Pelica Debrief
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How Does Las Vegas View the New Orleans Pelicans?

By Christopher Dodson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 04: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 04: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the first half of a NBA game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 NBA Finals just ended and odds for next year’s title are already out from the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. Free Agency has yet to officially begin and the implications are already apparent. Pelicans fans are already getting excited with hypotheticals, but the wise-guys in Vegas have already offered a glimpse into realistic expectations.

In looking to hedge their bets against the early bettors, Vegas has given some insights into their bets for free agent landing spots. The Pelicans do not figure to land a star, but still have respectable odds.

“When you have LeBron in free agency, you have to be careful,” Westgate oddsmaker John Murray told ESPN. “You’ve got Philadelphia, Miami, the Lakers and even Houston as potential destinations [outside of Cleveland]. We cut all of those teams’ odds down, and we’ll raise back up the teams he doesn’t sign with.”

Notice the Pelicans are not mentioned. Most media outlets ignore the Pelicans when considering landing spots for stars. There are more articles trying to trade away Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday than there are trade exceptions. Even the injured DeMarcus Cousins is not guaranteed to return.

The Lakers, previous bets when Durant or James were free agents, will always bring out money and be in the rumors for star players. Vegas books hedging their bets against smaller market teams. The majority of the top 10 reflects teams that will be involved in the LeBron James sweepstakes this offseason.

MUST READ: LeBron Probably Isn’t Coming To New Orleans, And That’s Ok

Teams ahead of New Orleans include the Lakers, of course, but also the Jazz. LeBron is not going to Utah. After the Warriors and new LeBron team tiers, the Pelicans could be the best upset value for gamblers. Teams without James are going to fall. As it stands, Vegas has the Pelicans pegged for at least another second round series.

With a solid move, or a healthy Solomon Hill, the Pelicans could contend for the Western Conference Finals. If the Lakers do not sign LeBron, they will likely not make the playoffs. The Jazz and Thunder will be decent, but not world beaters. Minnesota is in turmoil and Portland is obviously beatable in a series. The Spurs are always formidable.

Pelicans General Manager Dell Demps should aim to hit singles again this offseason, and save the big move for midseason. If the Pelicans are doing as well as Vegas expects, there are always playoff contributors to be added.

Solomon Hill’s value has never been lower. Boogie’s re-signing, or finding a suitable replacement, is a conundrum. Pipe dreams are not going to build the Pelicans into contenders. Persistently sticking to the plan has already built a contender.

Next: Potential Second Round Draft Prospects New Orleans Should Consider

Pelicans fans do not need LeBron or even Paul George to feel confident in their team. Looking at the odds, the NOLA is in the tier behind which ever teams have KD and LBJ.  Davis and Holiday are growing more confident in their games and with each other every season. Pelicans fans should be just as confident as Vegas that the Smoothie King Center will host more playoff games next season.

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