New Orleans Pelicans Offseason Report: Trouble In the Big Easy

Marcus Rabara
Staff Writer

After showing promise during the 2014-15 season by making the playoffs for the first time in the post-Chris Paul era, the Pelicans have regressed under the tutelage of former Phoenix Suns head coach, Alvin Gentry. The firing of often-baffling coach Monty Williams following an abbreviated playoff run was hoped by many to be another step in the path towards the first championship in franchise history; unfortunately, the 2015-16 season proved to be a struggle for the injury-plagued squad. Losing the MVP level talent of team captain Anthony Davis due to nagging injuries for much of the season was a huge blow, but larger injuries to Tyreke Evans, Eric Gordon, and Jrue Holiday proved costly as well. However, even at full strength, a lack of depth and inconsistent play from key stars left them with a disappointing 30-52 record, just 12th in the Conference. This season, the Pelicans hope to return to the playoffs with the addition of some new players as well as a mostly returning (and healthy) starting lineup from last season.

First-round draft pick and University of Oklahoma star shooting guard Buddy Hield was arguably the best pure shooter in the draft class this year. Hield proved his ability to make NBA distance 3-pointers, often draining from well beyond the college line. The Pelicans hope he is able to space the floor for superstar Anthony Davis to work inside, something former Pelicans SG Eric Gordon often failed to do. Langston Galloway, an under-the-radar signing from the Knicks, has proved that he is more than capable of running an NBA offense from the point guard position in his 2 years in New York, and is a good insurance policy behind the oft-injured and mercurial Jrue Holiday. In a surprise move, the Pelicans gambled on small forward Solomon Hill, signing him to a 4-year deal worth $48 million this offseason. Despite the questionable contract, Hill could also be a solid addition to a team in need of talent and depth. The former 23rd overall pick in the 2013 draft showed an ability to be a serviceable starter for the Pacers in the absence of Paul George. Given adequate playing time, which he failed to get with the Pacers last season, Hill could very well be an above average addition to the Pelicans roster.

In a weaker Western Conference than the one they made the playoffs in just two years ago, the Pelicans could again find themselves in the playoff hunt this season. With a late-season hot streak or breakout season from one of its young or underutilized players, it is not out of the question that the Pelicans could push their way into the first round and beyond, despite their weaknesses. Don’t be surprised if you see The Unibrow and his crew upset an older favorite next June.