Craig Mitchelldyer – USA Today Sports Images
The New Orleans Pelicans have been incredibly active during this NBA off-season and have made some dramatic changes to their roster. On the night of the 2013 NBA Draft they selected Nerlens Noel, but then quickly flipped the center to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday.
The Pelicans weren’t done then, though. With the acquisition of Holiday, the Pelicans then began working the free-agent market. Eventually they were able to agree to terms with Tyreke Evans and were able to acquire him in a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings that landed the Pelicans Evans and sent Greivis Vasquez and Robin Lopez out of town.
If the Pelicans have it their way, though, they aren’t done in free agency. With Greg Oden planning to make his return to the NBA, the Pelicans are one of the six teams that Oden is going to make his decision between according to Yahoo! Sports’ Marc J. Spears. The Pelicans obviously don’t have the same caliber of team to offer Oden as the Miami Heat or the San Antonio Spurs do, but the Pelicans would greatly benefit from landing Oden.
By sending out Lopez in the Evans sign-and-trade, it’s pretty clear that the Pelicans are planning to start Anthony Davis at the five next season and will possibly start Ryan Anderson at the four. Though that can be effective, it’s a relatively small lineup. Having Oden on their roster would allow the big man to come off of the bench and let New Orleans throw different looks and sets at their opponents.
In all honesty, it would be a shock if Oden landed with the Pelicans. They have a young roster and there would be little pressure placed on him in New Orleans, but that doesn’t really compete with going to a championship contender. However, if he does end up signing with the Pelicans, it’s going to make their team noticeably better.
Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20, add him on Google+ and like his Facebook page.
