New Orleans Pelicans
Biggest need: Depth at the 2 or 3
Players to target: Aaron Nesmith, Devin Vassell, Tyrese Maxey
The need for a wing isn’t urgent yet for the New Orleans Pelicans, but it could sneak up on them sooner than they think. J.J. Redick isn’t getting any younger, Jrue Holiday is going to be a heavily targeted trade piece every year, and Josh Hart‘s contract will be expiring after next year, so it would be a good idea for them to get out in front of this before it becomes a glaring hole in the roster.
The Pelicans have the luxury of knowing that their future is secure with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram as their stars and Lonzo Ball as their lead guard for the foreseeable future. That means the next few years are all about acquiring pieces that fit around them, and this year’s draft will be a good place to start.
Nesmith and Vassell would fit exactly what they’re looking for and one or both of them should still be on the board when it’s their turn to pick. And in the event that those two are off the board, landing Maxey would be a great consolation prize as a scoring punch off the bench which is something they don’t currently have on the roster.