Have the New Orleans Pelicans improved this offseason?

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a busy offseason that is not over yet.

So far, it has drawn mixed reviews from national media, as some have called them the “biggest losers,” while others have taken a closer look and see a team that could be a lot better than last season.

I’ve been seeing a lot of these types of reviews going around, seemingly by people who have not watched a ton of Pelicans’ games the last two seasons:

I couldn’t disagree with this more, especially when you consider that the picks the Pelicans gave up were one of the Lakers’, which will almost certainly be in the late 20’s, and to move back seven spots where they took Trey Murphy III, a guy who looks like a steal.

The Pelicans do not have a single bad contract, which leaves them in poised to make a big move at some point this offseason or before the trade deadline.

The Pels are definitely better off financially but have they improved on the court? Let’s take a look at each positional group.

New Orleans Pelicans: The Centers

Last season: Steven Adams, Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangomez

This season:  Jonas Valanciunas, Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangomez

The Pelicans have only made one change at center, shipping out Steven Adams in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas.

Valanciunas will replace all of Adams’ rebounding and rim protection and is a far better offensive player who can step away from the hoop and hit a jumper.

He is also a WAY better free-throw shooter than Adams, something that should help boost the Pelicans dramatically in that area.

Valanciunas will create more space, and if he starts shooting more 3-point shots, could play more of a Brook Lopez role for the Pelicans this season, stretching the floor and giving Zion Williamson more room to operate.

Hayes is a wildcard this season for obvious reasons, but I could see him making a leap if things work out and Hernangomez remains a great insurance policy.

Verdict: The center position has improved

New Orleans Pelicans: The Guards

Last season: Lonzo Ball, Eric Bledsoe, Kira Lewis Jr., Nickeil Alexander-Walker, J.J. Redick, Sindarius Thornwell

This season: Devonte’ Graham, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kira Lewis Jr., Trey Murphy III, Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple

The biggest amount of turnover was in the guard ranks, as the Pelicans lost two starters in Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe.

Devonte’ Graham will replace most of Lonzo’s production and may be a better fit off the ball with Zion Williamson, so I think that one is a wash or maybe a slight step back but not much.

I think the pair of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Trey Murphy III (who will play forward as well) will be a big upgrade from Eric Bledsoe, who did not have a good season on either end.

The Pelicans lost some shooting when they traded Redick, but he was not having a good season either so Murphy III should be able to make up some of that.

Lewis Jr. should be better and Satoransky offers some quality depth at both guard spots. The Pelicans are younger, faster and deeper than last season.

NAW will be the X-factor, as he is ready to break out and could become the Pels’ third scoring option.

Verdict: The guard position has improved

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.