The New York Knicks completed a blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, and during a discussion on whether New York is a top-five team in the NBA with CJ McCollum and Kendrick Perkins, Stephen A. Smith took a bit of a shot at McCollum's New Orleans Pelicans to make his point.

“They are a top-five team in the NBA, and CJ don't you get some look on your face acting like that is a false statement, because you know that it is not,” Stephen A. Smith said on First Take. “When you look at the New York Knicks right now, the way they defend, the rough riders that they are. You know something? Not you, because you know what, you're a veteran, you're class personified, you handle your business whatever. But you know if some of your teammates were rough riders. I mean you know, I'm just saying. I'm just saying you know, if some of your teammates were rough riders, I mean, who knows what New Orleans would be? If they had that intestinal fortitude. If they had that grit. If they as committed on the defensive side of the ball the way that they should be and what have you. Who knows what New Orleans could do?”

It was a very playful moment from Stephen A. Smith with CJ McCollum on the show. The Pelicans have a good amount of talent, but have some questions on the roster regarding the upside that is present. It will be interesting to see who the front office prioritizes for the future as the organization tries to climb to the top of the Western Conference.

How will the Pelicans look going forward?

The Pelicans have McCollum locked in for the next two seasons, and he has served as a valuable veteran on the team over the last few years since coming over from the Portland Trail Blazers. It is reasonable to assume that he will continue to do so.

However, there are other significant pieces on the team, with Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram as the two standouts. It would be a shock if the Pelicans deviate from the direction they have been going in, which is building around Zion Williamson. They have been doing that since landing him in the 2019 NBA Draft, they just hope that he can stay healthy.

Regarding Brandon Ingram, there are a lot of rumors and speculation regarding him getting traded at some point, and it might come this summer. Only time will tell.

New Orleans came away with Yves Missi in the draft on Wednesday, a year after drafting Jordan Hawkins in the lottery. Jordan Hawkins should be a key supplemental piece to space the floor in the long-term, but he has to hold his own defensively. It will be interesting to see Yves Missi's role with the team.

The Pelicans are in an interesting spot, and Smith definitely provided some motivation for the team with his comments.