The New Orleans Pelicans' plan, insomuch as you can call it one, worked in 2014-15. Their free-agent splurging—largely on above-market contracts for young veterans—resulted in a playoff spot in the Western Conference gauntlet. It also helped persuade Anthony Davis, a generational superstar who may be the rightful heir to King James' throne, to sign a five-year contract extension on July 1.
There is a player option for the fifth season, but the implication is clear: Davis will be spending a vast majority of his prime in New Orleans.
That's all good news for the franchise, as this Pelicans core tries to assess its ceiling. Their mass jettisoning of first-round picks—Davis is the only draft pick to remain with the team since 2012—has left their roster thin and highly dependent on their core six players.
Unfortunately, that core has consistently failed to stay healthy. Jrue Holiday missed 42 games, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson were each on the bench for 20 plus and even Davis missed extended time. Their projected preseason starting lineup played just 13 games together overall.
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Article written by Tyler Conway
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