3. New Orleans Pelicans
One of last year’s most disappointing teams, the New Orleans Pelicans are primed to bounce back after winning the NBA Draft Lottery.
New Orleans will undoubtedly, unquestionably, unsurprisingly parley its six percent chance at getting the first overall pick into Zion Williamson. Still, the team’s likely return to prominence is based on much more than the franchise-altering talent.
The Pelicans were okay (or just below average) before trade talks and apathy clearly distracted Anthony Davis. Williamson likely, uh, should encourage him to refocus after a year clearly unhinged by distractions.
Then there’s Jrue Holiday, maybe the most unheralded player in the league. He returns after averaging 21.2 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game, coupled with top-tier defense. Julius Randle, who finished top 25 in points and rebounds last season could still be retained if he opts out. With enough minutes, he could blow up.
New Orleans star Anthony Davis and Pels EVP David Griffin met this morning in Los Angeles and are expected to continue a dialogue moving forward, league sources tell ESPN. Griffin is making his case to AD on a future with the Pelicans. Davis can be a free agent next summer.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2019
The future of Davis remains the team’s most significant concern. The biggest question on the court, however, is how the Pelicans could mesh three stylistically similar players in Davis, Randle and Williamson.
Williamson likely begins as predominately wing player, where he feels comfortable. Randle returns as a force off the bench, a role he probably dislikes, but excels at. And Davis is the dominant overall threat at center. If they fit like a glove, New Orleans is playoff-bound.