The 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday night provided a lot of fireworks and perhaps have made things very interesting. The New Orleans Pelicans, who entered the lottery projected to pick seventh overall, ended up with the first overall pick in June’s NBA draft. With the Pelicans now having the top pick secured, things are very interesting.
New Orleans is likely, barring anything crazy happening, taking Duke phenom Zion Williamson with the top pick. But they now also hold all of the cards when it comes to Anthony Davis‘ future. The Pelicans have two obvious paths that they can choose. The question now is- What’s next for the Pelicans franchise?
First Path: Trade Anthony Davis And Rebuild Around Zion Williamson
Obviously, the Pelicans would love for Davis to change his mind about wanting out of New Orleans. But it’s highly unlikely that will happen. New Orleans, however, is in a perfect position to start their rebuild. They could get a team that’s in a similar spot the Toronto Raptors were in to gamble on a star for a year to contend. Or they could look at the big market teams who have their eyes on acquiring Davis this summer.
They could send Davis, who the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers desperately want, to either destination. Or they could send him to the Boston Celtics, a team that’s definitely in the conversation to acquire Davis’ services. As for what each team has in terms of assets, they may have what the Pelicans are seeking.
Expect The Knicks, Lakers, And Celtics To Pursue Davis
The Knicks have the third overall pick in the draft, which isn’t bad considering the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers falling out of the top three. Obviously, the Pelicans will want more and the Knicks could give them that. They also could send them Kevin Knox, Allonzo Trier, future picks, and either Dennis Smith Jr. or Mitchell Robinson (maybe both).
As for the Lakers, the lottery was very kind of them. They secured the fourth overall pick in the draft. However, there have been reports that despite them securing the fourth overall pick, the Pelicans still won’t entertain trading Davis to Los Angeles. So unless another team steps in or a change of heart occurs, it’s looking like the Lakers are on the outside looking in.
But the Celtics, the team that’s been linked to Davis for at least the past two seasons, can offer more. Boston has three first round picks in the upcoming draft. They aren’t in the top five, but they’re respectable. The Celtics have the 14th overall pick (previously belonged to the Sacramento Kings), the 20th overall pick (previously owned by the Los Angeles Clippers), and their pick at 22nd overall.
They also could offer either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown as well. The problem, however, for the Celtics is the uncertainty surrounding Kyrie Irving and his future. If Irving gives them an indication that he’s going to stay, Boston likely trades for Davis. If not, then the Celtics likely go in another direction.
Second Path: Pelicans Entice Davis To Stay And Pair Him With Williamson
I know this path is looking more like a long shot as each day passes, but let’s entertain it anyway. The Pelicans could possibly shock everyone and entice Davis to stay for at least next season. David Griffin, who’s the new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, could convince him to to give him a year to make things happen.
Griffin has done a great job in the past in turning around franchises, turning the Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers into contenders. So he’s the right guy that can right the ship in New Orleans. Yeah, it’s going to take more than conversations to sway Davis, but they’ve already started improving things.
The Pelicans have upgraded their training staff, bringing in Aaron Nelson, who was the Suns head athletic trainer for 17 years. Nelson helped extend the careers of players Steve Nash, Grant Hill, and Shaquille O’Neal during his tenure in Phoenix.
The previous staff was a huge issue considering they’re know in NBA circles as “football guys”. They also elected to hang onto head coach Alvin Gentry, who’s a player’s coach. Players from each team he’s coached have raved about how much they love playing for him.
A Potential Davis/Williamson Duo Would Be Great For The League
As for a potential Davis/Williamson combo, it would be great for fans and the league to see. Both can have their way in the paint and can run the floor. They’re also more than capable in knocking down wide open jump shots as well, especially from three despite not being “sharpshooters”. They’re both extremely athletic and would make life tough for those who want to attack the basket.
The future would be very bright in the Big Easy, with Williamson at 18 years of age. Davis, who’s been in the NBA for seven seasons, is 26 years of age. A Davis/Williamson duo would be a great one for 8-10 years. The duo would be must see TV and fans in New Orleans would have big time reasons to be optimistic.
Regardless If Davis Stays Or Goes, The Future Of The Pelicans Is In Great Hands
So should Davis stun the world and stay in New Orleans, he wouldn’t be returning to a lottery team. He would be returning to a team that made the playoffs last season with a 48-34 record. Injuries also played a big part on why the Pelicans had a drop off this season, which they fell to 33-49.
With Williamson in the fold, the Pelicans have a much brighter future than they did six months ago. In New Orleans, they have a chance to have a great rebuild that could pay off 3-4 years from now. So if Davis decides to stick with his guns regarding his trade request, it’s not a big issue for New Orleans.
The Pelicans likely will deal Jrue Holiday as well, which would net them another solid asset. They’ll also likely lose forward Julius Randle in free agency. Williamson will be the main attraction at the Smoothie King Center. Having him definitely isn’t a bad way to reboot a franchise that needs it. Trading Davis and Holiday could help New Orleans accumulate much needed assets to move forward.
The NBA definitely wants small market teams to be able to have a seat at at the table and that would be the case. So regardless happens in the next month or so regarding Davis, the Pelicans are in great position to turn things around quickly and that’s definitely not a bad thing.
