The New Orleans Pelicans Can Become The Next San Antonio Spurs
By Nick Alvarez
As constructed, the New Orleans Pelicans already have two of the Spurs’ pillars for success
The Roster
When drawing out this comparison, the first thing that stands out is the similar roster construction between the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs. We started by discussing how both teams begin with a generational power forward taken with the first overall pick. For the Pelicans that player is Zion Williamson, who is a Tim Duncan level talent.
The roster similarity goes beyond franchise players though. The New Orleans Pelicans surround Zion Williamson with two excellent co-stars just like San Antonio did with Duncan. Point guard Lonzo Ball who initiates the team’s offense is the equivalent to the Spurs’ Tony Parker, and Brandon Ingram on the wing is the Pelicans own Manu Ginobili.
After the big three, there are a few more pieces that make this comparison for me. That starts with the veteran All-Star both teams started with. The San Antonio Spurs started their success by having David Robinson on their roster while the New Orleans Pelicans have Jrue Holiday. Both players are consummate professionals who shape the culture for their young teammates.
Lastly, there’s depth. The New Orleans Pelicans don’t have the tough veteran depth that the San Antonio Spurs use to win championships but the Pelicans have a lot of young developmental players. Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Jaxson Hayes are developmental prospects for this team like George Hill, Kawhi Leonard, and Corey Joesph were for the Spurs.
light. Trending. A Jrue Holiday Trade with the Bucks
The Front-Office
The New Orleans Pelicans are set up for success because they added a smart front-office to lead this new era. I believe that vice president David Griffin is one of the smartest executives in this era and could one day rival R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich in that department.
Buford and Popovich run the San Antonio Spurs organization and that’s a major part of the Spurs’ success. They know what players will fit in their system, and they find ways to draft them all over the draft board. If there’s a void on the team, they know when to make a run at the right free-agents to fill out their roster.
I believe David Griffin specifically embodies these elements. Griffin knows when he needs to make a bold move and flip the 4th pick in the draft for picks 8 and 17 to draft players with more future upside. During his time in Cleveland, he showed the world that when the Cavaliers needed the final pieces to a championship roster, he’ll find them.
A brilliant front-office is one of the keys to success in the NBA and the New Orleans Pelicans have one just like the San Antonio Spurs.