Have the New Orleans Pelicans improved this offseason?

New Orleans Pelicans: The Forwards

Last season: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Nicolo Melli, James Johnson, Wenyen Gabriel, Naji Marshall

This season: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Herbert Jones, Didi Louzada, Naji Marshall

The biggest change to this group is that Melli is mercifully gone, as is veteran James Johnson and soon Wenyen Gabriel, who will likely be cut or traded to make a roster spot.

Naji Marshall only played part of last season with the team and will have a much bigger role this season, which should help improve the Pelicans’ defense and energy.

Herbert Jones could also end up playing a key role as a defender off the bench. He has some Draymond Green qualities and I can seen him earning a bigger role as the season goes on.

This group will still be lead by Zion and B.I. but they should be better defensively, and are a lot more versatile, with a ton of lineup combinations.

Verdict: The forward position has improved

It’s hard to see how anyone could look at this team objectively and say they are not better. The Pelicans might not have landed a big name but they are younger, faster and more versatile, not to mention better off financially.