The New Orleans Pelicans simply had one in every of their worst seasons ever, however is subsequent 12 months going to someway be much more painful?
Writing for ESPN, Kevin Pelton dug into among the most unlucky offseason strikes by groups.
He had nothing however dangerous issues to say concerning the Pelicans and the changes they dedicated.
“The Hawks-Pelicans draft-night swap was seemingly essentially the most lopsided transaction of the summer time. It may repay for New Orleans, but it surely was far too dangerous to be wise — notably within the context of the Pelicans’ different strikes. New Orleans is betting on Jordan Poole being a playoff-caliber place to begin guard and has overloaded its depth chart at middle by drafting Derik Queen and signing veteran Kevon Looney. Simply three West groups have longer odds of successful the convention at ESPN BET, and the Pelicans traded away their security web now that they now not management their 2026 first-round decide,” Pelton wrote.
Proper earlier than the draft started, the Hawks traded their No. 13 decide to the Pelicans for the No. 23 decide and an unprotected 2026 first-rounder.
The Pelicans then use that choice to decide on Derik Queen, who’s presently injured and will miss the start of his rookie season.
Giving up their unprotected decide was an aggressive transfer, and one which many critics say was ill-advised.
Pelton introduced up that this didn’t assist their odds of successful the West in any respect.
Actually, there are just a few groups which have an extended shot of going all the way in which to the Finals.
Simply a few years in the past, the Pelicans seemed like a promising staff which may lastly be getting heading in the right direction.
Now, they as soon as once more appear misplaced and with no vibrant future as a result of they’ve given up their draft picks.
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