New Orleans Pelicans: A Trade with the Bucks that Makes Sense

The New Orleans Pelicans would be better with Robin Lopez than with Nicolo Melli.

Why the Pelicans would do it

The New Orleans Pelicans are soft.

There, I said it.

They need defenders, they need guys who play physical, they need that glue guy who does all the little stuff. Robin Lopez fits that description.

Lopez is a rim protector, can take on the other team’s bigs, is a gifted team rebounder and defender and brings some toughness back to New Orleans.

Lopez has been a fan favorite everywhere he’s been, largely due to that intensity and toughness, qualities the Pelicans desperately need.

He would immediately improve their screen setting, team defense and rim protection, three things Melli does terribly. Lopez makes them tougher, smarter and would be a great mentor to the Pels’ young bigs.

Lopez is on a team-friendly deal that only goes through next season, so even if it didn’t work out, the Pels could move on and would have some additional cap space in 2021.

The New Orleans Pelicans have plenty of scoring, that is not the problem, which is why they should consider making a low-risk move for a guy like Lopez.

Melli is not a bad player and in some ways he fits with what the Pelicans are trying to do, but if you’ve been watching these playoffs, then you know the Pels are a LONG way from having the type of defense and intensity necessary to win in the post season.

This trade makes a lot of sense for both teams and is the type of deal the Pelicans should be exploring for Melli.