This season has been upbeat for the New Orleans Pelicans who are coming off of a 140-126 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Last season seemed to be the start of a beautiful relationship between Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.
Unfortunately, Cousins 2017-18 season would come to an end due to a devastating Achilles injury. Although there was no guarantee that he would re-sign with the team prior to the injury there was still a chance to cement the teams future. Entering the summer of 2018 there were a lot of concerns that the Pelicans needed to address.
New Orleans Pelicans: 2018 Summer Recap
During the 2018 draft, the New Orleans Pelicans drafted Tony Carr with the 51st pick in the draft. Carr would opt to play overseas to develop his skills, per Victory Bell Rings' Barry Leonard. The Pelicans would have had a 2018 first round pick, but traded it away to acquire Nikola Mirotic last season.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the New Orleans Pelicans had to include a first-round pick to offset the salary that was owed to Mirotic. Obviously, this trade rubbed fans the wrong way but at the time the team felt that they could make some noise in the playoffs.
New Orleans signed some interesting mid-level names during free agency. In free agency, the team managed to sign Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton. The franchise also re-signed Ian Clark, who is a solid upcoming young talent. Not to mention the organization extended head coach Alvin Gentry's contract until 2021.
Clearly, getting big name free agents to come to New Orleans is a tough task, but this team needs to do something to keep Davis in town. Last year the Pelicans front office was enticed with trade offers and inquiries about their franchise player. Davis continues to state that he wants to win in New Orleans but money talks.
Two days ago, Clutch Points' Bruno Manrique followed up on a report from the Ringers' Kevin O'Connor that the Pelicans were interested in Otto Porter Jr. Over the course of the season, the Washington Wizards have been falling apart.
Monday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Washington is open to fielding offers for all players on the roster. Of course, if you are the New Orleans Pelicans you would want to go after John Wall or Bradley Beal. But trying to acquire Porter Jr. would be the ideal move for three reasons.
3. One Team's Trash is Another Team's Treasure
After the 2016-17 season, the Wizards made it a priority to re-sign Porter Jr. but on their terms. The team would go on to re-sign him after they ended up having to match the Brooklyn Nets $106.5 million offer sheet. Needless to say, the offer sheet was not as ridiculous as people may think due to the new CBA agreement. Either way, the Wizards needed a third scoring option. Since being drafted in 2013, the Georgetown product has increased his scoring average every season (with the exception of this season).
At the end of his rookie voyage, Porter averaged 2.1 points per game off of an average of 8.6 minutes per game. After his rookie year, he has increased both his points and minutes per game totals. He finished the 2017-18 season averaging 14.7 points (career-high), 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 44.1 percent from three.
Despite constant improvement each year the 2013 draft pick often times is overshadowed by Wall, Beal and Kelly Oubre Jr. Oubre Jr. who was drafted by the Wizards in 2015 has been taking on some of Porter Jr.'s minutes this season. In addition to Oubre Jr. seeing more minutes, Jeff Green has also taken some minutes from Porter Jr.
When healthy Porter Jr. is a solid two-way player who can contribute on both sides of the floor. Since signing his extension with Washington he has proved that he is worthy of his deal. Yes, his numbers could be a little higher but consider who his starting backcourt is.
Both Wall and Beal are two ball dominant guards. Porter Jr. can help the Pelicans with his durability, shooting and defense. Not to mention he has played more games in the last three years than both Wall and Beal.
2. Otto Porter Jr. Can Be a Second Scoring Option
Before you knock over your soda, think about it. Wall is currently averaging a 27.6 usage percentage, while Beal is averaging 25.7. At the moment Porter Jr. has a 15.0 usage percentage and is averaging 10.6 points per game.
The 6-foot-8 forward is scoring double figures without establishing a solid rhythm. This season, under head coach Scott Brooks, the team has struggled to move the ball effectively. Porter Jr. is at his best when he is running in transition, cutting backdoor or running off of high screens.
This season the Wizards have shown splashes of life. If the New Orleans Pelicans trade for OPJ, he will have no issues running the floor, especially when Payton returns. Playing in Gentry's offense will help the five-year veteran utilize his ability to spot up and shoot and run the floor.
Gentry is well known for his high motion offense and high pick & roll usage. To no ones' surprise, Davis has been carrying the load for New Orleans yet again. Adding OPJ will provide the team with a legit second scoring option. Yes, there are other scorers on the market but the Wizards forward makes the most sense.
Under the right offense, the 25-year-old can strengthen his one of one game while playing off of AD. Unlike Wall and Beal, the former Hoya does not have an infinite amount of plays ran for him. He will help the Pelicans space the floor with his solid three-point shooting (35.6 percent).
Right now, the Pelicans are second in points per game and the team is shooting 35.5 percent from three. This year's Pelicans team is moving the ball exceptionally well and that will benefit OPJ who has seen his minutes decrease.
1. Sustaining Longevity
Trading for the Wizards starting forward may come with a financial cost. But it may be a while before the Pelicans have a solid pitch that attracts a big name free agent. Recently, teams who have struggled to land free agents have taken on huge salaries from teams that part ways with superstars.
One example is the Detroit Pistons who traded for Blake Griffin before the trade deadline last season. Both Davis and Porter Jr. are free agents in 2021. Making this move wouldn't put New Orleans in a ditch financially. The reality is that this trade could serve as a test trial.
Similar to LeBron James, The Brow needs space in order to drive to the basket or post up. Throughout his career in New Orleans Davis has had to take on the scoring load. Often times this has resulted in lingering injuries. The addition of Randle, Mirotic and Payton has helped.
The improvement of Jrue Holiday has also helped elevate AD's level of play. Floor spacing has been huge for the Pelicans but adding a player who can take on a role as a primary scorer his huge.
Porter Jr. will help this team with his ability to remain on the floor. Over the last three years, the 25-year-old has only missed 14 games. Injury is a huge part of the game and the fact that OPJ is able to stay healthy is significant.
The New Orleans Pelicans need to make this trade in order to entice Davis to stay and to help this team continue to win.
All stats for this article are from stats.nba.com.
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