New Orleans Pelicans
One of the teams that had one of the most disappointing seasons in 2020-21 was the New Orleans Pelicans. The trio of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Zion Williamson was expected to make noise in the Western Conference under Stan Van Gundy. Adding veterans like Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to the roster gave them a nice nucleus to work with.
READ MORE: NBA Rumors: This Knicks-Pelicans trade features Lonzo Ball heading to New York
Even with a decent roster, the Pelicans would conclude the year on the outside looking in, posting a dismal 31-41 record. New Orleans was the 11th seed in the Western Conference and there are reports that Van Gundy has had trouble gaining the trust of the locker room. It remains to be seen if the Pelicans bring back Van Gundy next season.
Regardless of what the Pelicans at the head coach spot, they need to begin finding proven talent to surround Williamson and Ingram, especially if Lonzo Ball departs in NBA free agency.
The Pelicans currently have the 10th best odds to land the first-overall pick, with the 10th and 11th pick appearing to be the likely outcome for the organization. Trading whatever they pick they receive could put them in a position to fight for a playoff spot in 2021-2022.
