NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Replacing prominent players in Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins with younger, lesser skilled alternatives in Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle, the Pelicans lack the traits that made them a viable contender in the prior season. With Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday being their first choice scoring options, they’ve incorporated a group of well rounded role-players around them. Nikola Mirotic, E’Twaun Moore and Ian Clark have made a living in this league as floor stretchers, while Julius Randle and Cheick Diallo could be exploited as small ball centers, hence giving Anthony Davis the liberty to operate in his preferred power forward role.
Trevon Bluiett, the Pelicans’ latest draftee promises to be an efficient scorer at the next level. Elfrid Payton could be regarded as a low risk stopgap, while they pursue an additionally skilled guard with the capability to carry a part of the offensive load. Julius Randle could wind up being a high reward signing and an appropriate fit alongside The Brow and ex Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic.
Doing away with the controversial figures of Rondo and Cousins, the Pelicans would attempt to assemble a sense of togetherness within the franchise. While relegating the quality of their roster, nevertheless they could still forge a genuine run for the final playoff spots. While lacking the depth to prosper in the playoffs, they comprise sufficient potential within their starting 5 to sneak into the knockout stages.
PROBABLE STARTING 5: Elfrid Payton; Jrue Holiday; Nikola Mirotic; Anthony Davis; Julius Randle
PLAYOFF LIKELIHOOD: 6/10