Let's see...
Julius Randle:
During his one season with the Pelicans the former Lottery Pick was playing the best basketball of his career to that point.
He was 24 years old at the time, so he fit nicely into the team's new timeline.
Enjoyed being here...wanted to continue. Said so.
We all know how talented players seem to flock to New Orleans, huh?
Ended up signing for virtually the same money we coughed up for Derick Favors
Had to forfeit draft picks (assets) for the privilege to have a 'nothing-burger' (Favors) on the team.
End Game: Favors is a serviceable reserve player in Utah; Randle is destined to be an All Star playing in the Big Apple.
Christian Wood:
During his abbreviated time with the Pelicans, Wood was playing the best basketball of his career.
He was 23 years old at the time so he fit nicely into the team's timeline.
Enjoyed being here...wanted to continue. Said so.
We all know how talented players seem to flock to New Orleans, huh?
Ended up signing a one year deal with Detroit for 1.5MM,
Pelicans ended up coughing up 4MM per for the privilege of having Nikolo Melli on the roster (2 years).
End Game: The now 25 year old Wood is on track for stardom (if not more) in Houston; The now 30 year old Melli may never again play a meaningful minute in the NBA.
Bottom Line: This exercise isn't really about whether we should or shouldn't have signed Randle and/or Wood. It's an exercise to show how inept the current FO is at talent evaluation. Remember, we also signed 34 year old, JJ Redick to 2 year 26.5MM contract.