New Orleans Pelicans season preview
Summary
Shamit Dua joins The Athletic NBA Daily to analyze the New Orleans Pelicans' uneventful offseason, focusing on the Deandre Jordan signing and Ben Mathurin's addition. The discussion explores why the front office refused to trade key assets like Trey Murphy and Zion Williamson, betting on health improvements and a new coaching system. Dua predicts a 32-win season, a Zion extension, and a future Trey Murphy trade, while highlighting the critical need for Fears and Queen to develop their shooting and defensive skills.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: Granger, Perk, and Depop
Show intro and guest Shamit Dua introduction
Reviewing the uneventful Pelicans offseason
Ben Mathurin signing and roster cap issues
Assessing team talent and playoff ceiling
Western Conference depth and competitive outlook
Why the Pelicans avoided major trades
Front office strategy and waiting out rivals
Post-All-Star break performance and coaching changes
Roster construction challenges for new coach
Sponsorships: Navy Federal, Onnit, and Schwab
Zion Williamson's health and offensive role
Zion's off-ball role and Derrick Jones Jr. fit
Projected starting lineup and bench roles
Development goals for Jaxson Hayes and Dereck Lively II
Prediction: Zion Williamson contract extension
Prediction: Trey Murphy III trade scenario
Final win total prediction and show wrap-up
Sponsorships: Colard and Pura
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