The New Orleans Pelicans are heading into the 2013-2014 season as one of the most intriguing teams in the league after trading for stars Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday and along with former number one pick Anthony Davis, the roster is one of the most talented in the league.
The front office sees the trades as a way to rebuild quickly without years of suffering losses and despite trading away possible star Nerlens Noel, head coach Monty Williams is excited to see what Holiday and Evans can do together on the court. The two stars give the team the most talent at point guard since the franchise traded away Chris Paul and with Austin Rivers still developing, the team feels it has a bright future and that they can compete for a playoff spot this season. The Pelicans had a top 10 pick last season, but after the trades expectations are now to compete for a playoff spot in the west.
Evans was happy to get out of Sacramento after consistent losing seasons and Holiday was ready for a new scene as well after the Sixers gutted the team and brought in a new GM. New Pelicans owner Tom Benson has a win now mentality and the trades may have helped the Pelicans speed up the rebuilding process by a few years. The team needs to improve its overall defense and bringing in an athletic player like Evans will help that in the backcourt. Eric Gordon will also be a big part of the future.
Gordon wanted the four-year, $58 million offer from Phoenix, but New Orleans matched and after that while he dealt with injuries, there was constant speculation that he would be traded. He missed the first 29 games of the season before returning and then after that he did not play much, as he was limited to less than 30 minutes per game through April. Gordon said he was excited after the team acquired Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans, as they are two of the most exciting young players in the game and they have All-Star potential.
Last season Holiday went to the All-Star game and averaged 17.7 points and 8.0 assists, while Evans is now the most talented point guard the team has had since Chris Paul, averaging 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season and now the Pelicans are ready to turn things around, The team also brought back Al-Farouq Aminu on a one-year, $3.7 million contract and also signed a number of other players to bolster the bench. The team feels it's ready for a quick turnaround under new ownership and they hope the new deals will help make that a reality.
The Pelicans deal for Evans became official after the moratorium was lifted and Evans came over with second-round draft choice Jeff Withey in a three team trade with the Blazers and Kings. Evans was thrilled to get out of Sacramento, while the Hornets shipped Robin Lopez and guard Terrel Harris to Portland and then sent guard Greivis Vasquez to the Kings in the trade. The team has not been quiet about their moves in the offseason and they continued to work this week, signing enter Greg Stiemsma from the Timberwolves.
The team also brought back small forward Al-Farouq Aminu and signed guard Anthony Morrow, giving Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers some solid veteran help on their roster. After he was waived by the Bobcats, Tyrus Thomas has been rumored to be a target as a free agent. Morrow averaged 4.0 points last season with the Hawks and Mavericks and he will add some solid scoring off the bench after the 27-year-old spent time with the Warriors and Nets previously. His biggest strength will be from long range and he will give some depth for the Pelicans as well.