The news of Lavine being out likely two weeks pretty much confirms the Inconsistent Pelicans to finish in the lottery around 11-14. I just can't see a scenario of us finishing at 9 or even cracking the top 8 with teams like the Kings (lost 9 in a row) Thunder, and now the Bulls (converts to Magic) being a lock. This position puts the Pels in a tough place.
Weeks ago, I was debating with fans and Lonzo stans and was called a Pelicans pessimist, hater, troll, etc. because I anticipated the forgone conclusion that trading Lonzo for a decent asset would help us position ourselves in the off-season to avoid limited options resources, and to get of negative assets. Another concern was to avoid committing to a core of Zo, BI, and Zion who ceiling I'm not a big believer in or losing Zo for nothing. Word to MM, a Sign and Trade with Zo will be very difficult and would likely need at least three teams.
With the Pelicans inconsistent play which affects our draft order, to the Zo situation, I just can't find a situation where I can feel confident in the Pelicans being a sure fire playoff team next year.
Our draft pick won't yield a game changer, especially since it's not even a top 8 pick, our assets are not appealing and we also have to get off negative assets (Bledsoe, Adams) by combining sweetiners to do so. And lastly the odds of us drafting a kid in the draft is also likely not to happen.
Is our 11 pick + Bledsoe for Larry Nance our best case scenario? This will open up cap space and bring in a player of need? How will the Lonzo ball situation realistically go down that won't harm us? I just HATE the position we are in. I can't see a scenario for us to aquire a J Grant, Siakim, or even Beal without giving up BI. Before you guys call me crazy, please provide realistic off season plans to guarantee us for a playoff spot next year which is a must to keep Zion and for the Front Office.
Is the team next year a playoff team? This is the most realistic path I see us doing.
Zo/Lewis
NAW/Didi
BI/Ross
Zion/Nance
Adams/Hayes