As a die-hard Pelicans fan, coming into the lottery with just a six percent chance of landing Zion Williamson, I spent my lottery day sensibly looking into any graphic hinting at De'Andre Hunter one day developing into Kawhi Leonard.
A few hours, one lost voice and the thought of transferring closer to home later, I could care less about a Robert Covington knockoff. The Pelicans have the opportunity to get Charles Barkley with a YouFit membership, and the franchise has never been more optimistic.
The NBA Draft takes place on June 20th, but everyone knows who the first name called will be. Instead of stressing over what prospect to select, the Pelicans are now operating on a different, far less predictable clock. New Orleans has approximately seven years to do for Williamson what they failed to do for Anthony Davis--build a legitimate Western Conference contender.
The illogical fan in me wants to point out how the Pelicans did build a contender with the 2017-18 roster and how the DeMarcus Cousins-Anthony Davis-Jrue Holiday trio was one worn down Achilles away from dethroning the Warriors and re-sparking the need of talented big men, but I digress. Instead, I'll focus on what the future holds for New Orleans and their new franchise face.
In the past dark-era, also known as the Dell Demp years, the Pelicans with a top-tier trade asset and the first overall pick would have somehow traded Davis to surround Williamson with a team of Malik Monk, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, and Frank Kaminsky. Under David Griffin, the energy around the franchise feels different; it feels like my team is going to win this. It feels like being a Warriors fan.
According to Shams, Anthony Davis still wants out of New Orleans, meaning the world will likely never see what an AD-Zion frontcourt could achieve. However, quotes from Pelicans personal wants that duo playing together in the Smoothie King Center.
Before the lottery, Davis being done in New Orleans seemed like a foregone conclusion, but now the Pelicans have two legitimate options that could boost their franchise.
Option 1: Keep Anthony Davis
The beauty of starting over as a franchise is the blissful ignorance of all those involved. David Griffin has arguably a top-5 player on the roster, and, according to Adrian Wojranowski, he plans on doing to Anthony Davis what the Thunder and Raptors have done to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard--building a winner and making it impossible to walk away from. The first step of that took place tonight, as the Pelicans locked up a generational talent for at least the next seven seasons, leading Griffin to pitch to Davis that, "Elite talent likes to play with elite talent."
New Orleans has never really lacked talent but has consistently lacked health. David Griffin recognized the team's constant injuries and accordingly hired one of the most respected trainers in the league.
Although it may be early in his tenure, David Griffin has the Pelicans running like a real franchise for the first time in Davis' time in the city. That professional handling paired with the promise of Zion Williamson gives the Pelicans, at least, a better chance at retaining the talent of Davis.
Option 2: Trade Anthony Davis
I spent last night dieting on Rap Snacks and fruit punch Arizona while laughing at Sharkboy and Lavagirl. Zion Williamson is younger than me. Regardless of the hype surrounding him, Williamson isn't going to satisfy the win-now mindset of Anthony Davis. Rather than convincing a disgruntled star that a dynasty is on the horizon, the Pelicans can trade Davis now to obtain the assets necessary for a Williamson-led dynasty. Thanks to the star power of Davis, there is no shortage to the number of suitors and assets Griffin can obtain.
New York Knicks
Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Clippers
Ironically enough, thanks to Anthony Davis, each of these teams, along with the Los Angeles Lakers, could offer Zion Williamson the deep supporting cast Anthony Davis never had.
New Orleans ended lottery day the biggest winner of any franchise. After ruining the early years of Anthony Davis through poor signings and health issues, the Pelicans have been given a second chance at contention through Zion Williamson.
Alexa, play 'To Zion' by Lauryn Hill.