Lessons Learned From New Orleans Pelicans Past Stars Recent Trades
The Oklahoma City Thunder chose to keep Russell Westbrook over other stars. Westbrook was loyal to the small market Thunder, choosing to stay when he had the options to leave.
Disgruntled stars demanding trades or teaming up in free agency is being more common. The drama increasingly drives the NBA summer news headlines. Almost every NBA star is subject to speculation and rumors.
Russell Westbrook has not featured in those headlines because of his known loyalty to the Oklahoma City Thunder organization. He was quick to sign maximum level contracts after his rookie deal and once he was able to test unrestricted free agency.
The small market Thunder repaid that loyalty. Supermax contracts help the situation, but Sam Presti let Westbrook know it was his team. He kept Westbrook instead of James Harden. Kevin Durant’s affinity for changing jerseys every few years is now obvious.
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Perhaps if the team had given Durant the feeling of ownership they instilled in Westbrook, the team would have more than one NBA Finals appearance. Still, Durant and Harden could have left town sooner, even if Presti had given them full control.
Indeed, Westbrook had full control of the team on the court. He helped recruit Paul George, but has never fully exerted roster control to the levels assumed of Lebron James. Not that it mattered much. Westbrook would dominate regardless of the supporting cast.
Westbrook began to feel such ownership that he felt no need to defer to other talented teammates. Kevin Durant grew frustrated with Westbrook’s bad habits. Paul George lifted the Thunder out of their midseason doldrums, but some Westbrook would barely look his way on some late possessions.
Oklahoma City finally gave up trying to build around one ball dominate star. Triple-doubles are not, there was only so much the Thunder could expect from Westbrook led teams as he aged. The Thunder had dwindling options for stars to pair next to Westbrook and finally traded away the beloved star after eleven memorable years.
David Griffin will not be giving Zion Williamson free reign over the court and locker room. The New Orleans Pelicans are Jrue Holiday’s team for the next few years. The locker room is balanced with savvy veterans and young potential All-Stars.
The stability of the New Orleans Pelicans franchise is no longer in question. Ownership is committed and Griffin has full control over club operations for the foreseeable future. Alvin Gentry returns as head coach with a front office suite waiting for him when he hangs up the whistle.
Zion will have every reason to stay in New Orleans. New Orleans has the moves to support a Zion led contender, without having to full submit control to their new star. The three former Lakers and abundance of future draft picks will keep the Pelicans in contention.
If winning is the goal, Zion will not need full control. Just a decade worth of contracts to stay in New Orleans. He will have permission to dominate the entire time.