Perhaps the most significant addition any team has made this offseason didn’t involve the draft, free agency or a trade.
Zion Williamson didn’t play a single minute for the Pelicans last season due to his lingering foot issues. Williamson was signed to a max extension in early July, ending any speculation about his commitment to the organization and vice versa.
When the top pick of the 2019 draft appeared in 61 games the previous season, he put up giant numbers: 27 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 3.7 APG. From all appearances, Williamson should be ready to go when camps open late next month.
Adjustments will have to be made with Williamson returning to action but the Pelicans have the potential to lead the NBA in scoring. They have two other prolific scorers in CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram and an offensively-gifted center in Jonas Valanciunas.
Add in defensive ace Herbert Jones and some solid second unit pieces in Larry Nance Jr., Devonte’ Graham, Trey Murphy, Jaxson Hayes and lottery pick Dyson Daniels and there’s plenty of reasons for optimism among New Orleans fans. They also have a fine young coach in Willie Green, who stayed calm through a rough start last season and guided the team into the postseason.
New Orleans had only 36 victories during the regular season but fought through the play-in tournament and into the first round against Phoenix, where it put up a good fight before falling 4-2. That experience should serve the Pelicans well in future trips to the playoffs.
Certainly, the organization is on the upswing three years removed from the Anthony Davis trade.
That brings us to our question of the day: With the return of Zion Williamson this upcoming season, what is a realistic goal for the Pelicans? Do they need to upgrade in any area or do they already have the look of a serious contender?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
I’m not saying their going to win the championship but all the Pelicans need is time to develop and continuity in order to contend.
I’d compare Lakers and Pelicans to Warriors
Warriors were the worst team in 2020 and won the championships in 2022.
Can Lakers and Pelicans do the same as Warriors?
You never know.
On paper they look 1-3 years away from being very potent. Let’s see it start.
They didn’t mention Alvarado in the article. But he’s a really big part of their rotation too. He’s got some game, and the fans their seem to love him.
Grand Theft Alvarado
This is a very, very dangerous team. Brandon Ingram has emerged as a bona fide NBA star (what were the Lakers thinking. They wanted Kuzma!).
Utah has some pieces that would fit nicely here. Adding Malik Beasley and Jarryd Vanderbilt would make things really interesting.
Every year the Pelicans pre season hype train starts up and by the end of the season they accomplish nothing.
Zion has all the talent in the world but can’t stay on the court, Ingram looks really good and has proven himself to be the as he best player on a bad side, CJ was nice towards the end of the season but hes never been that guy.
My guess they do the play in games again and that could be a coin flip if they make it or not.
I’d like to see them try get Zions Duke team mates RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish.
Maybe get involved in Donovan Mitchell trade talks as a third party.
RJ Ingram and Zion would be cool
4 team deal
Knicks: Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gay
Jazz: Russ, Trey Murphy, IQ, EJ Liddell and 4 firsts (2 Knicks, 1 Pelicans, 1 Lakers)
Pelicans: Evan Fouriner, RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish
Lakers: CJ McCollum and Bojan Bogdanovic
Knicks get Donovan and Rudy for Fouriner, Barrett, Reddish, IQ and 2 firsts. Thats not far off what they current offer is. Swap Barrett for Toppin, minus 3 firsts and throw away Reddish while also getting Rudy Gay.
Jazz get a solid package, Russ huge expiring contract, 3 good young players in IQ, Murphy and Liddell. Unfortunately Liddell is injured tho. Then 4 first round picks on top of that.
Pelicans give up CJ, Murphy, Liddell and a first for RJ Barrett, Evan Fouriner and Cam Reddish.
Fouriner is an obviously cap filler but gives you a solid young team. Daniels RJ Ingram Zion then big Val. Off the bench Graham Fouriner Jones Nance Hayes, plus Alvarado, Reddish, Lewis Jr, Temple and Hernagomez. This is a true playoff side which is built for the future.
Lakers get back a star for Russ in CJ who can shoot well and handle the rock. Then you also add depth in Bojan. Beverly CJ Bron AD Thompson Schroder Walker Bojan Jones Bryant
Knicks 7/10
Jazz 8/10
Pelicans 9/10
Lakers 9/10
Nvm RJ just did an extension
They need a stretch shooter. McDermott and Robinson are avaliable. Barnes would be ideal for this team. Auto mentions like Curry, Heild and Harris. Cam Johnson is quietly available.
2 recovering injury players in Ingles and Green would work also.
Sleeper pick in Nunn.
Alvarado hit as undrafted upsurge last year
Will Seabron be that guy this year ?
The Roof
More depth at the PG, SG, and C