Pelicans: Will the Jonas Valanciunas trade make a difference?
The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies recently came to an agreement on a deal that swapped the two strongest players in the league for one another.
While Steven Adams and Jonas Valanciunas may be pretty even in terms of strength, Jonas will prove to be a much better overall fit with the New Orleans Pelicans.
light. Related Story. Grades for the Adams/Bledsoe trade to Memphis
Zion and Steven Adams were a force to be dealt with last season in the paint, but there was one thing that was missing that could’ve helped this team tremendously – A big that has the ability to spread the floor when needed.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jonas Valanciunas is a big upgrade over Steven Adams
I can’t recall a single moment last season when Steven Adams would even think about attempting a jump shot. At most, he would go for a sort of floater from around the paint. He was no threat whatsoever over 10 feet away from the basket.
And don’t even get me started on free throws. Steven Adams shot 44% from the free throw line last season. This is one of the worst percentages to shoot from the free throw line of all time.
The fit was just not there with the Pels and I’m not sure what David Griffin saw in him to sign him to extension before even playing a game in a Pelicans uniform, but luckily the Pelicans escaped that situation.
Jonas Valanciunas has a style of play that is much more catered toward playing alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Although I must say, I will sort of miss seeing Aquaman in a Pelicans’ uniform.