New Orleans Pelicans
Biggest offseason moves: Drafted Jordan Hawkins, re-signed Herbert Jones
There’s a case to be made that if it wasn’t for derailing injuries, the New Orleans Pelicans would’ve finished as a top 3 or 4 seed in the Western Conference. However, the injuries did happen and the Pelicans missed the playoffs entirely. Heading into this season, the hope is that some of that changes. But when it comes to injuries and remaining healthy, that’s never a guarantee.
Interestingly, the Pelicans didn’t really do much this offseason to help on that front. They re-signed Herbert Jones which could end up being a good move down the line, and drafted Jordan Hawkins. Who knows if he’ll be able to contribute much this season but he’s an interesting prospect for the Pelicans to invest in.
After all the noise about trading Zion Williamson, the Pelicans elected to stand pat. It’ll be interesting to see if it ends up paying off. On paper, you have to trust the talent. But that could be difficult considering they’re a franchise that has consistently fallen short of expectations.
Grade: C+