[NCarmean18Participant]

 I had a couple of quick thoughts about the New Orleans Pelicans in which I’d like to express with you.  

#1. I do not see this team making the playoffs.  The West is soooo deap.  The top 7 teams are extremely good teams, and I do not see any of them falling unless of course a tragic injury was to occur.  

Some fans may say, "but… that’s only seven teams.  You left one out."  That is correct.  The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to roll past the Pelicans in the standings and take their rightful place in the playoff chase.  I don’t know where they will end up, but with a healthy Russell Westbrook, reigning NBA most valuable player Kevin Durant, and Serge Ibaka, the sky is the limit for this team, and the Pelicans don’t quite have the firepower to match this team, as outstanding as Anthony Davis has been.  

#2.  If the New Orleans Pelicans miss the NBA playoffs this season, there would be hardly any argument that you could pull to persuade people that Anthony Davis was the ‘Most Valuable Player’ in the league.  If he was the most valuable player, then why couldn’t he take his squad to the playoffs?  Now, I am in no way bashing Anthony Davis.  He has been tremendous this season and has really helped me fantasy team in every single category across the board.  

The point that I am trying to make is that if the Pelicans don’t make the playoffs, then people are going to vote more for a guy that did lead his squad into the postseason, and that’s just the name of the game.  

#3.  This third thought was actually a question to those who actively make their opinions well known on this forum.  If the Pelicans do end up missing the playoffs, could we see the end of the Monty Williams era in New Orleans, and if so, who do you think would or could replace him?  

Let me know what you all think of my random Pelicans-related thoughts, and thanks for taking the time to read and respond. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

 For number 3, I wouldn’t put all blame on Mont Williams because let’s face it, they roster is so random and messed up. They resign Eric Gordon, acquire Holiday and sign a Holiday+Gordon clone in Tyreke. What do they all hae in common? They can’t space the floor. They take touches away from AD. 

Now that they’ve invested a chunk of their money in those three guards, they can’t afford a good bench anymore. Seriously, you’re going to start Luke Babbit in an NBA team?? You have a glaring hole in the SF position and they do nothing in the off-season to address this but sign John Salmons. Seriously, all they need is a decent sf because that’s the only hole in their roster. They should just at least attempt to acquire players like Mo Harkless or Dorrell Wright or something. Someone who could just defend and shoot 3s for the cheap.

 

[juves4783Participant]

you my friend, totally nailed it on your analysis.

just to further add…

there has just been questionable move after questionable move with this team in general.  adding ryan anderson when you just drafted anthony davis.  drafting austin rivers when you’ve planned on bringing back eric gordon.  i think the idea of rivers at pg was tossed around and the failure of that to materialize caused the snowball effect of adding holiday, evans and asik while moving out decent, low cost options vasquez and lopez as part of those deals.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[juves4783Participant]

you my friend, totally nailed it on your analysis.

just to further add…

there has just been questionable move after questionable move with this team in general.  adding ryan anderson when you just drafted anthony davis.  drafting austin rivers when you’ve planned on bringing back eric gordon.  i think the idea of rivers at pg was tossed around and the failure of that to materialize caused the snowball effect of adding holiday, evans and asik while moving out decent, low cost options vasquez and lopez as part of those deals.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[Jr. ROXASParticipant]

 For number 3, I wouldn’t put all blame on Mont Williams because let’s face it, they roster is so random and messed up. They resign Eric Gordon, acquire Holiday and sign a Holiday+Gordon clone in Tyreke. What do they all hae in common? They can’t space the floor. They take touches away from AD. 

Now that they’ve invested a chunk of their money in those three guards, they can’t afford a good bench anymore. Seriously, you’re going to start Luke Babbit in an NBA team?? You have a glaring hole in the SF position and they do nothing in the off-season to address this but sign John Salmons. Seriously, all they need is a decent sf because that’s the only hole in their roster. They should just at least attempt to acquire players like Mo Harkless or Dorrell Wright or something. Someone who could just defend and shoot 3s for the cheap.

 

[ballislyfe25Participant]

 I would hate to see them get rid of Monty Williams. I feel like it’s a similar situation to that of Mike Malone in Sacramento. No one is saying Monty is a top tier coach but I’d say he’s in the top half of NBA head coaches right now. He has been the coach during the rapid development of Anthony Davis and has him playing at an MVP level and many argue he is the 3rd best player in the league already. His roster barely has one player capable of guarding the 3 spot, and has three ball dominant guards. In my opinion, he has this roster playing at or above their potential and I’d like to see him get a few more years in New Orleans, especially if Dell Demps can find a way to move one or more of the three highly paid guards.

Jr. ROXAS, Harkless or Dorrell Wright would be perfect for the Pelicans. Those are exactly the type of players they lack and until they get a capable one we probably cannot take them too seriously. Could they have afforded to offer Chandler Parsons a max-deal this past offseason? Even though they likely won’t get him, they should offer it to Kawhi this offseason.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

 I would hate to see them get rid of Monty Williams. I feel like it’s a similar situation to that of Mike Malone in Sacramento. No one is saying Monty is a top tier coach but I’d say he’s in the top half of NBA head coaches right now. He has been the coach during the rapid development of Anthony Davis and has him playing at an MVP level and many argue he is the 3rd best player in the league already. His roster barely has one player capable of guarding the 3 spot, and has three ball dominant guards. In my opinion, he has this roster playing at or above their potential and I’d like to see him get a few more years in New Orleans, especially if Dell Demps can find a way to move one or more of the three highly paid guards.

Jr. ROXAS, Harkless or Dorrell Wright would be perfect for the Pelicans. Those are exactly the type of players they lack and until they get a capable one we probably cannot take them too seriously. Could they have afforded to offer Chandler Parsons a max-deal this past offseason? Even though they likely won’t get him, they should offer it to Kawhi this offseason.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 If Anthony Davis were averaging 30 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks a game he should be the MVP NO MATTER WHAT.

But, he’s not.  Basically the same stats as last year just a couple more points.

Davis "should" be able to play center.  His best option would be as a guy like a young Tim Duncan.  BUT, he is not that guy.  He is not a 7 footer.  If he were, then you have him and Asik in there inside for rebounding and defense, OR put Davis at center with Ryan Anderson knocking down jumpers.  But, AD is not a center, so that takes away a great option that they would have.  

People who want for the Pelicans to make a trade are debating whether to trade Gordon, or Evans, or Jru Holiday?  Why not trade them all?  What do those guys do that they can’t get from somebody else cheaper?  They need ONE playmaker, ONE shooter, and ONE legitimate small forward.  

Their best option at point guard might be Tyreke Evans.  He is no HOF point guard but neither is Holiday.  Put Tyreke at the point then get some length and shooting on the wings.  See if they can get Corey Brewer and Chase Budinger from the T Wolves.  

They basically need to retool.

They can’t let Anthony Davis get away.

Hmm, what about a Junk for Junk trade with the Pistons?

Pelicans get: Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, Caron Butler, and Joel Anthony

Pistons get: Jru Holiday, Jeff Withey, Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, cash, and a first round pick

Monroe and Davis would be a good combo with Asik and Ryan Anderson off the bench.  Jennings could run the team then have Josh Smith at the 3.  On the wings, the Pelicans could go small with Rivers or Jimmer at the 2 and Butler and Babbitt at the 3.  

The Pistons get Jru Holiday to run the Andre Drummond Show.  Gordon and Evans give them some more scoring options on the wing.  They can then turn KCP into a 6th man.  Jeff Withey gives them another young shot blocker.  

the link won’t show up, but trust me, this trade works in the ESPN Trade Machine.

Big picture: Pelicans do it to get their twin towers lineup for the future and they STILL have some quality bigs off the bench.  Getting Jennings to replace Holiday is just exchanging one mediocre point guard for another.  

The Pistons unload a quality player they don’t have a long-term future with and get some good assets on the wings.  They also move J Smoove.  They also pick up a first round pick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tuck243Participant]

What the hell are you talking about?  This is nothing but gibberish and a pointless rant.   

[tuck243Participant]

What the hell are you talking about?  This is nothing but gibberish and a pointless rant.   

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 If Anthony Davis were averaging 30 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks a game he should be the MVP NO MATTER WHAT.

But, he’s not.  Basically the same stats as last year just a couple more points.

Davis "should" be able to play center.  His best option would be as a guy like a young Tim Duncan.  BUT, he is not that guy.  He is not a 7 footer.  If he were, then you have him and Asik in there inside for rebounding and defense, OR put Davis at center with Ryan Anderson knocking down jumpers.  But, AD is not a center, so that takes away a great option that they would have.  

People who want for the Pelicans to make a trade are debating whether to trade Gordon, or Evans, or Jru Holiday?  Why not trade them all?  What do those guys do that they can’t get from somebody else cheaper?  They need ONE playmaker, ONE shooter, and ONE legitimate small forward.  

Their best option at point guard might be Tyreke Evans.  He is no HOF point guard but neither is Holiday.  Put Tyreke at the point then get some length and shooting on the wings.  See if they can get Corey Brewer and Chase Budinger from the T Wolves.  

They basically need to retool.

They can’t let Anthony Davis get away.

Hmm, what about a Junk for Junk trade with the Pistons?

Pelicans get: Brandon Jennings, Josh Smith, Greg Monroe, Caron Butler, and Joel Anthony

Pistons get: Jru Holiday, Jeff Withey, Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, cash, and a first round pick

Monroe and Davis would be a good combo with Asik and Ryan Anderson off the bench.  Jennings could run the team then have Josh Smith at the 3.  On the wings, the Pelicans could go small with Rivers or Jimmer at the 2 and Butler and Babbitt at the 3.  

The Pistons get Jru Holiday to run the Andre Drummond Show.  Gordon and Evans give them some more scoring options on the wing.  They can then turn KCP into a 6th man.  Jeff Withey gives them another young shot blocker.  

the link won’t show up, but trust me, this trade works in the ESPN Trade Machine.

Big picture: Pelicans do it to get their twin towers lineup for the future and they STILL have some quality bigs off the bench.  Getting Jennings to replace Holiday is just exchanging one mediocre point guard for another.  

The Pistons unload a quality player they don’t have a long-term future with and get some good assets on the wings.  They also move J Smoove.  They also pick up a first round pick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tuck243Participant]

He’s putting up incredible numbers on a bad team…   I’m not saying he’s the MCW and Tony Wroten of the NBA, but at least make the playoffs.  Melo doesn’t get cut ANY slack when he misses, so let’s not start with AD because we like him more.  

With that said, the Pelicans issue is having Tyreke Evans dominating the ball and having an inefficient Eric Gordon playing a ton of minutes.  I never thought Tyreke was a starter and was more of J. Crawford/J.R. Smith w/o the ability to hit jumpers.   He’s maybe worse because he has to dribble so much to get a shot off…  Eric Gordon shouldn’t be in the gameplan period.   They need to move on from him ASAP.  He can’t defend or shoot, so why is he out there?

  

[tuck243Participant]

He’s putting up incredible numbers on a bad team…   I’m not saying he’s the MCW and Tony Wroten of the NBA, but at least make the playoffs.  Melo doesn’t get cut ANY slack when he misses, so let’s not start with AD because we like him more.  

With that said, the Pelicans issue is having Tyreke Evans dominating the ball and having an inefficient Eric Gordon playing a ton of minutes.  I never thought Tyreke was a starter and was more of J. Crawford/J.R. Smith w/o the ability to hit jumpers.   He’s maybe worse because he has to dribble so much to get a shot off…  Eric Gordon shouldn’t be in the gameplan period.   They need to move on from him ASAP.  He can’t defend or shoot, so why is he out there?

  

[mbunner23Participant]

 Memphis Madness, why would the Pelicans trade players that dont fit with Davis for other players that make a worse fit than they already have? There is no way the Pelicans would want Brandon Jennings, over Jrue, and I don’t see many teams that would want Josh Smith. Josh Smith with Anthony Davis makes absolutely no sense, and the trade you made would only make them a worse team. 

I agree that the current roster needs some re tooling, but the guys you mentiond make for a worse roster than the one assembled right now. 

 

[mbunner23Participant]

 Memphis Madness, why would the Pelicans trade players that dont fit with Davis for other players that make a worse fit than they already have? There is no way the Pelicans would want Brandon Jennings, over Jrue, and I don’t see many teams that would want Josh Smith. Josh Smith with Anthony Davis makes absolutely no sense, and the trade you made would only make them a worse team. 

I agree that the current roster needs some re tooling, but the guys you mentiond make for a worse roster than the one assembled right now. 

 

[r377Participant]

With Waiters now in OKC I would like to see the Pelicans try and acquire J Lamb

[r377Participant]

With Waiters now in OKC I would like to see the Pelicans try and acquire J Lamb

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