On a recent episode of NBA Today, the panel discussed ESPN's power rankings of the best offseasons across the NBA, and the New Orleans Pelicans were ranked 26th. Instantly, two members of the panel came to the defense of Joe Dumars, Zion Williamson, and the Pelicans front office. First, it was a former Pelican, Kendrick Perkins, who said this.
"I talked to Zion's agent...and he told me that Zion is on the right path."
Perkins' comments were then followed up by Marc Spears expressing how unique it was to see Zion at summer league sitting with his GM and just talking. Spears continued and said this.
"Joe (Dumars), he's been really, really impressed with Zion."
During this segment, both men backed up the Pelicans for what they both saw as a well-rounded offseason. Both men mentioned that Herb Jones and Trey Murphy are both great wings who play both sides of the floor, and how Zion, when he plays, is a true star.
This type of praise going towards the Pelicans is a nice change of pace, as over the last little while, it feels like it's been nothing but negative surrounding this team. Whether it's Bill Simmons talking about the Pelicans relocating, or Tim MacMahon straight up hating, or even me losing my mind over a trade, there has been a lot of negative talk this summer. Making Spears and Perk's comments a breath of fresh air.
If there's someone's opinion, I'm valuing it's Spears and Perk
When looking at all the people commenting on all the things the Pelicans' front office is doing wrong, to turn around and hear someone of Marc Spears' pedigree defend them means so much. Among all experts and insiders, there are very few who are more experienced and knowledgeable than Spears. The work he's done as a reporter and writer earned him a spot in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame back in 2023.
A similar case goes for Perk. He spent 14 years in the NBA, won a championship, and has been in the trenches of playoff basketball many times. Although from time to time he says some outlandish stuff and has some funny takes, his experiences as a player give him knowledge that we average Joes don't have. Perkins' willingness to continue to defend the Pelicans against the rest of the NBA media should excite fans.
I'm not saying that just because Perkins and Spears have put faith in this group, the Pelicans are going to go out and win 55+ games. However, what I am saying is that the comments from these two experts show the disrespect from the rest of the NBA media is just disrespect.