The New Orleans Pelicans and their front office, led by Joe Dumars, seem to be extremely confident that they can be a contender in the Western Conference next season. However, after seeing what the Houston Rockets did on the first day of free agency, it's clear they aren't on the same level.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Rockets have signed Dorian Finney-Smith to a four-year, $53 million contract and Clint Capela to a three-year, $21.5 million contract.
The Rockets, who were already unbelievable, have become even more impressive after trading for Kevin Durant, with the additions of Capela and DFS. The only concern people had after the Durant trade with the Rockets was how their defense would be impacted by not having Dillon Brooks. Now, there's no need to worry about that, as Finney-Smith is going to fill that hole defensively while being an even better floor spacer.
Finney-Smith shot a career-best 41% from three last season and is a career 36% shooter from beyond the arc. When you think about this added floor spacing ability and also the way he can guard the 1 through 5, this is a scary addition to a stacked Rockets team
New Orleans missed their chance to take a step back
This signing is yet another reason why I suggested the Pelicans blow it up after the Kevin Durant trade happened because the Western Conference is too stacked. With the Nuggets going out and adding Cameron Johnson and Bruce Brown, they are once again a real threat in the West.
New Orleans, on the other hand, has made one move since free agency opened, which was bringing in. Kevon Looney. Which is a move I am a fan of, but at the same time, it's not pushing this group over the top. However, New Orleans is unlikely to blow things up now because other teams are improving, Joe Dumars has made his bed, and the Pelicans will have to lie in it.
All the signs were pointing towards blowing it up after the Durant trade, as there are just too many teams looking to contend in the West for the Pelicans to have a chance. But now that the draft has passed, so has that opportunity. New Orleans will enter next season with a solid roster featuring depth and young talent.
Who's to say Trey Murphy won't take a leap so big that it makes New Orleans a genuine contender in the Western Conference? I'll remain optimistic because, if there's one thing I do know, the NBA is unpredictable.