3 players the Pelicans must develop (and 1 they should give up on)

Kira Lewis Jr.

The Pelicans’ embarrassment of youthful riches inevitably squeezes someone out. Unfortunately, that someone will likely be Kira Lewis Jr.

The 13th pick of the 2020 draft isn’t a bad player by any means. There just isn’t a clear path to playing time. McCollum likely remains entrenched in the starting backcourt with Murphy. Pesky point guard Jose Alvarado and the aforementioned Daniels are next in line for playing time, and the team also drafted sharpshooting guard Hawkins this year.

Couple that with the Pelicans’ desire to get under the luxury tax, and Lewis seems like a likely sell-low candidate.

If he is traded, the buying team will get a tantalizing but unproven prospect. Kira has shown glimpses of being a plus shooter, passer, and ball hawk, but he’s only played 103 games in his three-year career and never found a consistent rotation role. Additionally, the Pelicans have generally valued length in their role players (Alvarado was an unexpected hit) – even Lewis’ 6’6″ wingspan is small compared to Jones (7′), Murphy (7’1″), Daniels (6’11”), and Hawkins (6’10”).

In some ways, the Pelicans have become victims of their own success – they’ve drafted so many talented players that some will never be given the chance they deserve. It’s likely in both parties’ best interests to move on.