Article by Antwon “Smitty” Smith
There is an old saying that “Sometimes you have to give up something to get something” and that’s true in the case of the New Orleans Pelicans. When they made the deal to finally trade Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, it set them up for the foreseeable future with talent that could give Zion Williamson a nice start to his NBA career.
Anthony Davis demanded a trade from the Pelicans for this particular reason, but he became the sacrificial lamb that would finally put talent on the floor in the Big Easy. Davis got his wish also to play alongside an All-Star caliber player as he will team up with LeBron James in Hollywood.
Davis had a good run during his 7 seasons with the Pelicans in New Orleans. He was a 6-time All-Star and named a member of All-NBA team three times. The only knock on his career was that he never had the superstar player to help him get a shot at an NBA title, something that is essential in today’s game to win a championship. There is another way however, put the perfect mix of young talent and veterans that blend well, believe in team work and have the same vision.
New Orleans front office may have finally put it all together, as the prepare to welcome the next wave of talent to the city. They have the 1st and 4th overall pick in this years’ draft and that could net them two of the top players in this year’s draft class. It would blend in nicely with the players they acquired in the Davis trade. New Orleans is expected to take young phenom Zion Williamson with the first overall pick, but the 4th pick would still be up in the air. I’m thinking they could look at his former Duke teammate Cam Reddish (6’8, 13.5 ppg, 3.7 rpg) or Texas Tech swingman Jarrett Culver (6’5, 18.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg) with the pick, but I also could see combo guard Coby White (6’5, 16.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.1 apg) playing alongside Jrue Holiday in the Pelicans backcourt.
Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram were solid starters during their short stay in Los Angeles and could learn more from veteran coach Alvin Gentry. Gentry has been known for fast break style offense which may fit this young team. Ingram and Ball also won’t have the pressure of the Hollywood spotlight and playing with Superstar Lebron James.
This team will still need veteran presence in the front to help with the youth movement (ex. Al Horford). If they can get vets at value in free agency, the Pelicans could build a contending team in a short amount of time. Something they failed to accomplish in Davis’ time in New Orleans. This team will be one to watch if they can put the puzzle together and finally get the organization a long term plan for success. If they fail after making this trade they may never recover and will forever in turmoil.
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