The New Orleans Pelicans made the big trade of the deadline so far, nabbing CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell for a package built around Josh Hart, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and picks.
The deal looked like a slam dunk for the Pelicans, especially with the addition of Nance, who theoretically replaces what they lost by dealing Josh Hart.
But we’ll have to wait and see, as Nance won’t be joining the Pels anytime soon.
Can confirm Larry Nance Jr. is scheduled to have surgery on his right knee Friday. He hasn’t played since Jan. 5.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) February 10, 2022
Sources tell ESPN that Nance is expected to miss up to six weeks.
The Pels acquired Nance in the 7-player deal that brought CJ McCollum and Tony Snell to NOLA.
Nance had been out with an injury, so this isn’t a complete surprise, one that I am sure the Pelicans knew about when they made the deal.
New Orleans gave up two rotation players who were logging heavy minutes and only took one back in the trade, so where is the bench production going to come from with Larry Nance out indefinitely?
The Pelicans’ depth chart isn’t so deep
The Pelicans top-6 guys will be McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Jonas Valanciunas, Devonte’ Graham and Jaxson Hayes in some order, but after that it gets murky.
They have two-way player Jose Alvarado, who has been playing well of late, and veteran options in Garrett Temple, Gary Clark, Willie Hernangomez and Tony Snell to go along with Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy III, who have played sparingly this season.
The Pelicans are obviously counting on big things from Hayes, who has played very well of late and will have a much more important role off the bench or as a starter until Nance or Zion Williamson return.
Alexander-Walker wasn’t good this season, but he was playing a lot, so those minutes are going to have to be made up somewhere.
Another trade for the New Orleans Pelicans?
I wrote yesterday (before the announcement about Nance’s surgery) that the Pelicans probably weren’t done dealing and this makes it seem even more likely.
New Orleans still has a load of future draft picks, some veteran contracts and young players they could move to add additional depth to their bench.
If they could land one more legitimate NBA rotation player, this is a team that could make the play-in tournament this season even if Zion Williamson does not return.
There are several teams out there that the Pelicans could target for bench depth, as they have the assets and could probably find someone who could fill those minutes off the bench.
Of course, the New Orleans Pelicans could also run with their internal options and they do have a couple of guys who might be ready to contribute more than they have been so far this season.
Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy III need to step up for the Pelicans
There might not be a significant bench upgrade out there before the trade deadline, but the Pelican might have better in-house options anyway.
Count me as someone who thought both Naji Marshall and Trey Murphy III were going to be bigger contributors this season after the way they both looked in Summer League and preseason.
I know I shouldn’t get sucked in by the preseason, but both looked to have skills that would fit in and I thought they’d be a bigger part of the rotation.
Murphy III has played in four games in a row after a long streak of inactives, and Marshall played 20 minutes in the win over Houston and played well, notching 14 points, three rebounds, two blocks, two assists and a steal.
Marshall seems like the guy who can benefit the most here, as he can provide some of the energy and defense that the Pelicans will miss with Hart gone. If the Pels don’t make another move, I could see these guys splitting NAW’s until one of them stands out.
I’m hoping that’s what happens, because the Pelicans have a very good starting five, so if they can get anything from their bench they will be in good shape.