Western Conference Power Rankings after week 1 of free agency
By Austin McGee
7. New Orleans Pelicans
Draft Picks: Yves Missi, Antonio Reaves
Offseason Acquisitions: Dejounte Murray
Departures: Dyson Daniels, Naji Marshall, Jonas Valanciunas, Cody Zeller, Larry Nance Jr., E.J. Liddell
The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the most talented rosters in the Western Conference. Despite the immense talent, the Pelicans haven't shown the ability to stay healthy. Starting with superstar Zion Williamson, New Orleans is highly susceptible to the injury bug every season.
Maybe a sign of what's to come, Williamson appeared in a career-high 70 games a season ago. In the offseason, the Pelicans added one of the league's better point guards—Dejounte Murray. Of New Orleans' departures, only Jonas Valanciunas will be difficult to replace. Rookie big man Yves Miss might be rushed into a starting role sooner than anticipated.
However, talent typically trumps positional fit. Look at the reigning champion Boston Celtics who don't possess a prototypical center. The Pelicans have enough wing defense to make up for a strong interior presence like Boston.
Currently, the Pelicans are reportedly interested in trading Brandon Ingram. New Orleans may see a bump in the rankings if Ingram is shipped out. That's not a dig at Ingram, he's an invaluable shot-creator, but his fit on the current configuration is suspect. Starting Trey Murphy and Herb Jones should be the Pelicans' priority moving forward.