I don’t think any Pelicans fans expected New Orleans to come out Monday night and beat the Oklahoma City Thunder. But many of us, myself included, would have liked to see this game at least be somewhat competitive…that wasn’t the case. The reigning NBA Champions didn’t give the Pelicans any chance from the game's opening tip, resulting in NOLA's 12th loss of the season, 126-109.
This blowout L is a perfect example of why it’s time for Troy Weaver and Joe Dumars to pull the plug on this core. The Thunder are the standard in the Western Conference, and even though no one can compete with them right now, as reflected in their now 14-1 record. However, the team's inability to even keep this game remotely close is a telltale sign that this core's potential of being competitive in the West is close to zero.
I know a lot of people will argue that if they were healthy and had Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, Jordan Poole and Dejounte Murray the game would have been close. But that just isn’t a reality I’m buying anymore.
You have two great young pillars in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen; it’s time to shift the focus to them. And trade away guys like Williamson, Poole, and maybe even Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III.
This loss laid out a blueprint for the rest of the season
This game laid out an obvious course of action for the front office to take. Going forward, they need to invest time in really seeing what they have from their youth. Not just Fears and Queen, but Micah Peavy, Yves Missi, and Karlo Matkovic.
These five guys need to see extended minutes as the teams moves forward into a rebuild phase.
Next is trading Zion Williamson. You aren’t going to get some godfather offer for Z, but you’re going to get enough assets to rebuild around this young core. Then they need to evaluate guys like Poole, Bey, and Jose Alvarado. Gauging what their markets look like and if there is a positive return that is worth giving them up for, then do it.
Lastly, really focus on the way James Borrego is coaching, keep an eye on his style, the identity he’s trying to build, how the youth are developing under him, and the way players respond to him. One of the most overlooked aspects of a rebuild is having the right coach, and if the front office doesn’t see Borrego, they need to find a replacement.
This isn’t an overreaction this is just the reality the Pelicans are in. Rebuilding is the right decision and, in my opinion, the only one left for this organization.