According to The Athletic's Shams, the four-way transaction between the Bucks, Pelicans, Thunder and Nuggets was completed, Holiday joined the Bucks and Adams went to Pelicans. Shortly after trading Holiday to the Bucks, the Pelicans sent the Nuggets a protected first-round pick and two second-round picks from the Nuggets, as well as replacement players such as George Hill in exchange for Adams from the Thunder. The Thunder has accumulated a lot of draft picks through continuous trading, which will become their strongest weapon to rebuild. After
got Adams, the Pelicans' lineup has become more perfect, and now they will hit new heights. Before Favors and Okafor left the team, the Pelicans have only one center left-second-year Jaxon Hayes. Hayes can learn more with Adams next season. Let's analyze what impact Adams will have on the Pelicans:
1. Inside defense
The Pelicans' paint defense has always been the bottom of the league. This team has lost at least 52 points per game in the penalty area. After Adams arrives, the Pelicans' defensive strength inside will greatly improve. Adams averaged 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game last season. And he can play against most players in the league so that the Pelicans will not always lose their defensive position after confrontation. Adams can protect the defensive rebounds to avoid giving opponents a second chance to attack. His and Zion's inside combination can also pose a big threat to the opponent in the penalty zone. They are both the league's top inside finishers. Last season Adams and Zion's The shooting percentage at the basket is above 60%.
And Adams' pick-and-roll ability can bring more offensive options to the team, Van Gundy will make the team's offensive system more perfect. In addition, Adams has a certain low singles ability. Even if he is double-teamed, he can pass the ball in time. His passing ability is considered to be relatively good among centers. Shooting is Adams' weakness. The Pelicans should use his pick-and-roll and ball handling ability as much as possible. Although he cannot open up the offensive space for the team, the Pelicans have other ways to create space. Adams' defensive ability is what the Pelicans need most, and his ability is very suitable for the Pelicans.
Second, salary space
After getting Adams, the Pelicans still have a problem that needs to be solved. Adams' salary next season will reach 27.5 million US dollars, his salary is almost the same as that of Holiday, who was just traded, and Adams's ability is not worth the price. In order not to pay the luxury tax, the Pelicans may need to trade some players. The Pelicans have more guards, and it's time to trade some extra guards. The Pelicans can send Bledsoe to some teams with rich cap space, and Bledsoe can also trade the team for draft picks. Although Adams' salary next season is relatively high, his contract is only one year left. If he does well next season, the Pelicans can sign him with a more cost-effective contract.
The 27-year-old Adams cannot get such a high salary in the next contract, and the contract period will be shortened. If his performance is good, the Pelicans will keep him with a certain attractive contract. If the results are not very good, Adams will look for the next team. Overall, the Pelicans used a mid-stage first-round pick and two second-round picks in exchange for Zion and Adams for a year of partner time. Although the salary paid is a bit high, it will not have a great negative impact on the team. .
3. Playoff prospects
Before getting Adams, the Pelicans' operation looked like a gamble. They traded the most valuable players in exchange for some assets. On the surface, the Pelicans did this for the future, but they still have the strength to make the playoffs next season. Competition in the West next season is fierce, and many teams have strengthened their lineups this offseason. The Suns acquired Paul through a trade, and their overall strength has been further improved. The strength of the Grizzlies, Trail Blazers and Kings has also improved, and the Spurs are also a team that cannot be underestimated. The Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets, Mavericks and Jazz are still very strong, and it will be difficult for the remaining teams to compete for the few playoff spots.
There are still many possibilities in the future. If the team gets along well, the Pelicans may hit the top six in the West. If the Rockets really have to send Harden and Westbrook away, the Pelicans have one less competitor. No matter from which point of view, next season's Pelicans have the strength to compete with the Western Conference playoff teams.
