How the New Orleans Pelicans’ division rivals fared in the 2020 NBA Draft

Take a look at what the New Orleans Pelicans’ rivals in the Southwest division did during the 2020 NBA Draft

It’s the old saying that goes, “keep your friends close and your enemies closer” and it’s one that couldn’t be more true in the NBA. That’s because this league is a constant arms race of teams restocking their assets or purging them superstar talents, and it’s no different for the New Orleans Pelicans. 

While the Pelicans spent most of this week adding more assets to their cupboard by trading Jrue Holiday and moving three of their picks during the 2020 NBA Draft, some of their closest rivals in the Southwest division were busy making moves of their own.

Average Pelicans fans might not have paid attention to those moves that other teams made on draft night, but they really should. I say this because if the New Orleans Pelicans want any hope of contending for a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference this season, then they’re going to need to beat their division opponents that account for a big chunk of their schedule.

So let’s take a look at what the Pelicans’ division rivals have in the 2020 Draft and try to get an idea of what the Pelicans are up against going into free agency. Starting with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks are going to be a handful for the New Orleans Pelicans after making a blockbuster trade and some smart selections in the 2020 NBA Draft

The Dallas Mavericks:

• Selected Josh Green with the 18th pick
• Traded Seth Curry to the Philadelphia 76ers for Josh Richardson and the 36th pick
• Selected Tyrell Terry with the 31st pick
• Selected Tyler Bey with the 36th pick

The Dallas Mavericks were already entering the season with a case that they’re the best team in the Southwest and this draft made it clear that they are head and shoulders above anyone else at the moment.

The 2020 NBA Draft was a homerun for the Mavericks because they added two key elements to their roster, defense, and shooting. Dallas already has one of the best players in the NBA in Luka Doncic, and they have his co-star in Kristaps Porzingis too. Rick Carlisle implemented a brilliant offense last season, and the only thing they were missing was 3-and-D players to complement the roster.

Well, now they have three of those players on their roster. Josh Green, Josh Richardson, and Tyler Bey all project to be 3-and-D players on the wing who will provide the defense Dallas needs to be a championship contender, and the shooting that can surround Luka Doncic.

Those three players alone would still make the Mavericks the best team in the division, but add in Tyrell Terry who despite his small frame has a chance to be an All-Star-caliber point guard, and Dallas is really on the verge of creating something special.

Assuming Porzingis comes back healthy, the Mavericks will be a tough out for the New Orleans Pelicans all season long, no matter what moves the Pelicans make.