Pelica Debrief
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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 /
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New Orleans Pelicans player introductions
METAIRIE, LA – JULY 16: Derrick Favors #22, Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #3, and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo at the 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 /

The New Orleans Pelicans received a substantial haul in the Anthony Davis trade negotiations. Those former Los Angeles Lakers players fill out the middle class of the Pelicans player rankings.

Getting away from LeBron James was a blessing for most of the former Lakers. However, one fan favorite is, unfortunately, is in a tougher position.

4. Brandon Ingram could be the New Orleans Pelicans next first-time All-Star this season. His playmaking, scoring, and defensive skills should add up to an All-NBA season in the next five years. Ingram is a restricted free agent after this season. However, he still has to play well after surgery to fix his blood clotting issues.

5. Lonzo Ball has a future as a top-10 lead facilitator in the NBA. .He could realize that potential with the New Orleans Pelicans, but can only try to stretch his new Pelicans wings so wide. Thankfully, he will pair with Jrue Holiday in the backcourt. Those two should mesh well together, helping Ball feel more comfortable committing his future to the team.

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6. JJ Redick is a well-traveled veteran. He is the Pelicans epitome of not needing to flex because of his confidence in his well-respected game. Redick will bring the team acres of extra space and hours of extra podcast content. Redick is a historically great shooter who will connect with as many fans as he does three-point shot attempts.

7. E’Twuan Moore is a top-end talent who can space the floor. He fits in the middle of the Pelicans system. He is on an expiring deal and has sought after skills. He cannot push the Pelicans for any extra playing time, but also will not have to suffer extended stretched on the bench.

8. Nicolo Melli is an unknown quantity on an NBA court, getting paid a very real percentage on the New Orleans Pelicans salary cap. The team recruited Melli, giving him some certainty and security in his position with the Pelicans.

9. Frank Jackson is primed for his first truly healthy season as a professional. The New Orleans Pelicans have invested heavily into Jackson becoming a viable sixth man on a playoff team. Jackson excelled in his only Summer League game, dropping 30 points on a mostly NBA-caliber New York Knicks roster.

10. Josh Hart is the new darling of the devoted masses of the Pelicans fanbase. His outpouring of love for the city, the team’s future, and the food has been noticed and appreciated. Sadly, he could find himself in a battle for scrap minutes. Holiday and Ball will demand the bulk of the backcourt minutes. Can Hart establish himself as a trusted option, or will he be just another card in a shuffled reserve deck?

11. Darius Miller received a substantial raise this offseason. However, his salary cap number is likely a planned makeweight in a trade. Miller can still be an efficient three-point shooter, capable of top-end averages from deep. While that would help his on-court value for the Pelicans, it would also attract offers from other contenders.

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