With the Pelicans hiring Joe Dumars, change was expected. Many have floated the idea of trading CJ McCollum or Herb Jones. While those suggestions may sound logical, neither feels particularly realistic.
Jones, at 26, is one of the NBA's best defenders, and last season, with Jones only playing 20 games, New Orleans' defense ranked last in the NBA. While they ranked in the top six in the two years prior, when Jones played 66 and then 76 games, highlighting just how much of a hit the Pelicans’ defense takes without him.
McCollum, on the other hand, is on a massive two-year contract at $64 million and has a playstyle that contending teams don't value, especially now that he is 33 years old. McCollum’s game revolves around scoring. He struggles as a playmaker, and due to his size, is a below-average defender.
With Jones being too valuable and McCollum too difficult to trade, the Pelicans' hands are somewhat tied when it comes to shaking up their roster.
The only other option
The Pelicans' front office is in a tough spot, and the only solution I see is having CJ come off the bench. New Orleans' bench has a core of Jordan Hawkins, Kelly Olynyk, Antonio Reeves, and Jose Alvarado. While this second unit is packed with energy and young talent, it lacks a veteran shot creator who can lead this group.
Last season, McCollum averaged 21.1 points per game while shooting 37.3% from three. This was the ninth straight year CJ averaged 20 points or more per game, and if he wants to keep that streak going, his best chance is off the bench. McCollum has the skillset to be one of the league's best sixth men, with his ability to score the basketball being among the best in the NBA.
This mirrors a moment from Joe Dumars' playing days during the Pistons' 1989-90 championship season. Starting for the Pistons was a former 1st overall pick, Mark Aguirre, who voluntarily moved to the bench so Dennis Rodman could join the starting five for defensive purposes.
This decision gave the Bad Boys the spark they needed to go back-to-back that season. Similarly, McCollum stepping aside could open the door for Herb Jones to start at the shooting guard and bolster the Pelicans' defensive identity.
If the Pelicans' plan for next season is to jump into contention, internal adjustments may be more realistic than making a blockbuster deal. CJ McCollum moving to the bench isn't a demotion but a way to maximize this core. A move like this would set a new culture of sacrifice and winning values that Joe Dumars is all too familiar with.