The New Orleans Pelicans Won the Anthony Davis Trade
What the Pelicans Got
The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t give away Davis for nothing. In addition to lucking out and winning the Zion sweepstakes, the Pels got a group of young players that is emerging as a potential dynasty.
Brandon Ingram
Ingram was the centerpiece of the Davis trade, but at the time was still just a spindly combo forward who had flashed some signs, but was far from a sure thing. Since arriving in New Orleans, Ingram has made the leap and is now averaging 24.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Ingram has improved his 3-point shooting to 40.2 percent and made his first All-Star game at just 22 years of age. He’s not quite Davis yet, but Ingram is close, especially when you compare his numbers to The Brow at the same age. If the Pelicans had only gotten Ingram and picks it would probably still be a fair trade.
Lonzo Ball
Ball’s time in Los Angeles was marked by controversy after he was drafted number two overall out of UCLA. The negative media attention generated by his outspoken father, coupled with insane expectations took its toll on the young Ball. His numbers in year two had dipped significantly and he was more of an afterthought in the trade. Since arriving in New Orleans Ball has put the controversy behind him and become one of the best young point guards in the game. He’s averaging a career-best 11.8 points per game and is adding 6.8 assists and six rebounds, as well as above average defense. Lonzo is still just 22-years-old and is the type of unselfish, team-first player that will make a perfect match with Zion and Ingram. Ball has a chance to be an All-Star in the NBA and is proving to be a valuable part of the Davis package.
Josh Hart
Shooting guard Hart had a nice start to his career as a rotation piece for the Lakers, but his improved play turned a very good trade into a home run. Hart is averaging career highs in nearly every category, getting 10.6 points per game and adding 6.6 rebounds. He’s improved his 3-point shooting to 35.9 percent and is now the New Orleans Pelicans’ most important player off the bench. Hart has proven that he was far more than just a throw-in, and his emergence has added depth to a young team that was lacking in bench scoring and defense.
The Picks
Let’s also not forget that the Pelicans also got multiple first-round picks from the Lakers, in what could be a very valuable part of the trade down the road. The Pelicans were already able to cash in one pick for a nice haul of players, but they also own a protected Lakers pick in 2021, the right to swap picks in 2023, and another first-rounder in either 2024 or 2025, when the Lakers have a legitimate chance of being bad. With so many young players already on the roster, the Pelicans can use these draft assets to make a big trade or can just sit on them and continue to build on their core. Depending on where the Lakers are in the future, these could be valuable picks that ensure the Pelicans have assets to spare moving forward.