The Pelicans' disastrous offseason simply took a shocking flip -

Misplaced within the flurry of NBA free company signings and trades is the inactivity of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have been shockingly quiet this offseason, not make any transfer in any way to enhance their roster after ending 30 video games underneath 500.

It might be one factor if they’d a loaded roster filled with younger expertise, however that is not the case. Certain, they’ve Derick Queen and Jeremiah’s Fears. However, other than that, their roster is naked on high-level lottery expertise and in addition has a group of random veterans.

To their credit score, they nonetheless have star Zion Williamson in addition to Trey Murphy III. Nevertheless, Williamson is an excessive amount of of an harm threat, whereas Murphy III could ultimately be traded. It is nearly as if the Pelicans are working as if they’re tanking.

Pelicans simply doubled-down on the identical irritating technique

The Pelicans are among the many worst groups within the West, however they cannot afford to be one of many three worst groups within the NBA. Bear in mind, current modifications to the NBA draft lottery disincentivize tanking.

That implies that if the Pelicans have been to complete with one of many three worst data within the NBA, then they might truly be punished, not rewarded. In consequence, they need to be aiming to complete between 4 and 11 within the NBA standings.

That is attainable, given their lack of free company strikes, however not a assure. Their indecision this summer time calls into query their technique going ahead.

The Pelicans do not appear to have a plan for the long run

The Pelicans appear to be caught and not using a clear course. As an illustration, they have been buying Murphy III however needed at the least three first-round picks for him. That at all times appeared like a pipe dream.

Good groups do not have three first-rounders to surrender. In the meantime, unhealthy groups don’t have any want for Murphy III. That wild commerce demand was a transparent miscalculation on their half.

As for Zion, his commerce market appears non-existent. He did play 54 straight video games at one level final season, suggesting he can string collectively video games. The unhealthy information is that his numbers are approach down from his peak.

He is not the identical participant he was earlier than, and his commerce worth displays it. With the Pelicans unable to maneuver their two finest gamers however seemingly unwilling to enhance, they appear to be headed nowhere quick.