Pelica Debrief
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Ranking the New Orleans Pelicans from most to least available before NBA Trade Deadline

By Willie Lutz

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 31: Zion Williamson #1 and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 31: Zion Williamson #1 and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shares a conversation with teammate, Brandon Ingram #14 during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31, 2020 at the Smoothie King Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 31: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shares a conversation with teammate, Brandon Ingram #14 during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31, 2020 at the Smoothie King Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Lonzo Ball

Fitting pretty well alongside the key pieces of the Pelicans’ future, New Orleans seems to have a long future ahead with Lonzo Ball as the motor of their offense.

Leading the New Orleans offense, Ball averages 11.9 points, 6.7 assists, and 6 rebounds while shooting 36.2% from three on 6.5 attempts per game thanks to his much-improved perimeter jump shot.

Even more exciting than his floor vision is his potential to be one of the great two-way players in the league as he continues to grow and develop with the Pelicans.

While his time with the Los Angeles Lakers made some around the league wonder if the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was rounding into a bust, he’s quickly reversed that narrative with a really impressive first season in New Orleans and seems headed for a big extension before the start of next season, thus avoiding restricted free agency in 2021.

2. Brandon Ingram

The third of the three players coming over in the Anthony Davis swap this summer, the 2019-2020 season was slated to be a prove-it year for Brandon Ingram.

In his fourth year as an NBA talent, Ingram has become one of the most improved players in the league and was named to his first NBA All-Star Game last week.

Ingram is averaging 24.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting a really impressive 40.2% from three-point range, attempting 6.2 looks from the perimeter per contest.

Not only will Ingram not be traded anytime in the foreseeable future, with all indications also pointing towards the All-Star forward being set to sign a rookie-scale max extension to remain with the New Orleans Pelicans this summer.

1. Zion Williamson

Drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft and being the most-hyped prospect in the league since LeBron James, Zion Williamson will not be traded away from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Averaging 19.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 61.5% from the floor, Williamson is putting in pretty resounding work while in a sample size limited to 26.3 minutes per game.

The Pelicans are continuing to ramp up actions for Williamson, who seems like an all-timer in the making.

While Williamson has just six appearances in the NBA so far and some are concerned about his long-term health, the 19-year-old rookie has been as advertised so far with the Pelicans and the team will likely make all future decisions to help create championship rosters around their developing centerpiece.

dark. Next. New Orleans Pelicans: 3 buy-low options for trade deadline

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