New Orleans Pelicans: 3 realistic team goals for the 2021-22 season
New Orleans Pelicans: Identify the core around Zion Williamson
One of the most disappointing things about last season is that the Pelicans didn’t really learn anything about the core around Zion Williamson.
Going into last season the only player we knew for sure was part of the long-term plans with Zion was Brandon Ingram, and heading into next season not much has changed.
Is Jonas Valanciunas going to be the center of the future or a short-term rental?
Related Story. Is Jonas Valanciunas part of the long-term plans?. light
Can Nickeil Alexander-Walker step up and be the third scoring option the Pelicans need him to be? Is Kira Lewis Jr. really going to be a contributor in the NBA? Can Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy III provide the defense and 3-point shooting the Pels need around Zion?
Can Devonte’ Graham thrive in a role off the ball?
These are all questions that must be answered next season, otherwise the Pelicans are just spinning their wheels again and will be starting from scratch in 2022-23, which happens to be the final year of Zion’s rookie contract.
Role players come and go, but the Pelicans need to establish a core of players around Zion so that they know what they are doing moving forward.