State of the Pelicans

It feels funny to write "Pelicans" as the name of a professional sports team...  not that Hornets was much better.  I digress:  New Orleans is a team with a promising future.  Last year they took Anthony Davis with the number one pick- a player destined for multiple All-Star appearances.  After trading Chris Paul to LA, the team was left without an identity.  Davis is a phenomenal building block, but is still a few years away from becoming an All-Star.  Ryan Anderson is the best stretch 4 in the game- and a player coveted around the league.  Eric Gordon can be a lethal scorer, but has knees that some think will soon resemble Brandon Roy's.  Vasquez and Lopez are solid contributors, but were forced into a starting role.  In short, there is a lot to like about this team- but they need an infusion of talent to make the leap into playoff contention.  Here is how their depth chart currently looks:

1 Vasquez
2 Gordon/Rivers
3
4 Davis/Anderson
5 Smith

The team also holds options on Robin Lopez (5M), Brian Roberts, Lance Thomas and Darius Miller.

Statistical Leaders from 2012/13:
Points: Gordon (17)
Rebounds: Davis (8.2)
Assists: Vasquez (9.0)
Blocks: Davis (1.8)
Steals: Aminu (1.2)

Without counting the team options (If they were all declined) the Pelicans have about 24 million dollars in cap space.  If they keep Lopez and Roberts (What I would expect), they would have about 17-18 million.  The team has lots of flexibility to make moves, but New Orleans isn't a sought after destination because of the team's recent losing record streak.  Just like some of the other teams below them, they may have to overpay a player to sign him.  Here are some potential free agent options, followed by draft options, where they hold the 6th pick.

Team Needs:  SF, C, PG

Free Agency

Paul Pierce- Now, before you get too excited, yes I know.  Pierce is not technically a free agent.  His final year (Next one) on his contract is non-guaranteed, and there is speculation that Boston could look to cut Pierce and start building towards the future.  Pierce would be a perfect fit in New Orleans, and could still be a go-to player, with a capable 4 man (Davis) next to him.  Vasquez is no Rondo, but he actively looks to get teammates involved.  Pierce fits well in New Orleans, who could afford to pay him.

Andre Iguodala- If he chooses, Iguodala can opt into free agency, where he will likely become the most sought after wing player on the market.  He would bring needed defense and athleticism to the Pelicans, and has some ability to handle the ball as well.  He is not a terrific shooter, but Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon have shown the ability to shoot.  He would fit nicely in New Orleans, but may look to sign with a team closer to contending.

Nikola Pekovic- New Orleans struggled rebounding the ball.  The RFA from Minnesota could be a good fit to fill the gap at center, as Robin Lopez is better suited as a backup.  By offering a max contract, Minnesota may not match, giving New Orleans their center.  He would fit next to Davis both offensively and defensively, and would bring needed toughness to New Orleans.

Draft


Otto Porter- Porter fills a need as a versatile, and low cost when compared to Pierce and Iggy, 3 man.  Porter is a good shooter and defender who would fit right in with the core in NO.

Dario Saric- Saric has been hotly rumored to be withdrawing from the draft, but, if he stays in, New Orleans could take him at #6 overall.  Saric is a point-forward along the lines of a Hedo Turkoglu or Toni Kukoc who needs to work on his shooting.  His talent is undeniable, and New Orleans could persuade him to stay in the draft by giving him a promise.

Trey Burke- If New Orleans does not view Vasquez as their PG of the future, they could spend a pick here on Burke.  The national college player of the year, Burke excels with the ball in his hands, and is a capable shooter, and uses his elite quickness to get in the lane. 

What does the future look like?  It looks bright.  Anthony Davis is a building block all GM's would salivate over.  Ryan Anderson is a sought after point forward.  They have another high pick to work with.  Eric Gordon, when healthy is solid.  Austin Rivers has to play better, and be a scorer.  I likened him to a lesser Monta Ellis before last years draft, which looked true in parts.  He just couldn't make shots.  Hopefully, he has worked hard this summer to insure his WARP is not more than 5 below league average again next year.  If I were Dell Demps, I would try to trade Gordon- I know, easier said then done.  I would look for a desperate team with cap space (Charlotte?) to essentially get 50 cents on the dollar.  If I were in the front office, I'd take Trey Burke, and give him the starting job from day one.  He is a special talent who will start in the league for a long time.