NBA: Ranking every team’s best player in 2019-20

The New Orleans Pelicans are going to be a fascinating team to watch this season, with a completely remade roster and an organizational makeover that seems to have a healthy front office in place and a real mandate from ownership to prioritize the team. While for years Anthony Davis was this team’s star, he is now gone and that allows the star-in-hiding to emerge.

Jrue Holiday gets his chance to shine as the top option for the Pelicans on both ends of the court. When the health of Holiday and his teammates cooperated, he was a defensive maestro, locking down opposing guards or even wings. He has a long wingspan, quick hands and all the drive in the world to shut opponents down.

Offensively he can score, as many guards can, but he is also an underrated playmaker. Over the years Davis thrived on timely passes from Holiday that set him up near the rim, whether on lobs or pocket passes. As the top option his upside is tremendous to lead this team in scoring and make a push for the All-Star Game.

Looking ahead: The Pelicans are now loaded with young talent. There is an outside chance that Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram makes a leap now that they are out of the dramatic chaos of Los Angeles. More likely is that Zion Williamson becomes quickly the superstar he is projected to be.

Most likely is that Holiday is still the best player in a year even with a positive season from Williamson; he is that good.