New Orleans Pelicans: 3 reasons LeBron James should join Anthony Davis
By Jason Timpf
2. The Pelicans are set up to cover the weaknesses of an aging LeBron
It would be foolish for any team — or even LeBron for that matter — to make this decision based on what LeBron James currently can do. LeBron has shown a remarkable immunity for his age up to this point, but that cannot continue in perpetuity.
Considering that LeBron would likely finish his career at his next destination, it is worthwhile to project the type of player he will become.
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As LeBron gets older, he’s likely to remain a dangerous scoring threat in the half court, as well as a dangerous passer. Heck, he may still be the best passer in the league five years from now.
But he will experience more defensive slippage, as well as a lack of burst in transition.
The New Orleans Pelicans are perfectly groomed to take on an aging LeBron. After the All-Star break, the Pelicans were the fifth-best defense in the league by defensive rating.
This, in large part, was due to the fact that Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis are two of the best defenders in the league. By placing LeBron next to these two, you can give LeBron the defensive break he will need to extend his prime.
Rondo, Holiday and Davis additionally offer LeBron the playmaking relief he so badly needed in Cleveland this year. If LeBron can be asked to be elite just for short bursts, he has a better chance of succeeding.
The New Orleans Pelicans offer the best chance for LeBron to steadily decline while maintaining the lion’s share of his MVP-level impact.