan it’s almost as fun if you get my point, at the trading deadlines being a buyer or a seller. Buyer of course going for the championship or seller and getting future studs for your one or two or three good players on the team. Brings hope for the future.
I think it would be exciting for Rockets fans to see what they can get for these guys and start rebuilding. As a warrior fan in the 90s and having top 10 picks almost every year, even though they sucked, it was still exciting around the draft lottery and the actual draft and then going to summer league in Vegas watching the young guys.
Oubre is an unrestricted free agent. Why on earth would HOU trade for him? Moreover, the Warriors are trying to make the playoffs this year. They might trade Oubre but if so it won’t be for a considerably worse player like Gordon
Wolves really want John Collins
My trade idea
Edwards and Culver for Collins, Snell and a top 10 protected Future First
Good trade, but it would have to be a sign and trade.
The wolves definitely say no though.
I think the pelicans should make a play for Myles Turner. He’d be an excellent fit for them, defensively as an elite rim protector & on O can stretch the floor so he’d be ideal next to Zion in the front court.
Maybe they offer Adams expiring deal, Kira Lewis or NAW plus a top 10 protected pick or something.
The Pelicans gave Adams a 2-year extension after getting him from OKC.
Why would the Pacers trade Turner?
Good question kezar, but doesn’t it seem like he’s been on the trading block every year? Maybe because he’s just not quite what they expect him to be with his skill?
Agree. The Pacers don’t want to trade Turner. Turner is an excellent big man, still young, talented and under contract for awhile. Seriously doubt the Pacers are trying to trade Turner. The idea is to get good players not give them away.
Turner has frequently popped up in trade rumors so the pacers are def taking calls on him at least.
Obv the idea is not to ‘give away’ good players but in the scenario I proposed, IND would be getting a talented guard to pair with Brogdon and LeVert plus another first which can be used for another trade or to bolster depth. Pacers aren’t a legit contender with this roster.
I think long term they’ll just have Sab run at the 5.
Personally I would keep Sabonis and Turner together. A great inside pairing. Both guys are mobile, can shoot and can put the ball on the floor.