Jrue, JJ, and the Overall Path

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

Sounds boring, but I exercise some bird law on Favors and Okafor and roll back out with that rotation and Hayes. Favors seems like the type of big SVG would love and seeing what Okafor can turn into with SVG and the teased staff hires super excites me.

I would also love it if we let one or both of the above guys walk and got Christian Wood back in the fold. Whiteside is my pipedream. Tristan Thompson is my dark horse that I wouldn't mind but I'm sure will make others groan. I really want Okafor back so getting a good rim protecting/rebounding vet to anchor the young guys and show them some examples would be my direction, as opposed to a shooter/scoring machine.

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Whiteside is a pipe-dream?

More like a nightmare lol

Absolutely. He's getting a bad wrap because Portland had a bad defensive system. Looking back on some of SVG's past teams will show that he's a great fit for a lot of what we will be doing defensively. His rim protection and rebounding would be a good example for Hayes. He's a great complement to Okafor should be bring him back. And we could probably get him for 1/3 what he was making since Portland misused him so bad.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

Absolutely. He's getting a bad wrap because Portland had a bad defensive system. Looking back on some of SVG's past teams will show that he's a great fit for a lot of what we will be doing defensively. His rim protection and rebounding would be a good example for Hayes. He's a great complement to Okafor should be bring him back. And we could probably get him for 1/3 what he was making since Portland misused him so bad.

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The secret of Hassan Whiteside is that he's actually been bad everywhere, but Miami had a really good coach who put him in a position that maximised his positives while minimising his negatives by using him very specifically. This specificity made him look a lot better than he was for a brief period of time, but he baulked at it very quickly and became a locker room malcontent.

His defense overall is very poor, despite the block numbers, and he's clueless about 70% of the time.

You kinda make the case for him; reading between your lines. I know you like people who can do a lot of things but that's not what I think we need anchoring our D. A journeyman big type who can rim protect, get boards, and slam buckets. That's what would fit perfectly next to BI and Zion. That's what would fit perfectly on any D that SVG has run in the past. That's also what would fit perfectly in a rotation with Hayes and Okafor (this is still my dream, and my dream he is staying). So when you say he worked in Miami because they maximized his positives and minimized his negatives....that's exactly what we'd like to do with a big man here. We'll most likely be running extremely similar defenses. You say he was a malcontent because he got big headed and didn't want to fit that narrow mold, now he is humbled and will take a 66% cut(about) to fit that mold. It's perfect.

Yes but if all you need is someone who can do decent rim protection and dunk the open shots, then you do not need the price or the bad attitude that comes with Whiteside. You can get that, and probably someone who can actually screen too, for less money and with less ego tripping.

You also need to address the malcontent reality. Whiteside didn't like that kind of limitation and restriction on his role. It's what made him look his best, but he wanted more: he has the skill and talent level of your 5th option, but the ego of a 1st. How do you reconcile that with a team that is full of youth and in need of mature, stable veterans? You don't add Whiteside to a locker room that needs support, that's like throwing a bomb in.

Statistically, Whiteside is the perfect fit. Intangibles -- couldnt be a worse fit. This team is trying to develop a culture that includes hard work, accountability, and communication. All areas where Whitesides is horrible. We need to bring in vets who communicate, who challenge the young guys to do all the little things and have the ability to do so because they do them themselves.

I still think Baynes makes the most sense if we dont bring back Favors. Played for SVG before. Does the little things - set screens, talks, rotates on D, etc. Maybe a third of the raw talent of Whiteside but will give you everything he's got and that trickles down to others on your roster

Another guy I wouldnt mind is Nerlens. Number 2 in the league in deflections per 36 (behind only my #1 FA target- Kris Dunn). He also has been slowly extending his range and can provide vertical spacing at the rim. My dream offseason, assuming no major trades are made, would be to add Dunn with the MLE and Nerlens with the BAE. Add two very active, high energy defensive players to attack teams in waves and create more turnovers than we did last year, so we can get out and run

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Statistically, Whiteside is the perfect fit. Intangibles -- couldnt be a worse fit. This team is trying to develop a culture that includes hard work, accountability, and communication. All areas where Whitesides is horrible. We need to bring in vets who communicate, who challenge the young guys to do all the little things and have the ability to do so because they do them themselves.

I still think Baynes makes the most sense if we dont bring back Favors. Played for SVG before. Does the little things - set screens, talks, rotates on D, etc. Maybe a third of the raw talent of Whiteside but will give you everything he's got and that trickles down to others on your roster

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I agree, although I do think it's worth saying that hard work and understanding are skills, and talents. Baynes works hard, Whiteside doesn't, and Baynes understands the game, Whiteside doesn't. As a result, I think it's not really fair to say that he has a third of the raw talent Whiteside has.

Not to push back on you too hard, since I agree with the point, but it does irk me that a lot of what people call ''talent'' is just box score filling.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Another guy I wouldnt mind is Nerlens. Number 2 in the league in deflections per 36 (behind only my #1 FA target- Kris Dunn). He also has been slowly extending his range and can provide vertical spacing at the rim. My dream offseason, assuming no major trades are made, would be to add Dunn with the MLE and Nerlens with the BAE. Add two very active, high energy defensive players to attack teams in waves and create more turnovers than we did last year, so we can get out and run

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I would like Nerlens. We are at best 2 seasons away from being contenders if everything breaks well for us. The goal IMO should be to have guys in the system and locked up that will still be in their respective primes when that happens.

Kris Dunn falls into that category as well. Especially if we are moving Lonzo. I really think we should be developing Zion as a playmaker. That should be the focus of the upcoming season. Letting the offense run through Williamson I would prefer on the perimeter, but even if we insist on keeping him in the post area.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Statistically, Whiteside is the perfect fit. Intangibles -- couldnt be a worse fit. This team is trying to develop a culture that includes hard work, accountability, and communication. All areas where Whitesides is horrible. We need to bring in vets who communicate, who challenge the young guys to do all the little things and have the ability to do so because they do them themselves.

I still think Baynes makes the most sense if we dont bring back Favors. Played for SVG before. Does the little things - set screens, talks, rotates on D, etc. Maybe a third of the raw talent of Whiteside but will give you everything he's got and that trickles down to others on your roster

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I agree with your previous assessment of YoungerBall in that he will be a great role player, he just has to bounce around a bit and be humbled before he gets his head to a point where he can fit that slot. That's exactly how I see Whiteside in my "pipedream" (I started by saying this wasmy fantasy land). The dude bounced around and has been humbled. If he came here, he'd be accepting that this team already belongs to BI, Zion, and Jrue. He's also going to be making way less than he's used to. More crow for him to eat. In my dream scenario, he's in the right headspace to come in and be a role player. Championship teams need that from a few vets. Just like GS and Iggy.

Baynes would be a great place holder if we just want someone to fill the slot until we grab a younger/better piece when we are ready to run (and I don't say that in a bad way....it's a legit strategy). Noel would be cool. I do like him.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Another guy I wouldnt mind is Nerlens. Number 2 in the league in deflections per 36 (behind only my #1 FA target- Kris Dunn). He also has been slowly extending his range and can provide vertical spacing at the rim. My dream offseason, assuming no major trades are made, would be to add Dunn with the MLE and Nerlens with the BAE. Add two very active, high energy defensive players to attack teams in waves and create more turnovers than we did last year, so we can get out and run

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Would like Noel and either Dunn or Augustin.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Another guy I wouldnt mind is Nerlens. Number 2 in the league in deflections per 36 (behind only my #1 FA target- Kris Dunn). He also has been slowly extending his range and can provide vertical spacing at the rim. My dream offseason, assuming no major trades are made, would be to add Dunn with the MLE and Nerlens with the BAE. Add two very active, high energy defensive players to attack teams in waves and create more turnovers than we did last year, so we can get out and run

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Don't disagree with finding value in Nerlens, just curious as to where I can see him having added range?

He was a grand total of 1/3 from 3 last year over 61 games, shot 26% from close midrange and 27% from long midrange (both actually worse than the year before on similar sorts of shot volume), so on and so forth.

I might be misunderstanding, forgive me if I am.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

Don't disagree with finding value in Nerlens, just curious as to where I can see him having added range?

He was a grand total of 1/3 from 3 last year over 61 games, shot 26% from close midrange and 27% from long midrange (both actually worse than the year before on similar sorts of shot volume), so on and so forth.

I might be misunderstanding, forgive me if I am.

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Best friend works for a team and he has a buddy on OKC's staff. Said Noel can knock down corner 3's now at a high clip and to expect to see it happen once he goes to a team who allows him to shoot it. Looking at his FT% jump, I tend to believe its not just a guy talking out his you know what

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

I agree, although I do think it's worth saying that hard work and understanding are skills, and talents. Baynes works hard, Whiteside doesn't, and Baynes understands the game, Whiteside doesn't. As a result, I think it's not really fair to say that he has a third of the raw talent Whiteside has.

Not to push back on you too hard, since I agree with the point, but it does irk me that a lot of what people call ''talent'' is just box score filling.

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Definition of talent: NATURAL aptitude or skill

So, yes, Whiteside might have 10x more. That said, I respect hard work and basketball smarts 1000x more than "talent"

But when people say talent, they are talking about a guys running, jumping, movement....all the things a coach cant teach. It actually has nothing to do with "box score filling"

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Best friend works for a team and he has a buddy on OKC's staff. Said Noel can knock down corner 3's now at a high clip and to expect to see it happen once he goes to a team who allows him to shoot it. Looking at his FT% jump, I tend to believe its not just a guy talking out his you know what

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That's fine, I just thought you were talking about actual in game progress that I could observe. My mistake. I'm sure he has been working on his shooting, and I'm also sure that he can hit them just fine in practice: I'd like to see that manifest outside of the Ben Simmons Practice Footage scenario before I start banking on it though.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Best friend works for a team and he has a buddy on OKC's staff. Said Noel can knock down corner 3's now at a high clip and to expect to see it happen once he goes to a team who allows him to shoot it. Looking at his FT% jump, I tend to believe its not just a guy talking out his you know what

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Shocked GIF from Chirsfarley GIFs

That would be pretty legit. I've always liked him. Was sad we traded him. But have been smitten with Jrue.

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Originally Posted by Pelicanidae

That's fine, I just thought you were talking about actual in game progress that I could observe. My mistake. I'm sure he has been working on his shooting, and I'm also sure that he can hit them just fine in practice: I'd like to see that manifest outside of the Ben Simmons Practice Footage scenario before I start banking on it though.

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If you wait until it happens in games before you go get him, you are gonna have to pay much more. You gotta go get the Brook Lopez before he starts shooting the 3 to get value. Once they prove they can shoot it, they get huge money

Hope Noel is on the list of players we're targeting.

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Originally Posted by Eman5805

Hope Noel is on the list of players we're targeting.

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The thing is that we need a perimeter guy and a big most likely and I just think you can get a much better big with the BAE than you can a perimeter guy. You use the MLE for the perimeter guy. And I think Noel might cost more than the BAE

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

The thing is that we need a perimeter guy and a big most likely and I just think you can get a much better big with the BAE than you can a perimeter guy. You use the MLE for the perimeter guy. And I think Noel might cost more than the BAE

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I haven't kept up with Noel, but I'll buy into his improvement.

Draft a perimeter guy/motion shooter like Nesmith. With a coach like SVG, he probably maximize his strength well.

I think revamping our bigs and wing defender is going to be a 2-3 year process and that's if we aren't force to abandon Ball!/ trade Jrue.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

The thing is that we need a perimeter guy and a big most likely and I just think you can get a much better big with the BAE than you can a perimeter guy. You use the MLE for the perimeter guy. And I think Noel might cost more than the BAE

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I’d bet that Noel gets paid more than Dunn on a short term deals in free agency. Dunn is still a role player where as Noel can be a reasonable starting center.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

If you wait until it happens in games before you go get him, you are gonna have to pay much more. You gotta go get the Brook Lopez before he starts shooting the 3 to get value. Once they prove they can shoot it, they get huge money

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Sure, and I get that, that's the sort of thing a FO would be able to try and find out better than I can. I was just wondering when I had asked if there was anything I could actually see or not. The answer to that right now is no, which sucks but isn't that surprising.

MM and Dae, you guys have been on point, lately. This might be the best I've seen this board. It had me invigorated to looking up on SVG. Going off the surface of a few hours of internet sleuthing, it seems like we'll be trying to surround Zion and BI with 3pt shooters.....I'm expecting even for the C. Kind of interesting because SVG loves to play that Inside-Out with one big doing some ball handling inside and then passing it out to a shooter/moving player. I'm assuming Zion would be that big. So I'm guessing we will eventually be aiming for a C that can hit the 3. It also has me questioning Lonzo and Jrue's future here. Seems like only one is destined to stay unless one or bothof them turn into 3pt shooting types. That's a lot of assumptions and guesses from just a short time of "researching", but it does have me xhanging my personnel predictions.

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Originally Posted by msusousaphone

MM and Dae, you guys have been on point, lately. This might be the best I've seen this board. It had me invigorated to looking up on SVG. Going off the surface of a few hours of internet sleuthing, it seems like we'll be trying to surround Zion and BI with 3pt shooters.....I'm expecting even for the C. Kind of interesting because SVG loves to play that Inside-Out with one big doing some ball handling inside and then passing it out to a shooter/moving player. I'm assuming Zion would be that big. So I'm guessing we will eventually be aiming for a C that can hit the 3. It also has me questioning Lonzo and Jrue's future here. Seems like only one is destined to stay unless one or bothof them turn into 3pt shooting types. That's a lot of assumptions and guesses from just a short time of "researching", but it does have me xhanging my personnel predictions.

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First priority for SVG and Griffin at center will be someone who can protect the rim and/or rebound at high level. Melli can come in and stretch when needed, but this team needs to protect the rim. You cant give up shots at the rim and open looks from 3 -- gotta take away one and the easier one to take away is in the paint. To fix the defense somewhat this season, the team is gonna focus on three things:

1. Reduce turnovers
2. Get back in transition
3. Protect the rim

They do those 3 things, even if they trade Jrue and they should be in the 12-15 range, which should be good enough to be competitive

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

First priority for SVG and Griffin at center will be someone who can protect the rim and/or rebound at high level. Melli can come in and stretch when needed, but this team needs to protect the rim. You cant give up shots at the rim and open looks from 3 -- gotta take away one and the easier one to take away is in the paint. To fix the defense somewhat this season, the team is gonna focus on three things:

1. Reduce turnovers
2. Get back in transition
3. Protect the rim

They do those 3 things, even if they trade Jrue and they should be in the 12-15 range, which should be good enough to be competitive

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What do you think the likelihood of them bringing back Favors is?

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

What do you think the likelihood of them bringing back Favors is?

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Depends on Favors. They would want to give him a fake 1 plus 1 and he would probably get more money here but he could prefer to go somewhere else where he has a better chance to win and won't have to worry all year about being traded.

I think the guy has made enough money and he will opt for a better situation so I'd say 20 percent chance he will be back but 100 percent chance we offer him the most money for next season

If we sending JJ and Jrue out, here is a 3 team that would be workable.Attachment 6541

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Depends on Favors. They would want to give him a fake 1 plus 1 and he would probably get more money here but he could prefer to go somewhere else where he has a better chance to win and won't have to worry all year about being traded.

I think the guy has made enough money and he will opt for a better situation so I'd say 20 percent chance he will be back but 100 percent chance we offer him the most money for next season

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So you get the feel that we want him back then? I actually would prefer giving a shot to someone like Noel or if we cannot get him, maybe Len. Favors is 29 but played like 35 towards the end of the season. Maybe it was just nagging injuries.

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

So you get the feel that we want him back then? I actually would prefer giving a shot to someone like Noel or if we cannot get him, maybe Len. Favors is 29 but played like 35 towards the end of the season. Maybe it was just nagging injuries.

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If we're trying to win next season, what does that mean for Hayes' minutes/development? As of now, he doesn't have a clue how to protect the rim. Nor does he rebound

I also have no clue what realistic, finished product Hayes looks like

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Originally Posted by PELICANSFAN

So you get the feel that we want him back then? I actually would prefer giving a shot to someone like Noel or if we cannot get him, maybe Len. Favors is 29 but played like 35 towards the end of the season. Maybe it was just nagging injuries.

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We want him back because we can use bird rights on him versus a similar big we would have to use MLE. Not because we like him so much more than others. Its a pure value play

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Originally Posted by AusPel

If we're trying to win next season, what does that mean for Hayes' minutes/development? As of now, he doesn't have a clue how to protect the rim. Nor does he rebound

I also have no clue what realistic, finished product Hayes looks like

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We were trying to win last year and he got 16 mpg. So, he will get opportunities but if he stinks in a game, he will get pulled.

Realistic, finished Hayes probably looks like 90 percent OKC Serge Ibaka

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

We were trying to win last year and he got 16 mpg. So, he will get opportunities but if he stinks in a game, he will get pulled.

Realistic, finished Hayes probably looks like 90 percent OKC Serge Ibaka

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That in the Pels system, or a program more willing to ride his mistakes?

Hayes development trajectory is one of the more fascinating stories in the immediate future

When I look at all the ways Hayes can play out, I see far more scenarios where he is a disappointment than he is a long time starter/core piece.

If I were Griff, my top priority would be to get a very smart veteran half court playmaker in that second unit this year or next. A guy who could teach Hayes how to set good angles with his screens and roll with proper timing. Get him easy lobs 2-3 times a game and also coach him on how a guard/big should play the pick and roll.

Tyson Chandler had one foot out the league when we got him and CP3 gave him a world of confidence and knowledge and it changed his career. He doesnt really fit with Lonzo, but a guy like Rubio comes to mind as someone who could do that for Hayes. Honestly, Rondo could too.

Hayes will be as good as the guards and playmakers on this team are, offensively. And defensively, it will come down to our lead assistant (hoping for Charles Lee, personally) and other smart vets to teach him - both vet guards and vet bigs

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

When I look at all the ways Hayes can play out, I see far more scenarios where he is a disappointment than he is a long time starter/core piece.

If I were Griff, my top priority would be to get a very smart veteran half court playmaker in that second unit this year or next. A guy who could teach Hayes how to set good angles with his screens and roll with proper timing. Get him easy lobs 2-3 times a game and also coach him on how a guard/big should play the pick and roll.

Tyson Chandler had one foot out the league when we got him and CP3 gave him a world of confidence and knowledge and it changed his career. He doesnt really fit with Lonzo, but a guy like Rubio comes to mind as someone who could do that for Hayes. Honestly, Rondo could too.

Hayes will be as good as the guards and playmakers on this team are, offensively. And defensively, it will come down to our lead assistant (hoping for Charles Lee, personally) and other smart vets to teach him - both vet guards and vet bigs

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The Pelicans really need to understand that screens require contact. I can't even remember when the Pelicans consistently set a good screen. Who should they go after if Favors doesn't return? We also need size at the guard and small forward.

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Originally Posted by sterlr

The Pelicans really need to understand that screens require contact. I can't even remember when the Pelicans consistently set a good screen. Who should they go after if Favors doesn't return? We also need size at the guard and small forward.

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I would set my list something like:

MLE Candidates

1. Tristan Thompson (full MLE)
2. Aron Baynes (6-ish mil per)
3. Nerlens Noel (5-ish mil per)

BAE Candidates

1. Alex Len
2. Meyers Leonard
3. Robin Lopez
4. Willie Cauley-Stein
5. Mason Plumlee

Min Candidates

1. Bismack Biyombo
2. Ian Mahinmi

Seeing who the assistants are will be key. SVG himself has a great track record of getting career best seasons out of bigs. He's also defensive minded. I think that bodes well for Hayes. But yeah, the naming of the assistants will be more telling.

No mention of keeping Okafor. Are you as down on his potential as most Pels fans? Don’t really get that. Since he got in shape his lateral movement seems much better. He’s certainly as athletic as the Lopez brothers and a much better interior scoring threat. I get he may not work next to Zion unless he can be another big who develops a perimeter jump shot, but absorbing 10-15 minutes a night punishing back ups seems like a smart option. I’d also like to see what Stan Van could do with him.

I say we keep Jrue and JJ. With Zion and Ingram taking a step further Jrue is the perfect compliment to those 2. People forget before this crazy summer Jrue was playing like the best player in the playoffs on both sides of the ball. Every night you can give him the toughest defense assignment with his elite defense while still getting a 17-20ppg 5-7apg 3-5rpg game from him nightly. I don?t understand the want to move someone on a good contract that gives us exactly what we need.

Not only is it move Jrue but it?s JJ who was arguably our best player last season and in the bubble. He is exactly what this team needs as a 3pt threat which you see on every championship team. We not only have one of the best but one that can do more then just a Kyle Korver. We were a young team that was so many close game from winning. The right coach and roster tweaks not overhaul could make us a dangerous team.

What's the latest date we could trade Jrue before he is legally able to opt out?

Trade deadline of this upcoming seas

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Trade deadline of this upcoming seas

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Would his trade suitors be looking for a verbal agreement he would opt-in/extend with them?

Otherwise he's most likely a very short term rental. Not exactly the best conditions to get a good return for him

Do you think DJ Augustin would be a MLE or BAE candidate? It would be nice to target Thompson, Noel, or Baynes with the MLE and Augustin with the BAE. I think he would be a good veteran PG to run the second unit.

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse985

Do you think DJ Augustin would be a MLE or BAE candidate? It would be nice to target Thompson, Noel, or Baynes with the MLE and Augustin with the BAE. I think he would be a good veteran PG to run the second unit.

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Would be a great get, but the BAE won't be enough

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse985

Do you think DJ Augustin would be a MLE or BAE candidate? It would be nice to target Thompson, Noel, or Baynes with the MLE and Augustin with the BAE. I think he would be a good veteran PG to run the second unit.

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Augustin will definitely cost most, if not all, the MLE. Same with Dunn, who is my #1 FA target.

You gotta go cheap at 2 of the 3 - guard, forward, or center. One of the 3 if you bring back Favors. You arent getting an Augustin caliber player w/o using the MLE. For BAE you can get a guard like Reggie Jackson or IT3 or maybe a Michael Carter-Williams., Trey Burke, or Cam Payne

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Augustin will definitely cost most, if not all, the MLE. Same with Dunn, who is my #1 FA target.

You gotta go cheap at 2 of the 3 - guard, forward, or center. One of the 3 if you bring back Favors. You arent getting an Augustin caliber player w/o using the MLE. For BAE you can get a guard like Reggie Jackson or IT3 or maybe a Michael Carter-Williams., Trey Burke, or Cam Payne

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Has Michael Carter-Williams shown enough to be relied upon as a consistent backup PG? I know he had promise early in his career then has pretty much been a journeyman, but I guess still good enough to stay in the NBA.

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

Augustin will definitely cost most, if not all, the MLE. Same with Dunn, who is my #1 FA target.

You gotta go cheap at 2 of the 3 - guard, forward, or center. One of the 3 if you bring back Favors. You arent getting an Augustin caliber player w/o using the MLE. For BAE you can get a guard like Reggie Jackson or IT3 or maybe a Michael Carter-Williams., Trey Burke, or Cam Payne

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I wouldn’t hate keeping Favors. He and Triston Thompson are pretty much the same player at the same age. Baynes’ 3 point shooting stands out in that MLE group. Is Meyers Leonard good enough to be counted on as a consistent rim protector?

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse985

Has Michael Carter-Williams shown enough to be relied upon as a consistent backup PG? I know he had promise early in his career then has pretty much been a journeyman, but I guess still good enough to stay in the NBA.

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The raw stats wont say it but last season was by far the best season of his career. He would be a top 10 backup PG, maybe top 5. He is very good defensively and has gotten much better getting into the lane and finishing at the rim or with a solid floater.

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse985

I wouldn’t hate keeping Favors. He and Triston Thompson are pretty much the same player at the same age. Baynes’ 3 point shooting stands out in that MLE group. Is Meyers Leonard good enough to be counted on as a consistent rim protector?

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These are all very flawed players. Hence, the reason they are available for BAE or MLE. Rounding out the edges of a roster can help steal a win or two here or there, but the 2020-21 Pelicans will all ride on Zion staying healthy, Ingram continuing to grow, and Lonzo being the guy from Feb and March - not the scrub in the bubble. That and the Jrue trade are what will matter. The rest is just flawed filler

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Originally Posted by MichaelMcNamara

These are all very flawed players. Hence, the reason they are available for BAE or MLE. Rounding out the edges of a roster can help steal a win or two here or there, but the 2020-21 Pelicans will all ride on Zion staying healthy, Ingram continuing to grow, and Lonzo being the guy from Feb and March - not the scrub in the bubble. That and the Jrue trade are what will matter. The rest is just flawed filler

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I still think a solid defensive center can make a difference as we saw when Favors came back from his prolonged absence to start the season. Adding 3 point shooting just opens up the paint more for Zion. So, I think the “filler” players can make a difference on whether this team can make the playoffs or not. Health of course will also be a huge factor.

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Originally Posted by Darkhorse985

I still think a solid defensive center can make a difference as we saw when Favors came back from his prolonged absence to start the season. Adding 3 point shooting just opens up the paint more for Zion. So, I think the “filler” players can make a difference on whether this team can make the playoffs or not. Health of course will also be a huge factor.

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Tristan Thompson gives you rim protection, rebounding and he actually was hitting a few threes last season! Obviously won't help spacing like Baynes can on offense.

How bout bring Favors back and use the MLE on Dunn or DJ

OR Baynes with the MLE and MCW with the BAE