The New Orleans Pelicans can learn a lot of techniques from the Denver Nuggets’ rise to contention
As I sit in my house watching the Conference Finals begin, I occasionally close my eyes and imagine the day this young New Orleans Pelicans squad reaches those incredible heights. As I’m imagining what’ll be like to see the glory days of Pelicans basketball though, I often search for what they can take from other contending teams.
In the case of this Denver Nuggets squad, there’s a lot the Pelicans can learn. In all my time watching basketball, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a young team come together so quickly the way the Nuggets have.
It starts with great organizational infrastructure. Through their infrastructure, the Denver Nuggets are turning into a contender organically. They’re built on a homegrown core and supplemented with players acquired in smart trades and free agency.
The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t grow their young core organically, they had them gift-wrapped and sent in the Anthony Davis trade. That doesn’t mean that going forward the Pelicans organization can’t follow the smart techniques the Denver Nuggets are using.
What Elements of the Nuggets can the New Orleans Pelicans take?
When I look at the Denver Nuggets compared to the New Orleans Pelicans, I see three techniques that Denver uses that are translatable to New Orleans. Those three qualities are: hitting on second-round selections, making cost-effective trades, and building a strong coaching staff.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes each of those techniques so valuable.