The New Orleans Pelicans fell to the Orlando Magic 127-133 to end their season.
This was a season full of flashes of brilliance and intensity in wins against the Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and the Boston Celtics. Their season ended with disappointment, after being granted a chance to make the playoffs the Pelicans went 2-6 in the bubble.
What went Right
This emergence of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson has shown to be impactful. In the little time they played together they built the momentum to thrust them in the position to play for the eight seed in the Western Conference. The consistent play of Jrue Holiday and JJ Redick along with the young guns off the bench has shown the potential this young team had this season,not to mention the play of Lonzo Ball who has had a breakout season, in a sense. His breakout was through his long-ranged shooting. He finished this season with a career-best 37.5% from three-point range. The Pelicans entered the NBA restart bubble as one of the most exciting teams in the league.
What Went Wrong
This was another down year for the Pelicans, highlighted by a 13- game losing streak. The longest losing streak in franchise history featured long stretches where it seemed as if the players lacked the will to play defense. Offensively they were amazing, but it seems like all they focused on was offense. Another piece to add is that Williamson didn’t play his first game until January the 22nd, against the San Antonio Spurs. At that point the Pelicans were not in the conversation for postseason play.
Who’s a keeper
Retaining Ingram should be the first step the Pelicans take as they prepare for the 20-21 campaign. Ingram is a finalist this year for Most Improved Player. Playoff vetern Redick is another player that needs to stay in New Orleans. During the regular season and most importantly the bubble Redick was a threat on the court, with or without the ball. Holiday is a key player offensively and more importantly on defense. His defensive aggressiveness is something the Pelicans would need to improve their perimeter defense.
Suggested trades
It’s been suggested that the Pelicans could trade Josh Hart or Lonzo Ball along with Nicolo Melli as a package that would pry Bradley Beal away from the Washington Wizards.It was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic that the Pelicans were interested in a trade with the Wizards. This trade will not only replace a guard that they just traded, but more importantly it would give the Pelicans a big three. Beal can score in bunches. He can hurt you in many ways, either coming off screens, cutting, slashing, backdoors, or even running the point. He can pull up, score off the dribble, drive, kick, whatever you need, he’ll get you a bucket with ease.
Draft Needs
After analyzing the team’s performance for much of this season, it’s clear the New Orleans Pelicans should add tough 3-and-D players that can come in and play key minutes right away on this team.
At the center position, Derrick Favors is a free agent, and Jaxson Hayes is still developing an offensive game even though he’s flashed great ability as a rim-protector. Targeting a stretch-big in the draft who could give Zion Williamson even more room to attack the paint would also be a great addition. The Pelicans have four draft picks in this year’s NBA draft. If the team recognizes the opportunity they have along with the team needs, they can come into next season competing for a playoff spot.
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