Sweeped in the first round of the Playoffs after a rather convincing regular season (49 victories), the Pelicans ended their 2023-24 campaign on a bad note. Enough to cause significant changes in the roster? This is what general manager David Griffin suggests.
Things could change in the Bayou in the coming months.
During a press conference given yesterday at the Pels training center, David Griffin released a very clear message behind the microphones.
“In the past, we often opted for continuity, and we said to ourselves, ‘Let’s see what this group is worth when it’s healthy.’ But that’s enough. […] We are in a Western Conference that is historically strong, there are teams that did not make the Playoffs this year that will clearly improve during the offseason, and we must do the same.
You’ll see a real sense of urgency from everyone.”
To summarize: there is change in the air.
Changes appear to be on the horizon in New Orleans 👀 pic.twitter.com/fsFsV6fMAh
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 30, 2024
But how will this change manifest itself? If we had to put a coin on a big transfer, we would probably bet on a trade involving Brandon Ingram. Why BI? Already because it is difficult to see the Pelicans letting go of Zion Williamson after the great end to the season that he had, even if it ended with a new injury. Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III also seem untouchable, they who are young, currently cheap and extremely valuable for the Pels collective on both ends of the field.
Brandon Ingram, for his part, remains in a series of Playoffs where he was completely extinguished by Lu Dort. An All-Star caliber player with a salary of $34 million this season, Ingram will also enter his final year of contract next season. This makes him almost a natural candidate for a transfer if the Pels actually want to change their roster. Mark Puleo and William Guillory The Athletic also recall that the Pelicans have very good draft capital, with three first-round choices this season and two in 2025. Enough to give flexibility to David Griffin.
David Griffin hinted at big changes this offseason
— Pelicans Nation (@PelsNationCP) April 30, 2024
When we look at the numbers for the regular season, we notice that the starting five composed of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jonas Valanciunas has a net rating… negative (115.2 points scored per 100 possessions, 116 .2 conceded per 100 possessions). Not great for a team that has big ambitions in the West. We also notice that the lineups with Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are extremely efficient on both sides of the field (net rating of +15 for the two most used lineups with these two players on the field), whether they are aligned with Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram. Moral of the story ?
“The Pelicans need to find the right formula. I don’t know who’s going to get traded, who’s coming off the bench, or what’s going to happen. But there’s no world in which Trey Murphy and Herb Jones aren’t both starters at wing next season. They both have to be starters.” –Zach Lowe, insider ESPN
If Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones represent the base of the Pelicans’ five, that means that Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum or Jonas Valanciunas risk being headed for the exit. As a reminder, McCollum – 32 years old – is under contract until 2026 with a salary exceeding $30 million, while JV will become a free agent this summer.
Zach Lowe says New Orleans absolutely has to start Trey Murphy and Herb Jones together next season
“He’s going to have to start. You’re going to have to figure it out. I don’t know who gets traded, who comes off the bench, whatever happens. There’s just no world in which Trey… pic.twitter.com/djuRTsucBz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 23, 2024
You understand, the Pelicans are still looking for the right formula to find the ideal balance despite the great things demonstrated this season. And this will undoubtedly involve potentially significant changes during the offseason.
“In the end, we’re all pawns, it’s a business. People who are in the offices will change their rooms and then leave. Everyone in the locker room is aware that situations are temporary. It’s business.” – Larry Nance Jr., Pelicans player
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Source texte : The Athletic
2024-05-01 14:17:00
#Big #coming #Pelicans
