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The Case for an Ingram Extension
The number of options the New Orleans Pelicans have before them is part of what makes them so exciting. This cuts both ways, however. Every choice is a point where, when things are examined in hindsight, one can point directly to it and say, “This . . . this right here . . . this […]
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Thank You, David Griffin
A very long time ago, in a time where I was still athletic, my soccer coach pulled me off the bus after a game and looked me dead in the eye. We had just won a tournament and it was freezing cold outside. I could see his breath when he said: “you are the engine […]
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Summer League Game 3 Recap: What Just Happened?
Confession: I wrote this after 3 quarters. • Nickeil Alexander-Walker has some real confidence and a versatile game to boot. Aggressive player who is always looking to feed his guys, particularly his bigs. On the first play, he *unsuccessfully* tried to squeeze in a pass to Hayes. A play or two later, he was successful. […]
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The Real Big Baller
There’s a Big Baller in New Orleans, ladies and gents, and he isn’t going anywhere. No, this isn’t going to be a puff piece on Lonzo Ball, apologies to my Westbank Laker fans. No, I’m not going to say that Zo is “actually better than you think when you look at these advanced stats”, or […]
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In the N.O. Episode 39: The Pelicans Draft Zion Williamson
It’s the most wonderful night of the year – the Pelicans have drafted Zion Williamson (and also Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker). Shamit and Mason give their reactions and breakdown of draft night, as well as the draft afternoon trade. Listen on iTunes Listen on Spotify RSS Feed Direct Download Blue Wire Network
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In the N.O. Episode 38: The Pelicans Trade Anthony Davis to the Lakers
Shamit and Mason synced up during what they thought would be a calm weekend to react to the big Saturday afternoon news. The New Orleans Pelicans have traded Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, three first-round picks (including No. 4 of the 2019 draft), and one pick swap. […]
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Chaos A.D.: Timelines
The New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in a strangely familiar position. Armed with the top pick in a draft with a atypically interesting top talent, the franchise is dealing with ownership and management changes while the current talent is in the process of bolting. The details differ from the 2011-2012 time frame and the actual […]
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Davis improved interest of basketball in New Orleans but he was never the savior
When Chris Paul was on his way out of New Orleans, it was believed that interest in the NBA was on life support and that the incoming 2012 No. 1 overall pick that would become Anthony Davis was to be the city’s last chance to be relevant in basketball’s global arena. Fast forward to today […]
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One Last Little Wrinkle
I was saving this fun little cap note for the offseason, but I think I’ll share it now as a send off for Demps. My commentary on his era will come in time, but, for now, let’s just look at what might be the last cap wrinkle Dell left behind. Punchline: Don’t freak out if […]
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Chaos A.D.: The First Dominoes
For years, the keystone in the current era of the New Orleans Pelicans has been Anthony Davis. My mantra for years has been that Davis is the measure of all things the franchise does. Once that organizing principle was practically removed, you could see the chaotic swirling begin immediately. Since then, just in terms of […]
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Chaos A.D.: Shifting Foundations
The self-declared impending departure of Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans forces some changes on and off the court. While the franchise is “on the rack,” it’s a good time to look around and see if there are less-obvious things that need attention. I think some changes at the top need to happen, and […]
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Chaos A.D.: Disorder Unleashed
Chaos A.D. Disorder Unleashed — Sepultura, Refuse/Resist Chaos is a terrifying and necessary thing. It creates and destroys. It gives and takes. It’s the constant change in the world that masquerades as order and structure. Anthony Davis has been the organizing principle of the New Orleans Pelicans from when he joined the team until very […]
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The New Orleans Pelicans Need the Anthony Davis Controversy
Surprise, surprise, the biggest New Orleans Pelicans story centers around the New Orleans Pelicans starriest of players who is approaching the time period where he’ll be approaching free agency. As we approached approaching approaching, many prepared by glibly discussing the movement of the generational talent. The reactions to these pieces, even “Hey, calm down, they […]
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Trades, Trades, Trades
Yes, it’s that time again. The NBA’s trade deadline is just three weeks away, and the worst kept secret in the NBA is that Dell Demps is working the phones in an effort to improve the team and keep Anthony Davis long term. As usual, the Pelicans first round pick is on the table and […]
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The Beal Deal
(This article is a collaboration between Mason, Shamit, and 42.) An important part of this season, and retaining Anthony Davis for at least another season, is improving the roster. Bradley Beal arguably has the highest combination of acquirability, skill mix needed by this team, and tradability to other teams in the future. Here is a […]
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Jahlil Okafor Might Be a Factor
I remember it distinctly because I was in great distress. I was on the elliptical late at night and deep in the offseason discussing edge moves and reclamation projects with the guys, particularly Kumar (who can verify this). I was all over point guards, or passing combo guards. . . and there was one other […]
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Should the Pelicans Trade for John Wall?
(Enjoy this guest post from Ben Alterman) Why trade for a point guard? In an interview with Rachel Nichols of ESPN, AD said that winning is the most important thing to him and adding another star next to him and Jrue is the best way to make the team better this year to help convince […]
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A December Look at Moore
What do you think about Moore so far and going forward? 42 (@42phd): Moore is just fine. He’s a reasonable player on both ends with a reasonable contract. I like Moore on this team, but he’s in that sweet spot for being a trade asset, too. I wrote him out of the future of the […]
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A December Look at Randle
What do you think about Randle so far and going forward? 42 (@42phd): I am happy with Randle. He’s clearly got issues on this team, but I feel like he is making progress. We’ll see how much in the end. On both sides of the ball, he just focuses too much on the ball. On […]
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Can the Pelicans break the Groundhog Day cycle?
The New Orleans Pelicans are once again floating around .500 and I feel numb. I am descending into nihilism because chances are that if you have been watching the New Orleans Pelicans this season you may also be wondering if the season has truly started or if we’re all witnessing an incredible troll job. We […]