New Orleans Pelicans: Big decisions await this offseason

The New Orleans Pelicans have a bright future – but this upcoming offseason will determine how quickly they return to the NBA playoffs.

Few franchises have been capable of reversing their fortunes as quickly as the New Orleans Pelicans did. Just one year after losing a generational talent in Anthony Davis, the Pelicans bounced back by bringing in blossoming stars such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram – as well as a mixed collection of role players like J.J. Redick, Lonzo Ball, Jaxson Hayes and Josh Hart.

Finally, after narrowly missing the playoffs in the Orlando bubble, David Griffin put the cherry on top of this rebuild by hiring Stan Van Gundy as the coach of the future. The Pelicans nearly have everything in place for years of success – but this upcoming offseason will be pivotal in determining how quickly they get there.

Re-signing Ingram

First and foremost, the Pelicans need to address Ingram’s contract. The first-time All-Star is one of the most coveted free agents this offseason and is sure to receive some massive offers. However, Ingram is a restricted free agent, meaning the Pelicans will have an opportunity to match any price given to him.

It shouldn’t be difficult for the Pelicans to commit long-term to Ingram. The 23-year-old averaged career-highs in points (23.8), rebounds (6.1), assists (4.2) and steals (1.0) and was the Pelicans’ most versatile offensive threats. He is the perfect yin to Williamson’s yang as his finesse around the perimeter matches Zion’s brute force in the paint.

NOLA will almost certainly give Ingram a max-extension this offseason. Assuming Ingram isn’t opposed to this – where do the Pelicans move next?

Split up Lonzo Ball/Jrue Holiday

Perhaps the next most pressing question they will need to answer is the backcourt pairing of Jrue Holiday and Lonzo Ball. As of now, the two defensive-oriented guards seem redundant as Ball is mostly acting as a less effective version of Holiday. Their prowess as perimeter defenders hasn’t done much to stop the Pelicans from being a bottom-10 defensive team and both have reasons to be traded.

Despite some improvements on offense, Ball is still not skilled enough off the dribble to be a great pairing with Williamson in the pick-and-roll. Meanwhile, Holiday is nearly 30 years old and set to make more than $50 million dollars over the next two seasons.

Finding a way to split this pairing and retool the roster with players who better fit could be a good decision. However, this is a move the Pelicans may not make until the trade deadline – or even next summer depending on if Griffin is willing to shake things up so soon.

Other free agents and future outlook

For now, New Orleans should focus on bringing back Derrick Favors for one more year. Favors was one of their best defenders and his veteran presence will help guide the development of their younger players. They can likely agree on a deal for the mid-level exception or less depending on how the market looks following the impact of a shortened season.

On the other hand, the Pelicans could let Favors walk and look to use their full $9 million MLE in favor of signing a free agent that can push them deep into the playoffs immediately. Names such as Goran Dragic, Trey Burke, Christian Wood, Josh Jackson and Kent Bazemore should all be on the Pelicans’ radar if they choose to go down this path.

However, their best bet would be to focus on clearing space for next summer. Assuming the sports world will be steadily returning to normal by then, the Pelicans will have a better opportunity to swing big and haul in enough talent to build a contending team around Williamson and Ingram.

The New Orleans Pelicans also have to worry about the upcoming draft, which gives them a chance of stockpiling even more young assets. With the No. 13 pick, the Pelicans can target wing players like R.J. Hampton, Saddiq Bey and Devin Vassell to join the rotation.

Refraining from any major moves this offseason will allow time for the organization to get a better grasp of what they will need to compete moving forward – although the recipe for success almost certainly includes surrounding Williamson with elite 3-point shooters and veteran role players.

The Western Conference is going to be stacked next season with the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks all almost guaranteed to have a playoff spot. This leaves only one remaining position for the Pelicans – who will need to make all the right decisions this offseason to squeeze into the picture.

Or, the Pelicans can allow this young core to develop naturally, without placing too much emphasis on reaching the playoffs by next season. After all, Williamson is only 20 years old and Ingram is just beginning to emerge as a star. The New Orleans Pelicans have no reason to rush this process and should continue thinking long-term.