Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans Post Free Agency Power Rankings

By Christopher Dodson

METAIRIE, LA - JULY 16: Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans speaks at an introductory press conference on July 16, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images
METAIRIE, LA - JULY 16: Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans speaks at an introductory press conference on July 16, 2019 at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

The New Orleans Pelicans appear to have both playoff potential this season and a bright longterm future. Where does each player rank in the team’s hierarchy?

The frenzied rush that marked the start of the NBA Free Agency scramble is over. David Griffin has reshaped the New Orleans Pelicans in mere months. The hierarchy of the NBA Western Conference is being reshuffled, just as the Pelicans were after Anthony Davis demanded a trade.

This offseason ushered in fully the age of player empowerment. Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors won four games in the NBA Finals as a team. The Klaw held a firm grip over half a dozen or more teams once the trophy presentation was completed.

Not all players have that power. LeBron James arguably controlled the whole league, until the Golden State Warrior dynasty formed. Again, Kawhi just toppled that dynasty. David Griffin is looking to forge a new empire with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Even before Anthony Davis was traded, fans were overly loyal to Jrue Holiday. This is his team, according to David Griffin and a unanimous vote of Smoothie King Center citizens. Holiday has the power to hold the team near-hostage. Well, he did until the New Orleans Pelicans landed Zion Williamson.

So where do Pelicans players rank in the team’s hierarchy? Taking into consideration the quotes from players and front office personnel, let’s examine each player’s leverage both this season and a few years into the future.

More from Pelican Debrief

  1. Jrue Holiday leads the New Orleans Pelicans player power rankings. He is the unquestioned leader of the team going forward, and an overlooked Most Valuable Player candidate next season. In a summer rampant with player movement, Holiday stood as still as the morning-after floodwaters. Now the Pelicans are drowning in quality depth. David Griffin has said this first build is meant to support Holiday’s playoff window for several years. No other player is qualified to carry the New Orleans Pelicans mantle on the court this season or the several to come after. Holiday will be the most respected voice in New Orleans for the remained of his current contract.

2. Derrick Favors is the second most important player both for the coming season and the next. Griffin has said Favors is someone the team wants to build around for the next few years. Favors is an unrestricted free agent next summer. He could sour on the situation in New Orleans and issue a trade demand before the deadline.

He could leave after the season, with the Pelicans receiving nothing in return for their small investment. However, Favors has spoken highly of the team and the city of New Orleans. Griffin has all but issued a contract extension, likely due to both the team and player benefitting from waiting until next season is complete.

3. Zion Williamson will top this list in two seasons at the latest and will remain the most important New Orleans Pelicans player for as long as he suits up in the Big Easy. Zion carries considerable power within the team, that is no doubt. While the team is built to support Holiday, most every move benefits Williamson as well. Zion will demand attention on the court, helping his teammates. His off-court attention will show the team’s level of investment.

Will Zion have the leeway to sulk or call out teammates lower on this list? If he is playing at an All-Star level, sure. If he is playing like a rookie, the team might have to deal with the situation delicately. That leads to the last option: Would Zion try to exert control and demand a less important player be traded?

That is the type of rookie move that would alienate a veteran core. Zion has the power to tremble steel rims, but the team’s handling of that power will require velvet gloves.

Home/Pelicans News