The Best Moves of the NBA Offseason:

Pelicans Acquire Valanciunas, Satoransky, & Graham?

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

8/25/2021

Once again, this NBA offseason was highlighted by constant player movement across the league. From Russell Westbrook being sent to the Lakers via trade from Washington. Kyle Lowry becoming Miami’s new point guard, Kemba Walker joining the Knicks, to even Tristan Thompson ending up in Sacramento. There will be plenty of familiar faces in new places the coming NBA season. There is a trio of moves, more specifically trades made by one NBA team that has me very intrigued. This team being the New Orleans Pelicans who made three player acquisitions that can aid them in becoming playoff contenders. This article will highlight the three players New Orleans acquired this offseason. Analyzing the skillsets, they each bring to the team that will help improve New Orleans overall as a West contender.

            The first player to discuss is new center Jonas Valanciunas who the Pelicans acquired in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. In the trade they sent Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe to Memphis as they have restructured their roster, I believe for the better. Valanciunas in two seasons with Memphis was a major contributor to a team that went from basement dweller to playoff team in two years. He averaged 17.3 points and 11.5 rebounds in 2 plus seasons with Memphis which are elite numbers among center production in the league the last 2 seasons. Meaning New Orleans is upgrading the center position offensively from Steven Adams. Adams was solid last year averaging 7.6 points and 8.9 rebounds but getting 17 and 11 a night on 57.4% shooting is a nice luxury to count on at the position. Now as a defender Valanciunas may be not as great as Adams but he is a capable rim protector. Valanciunas in his time with Memphis averaged 1.1 blocks, Adams averages 1.0 blocks per game for his career so not much of a difference. Now in terms of mobility and defensive savvy Adams has the edge, but Valanciunas can be serviceable in the middle. Plus, if the Pelicans get better defensively on the perimeter that will make Valanciuas job easier.

            The next player to analyze is the first of two key guard acquisitions they made through trade. This player being Devonte’ Graham who they acquired via sign-and-trade from the Charlotte Hornets. In Graham the Pelicans are adding a young productive asset to their gifted young core. As the Graham’s career averages of 13.3 points and 4.7 assists per game are solid. Though he is averaging 16.5 points and 6.4 assists the past two seasons overall with increased playing time. He has also improved his three-point shooting and free throw shooting each of his 3 NBA seasons becoming a more diverse scorer. He did have to adjust to coming off the bench last year, he grew more comfortable as the season went on. Showing he can be comfortable in multiple roles for New Orleans if needed. His ability as a passer is underrated, while showing to be an effective enough ball handler to initiate offense. Overall Graham improves the Pelicans at the guard position giving them a solid scoring option to turn to as either a starter or 6th man type. He adds more quality shooting to a Pelicans roster that needs more consistent perimeter shooting. While giving them a solid ball handler to initiate offense in situational spots. He may not be the caliber of passer or even defender Lonzo Ball was, he gives them a great option to turn to in what is becoming a deeper guard group.

            Tomas Satoransky who the Pelicans added via sign-and-trade from Chicago is the final part of this trio to speak on. As the now veteran point guard provides another long athletic body to their backcourt that can help them on both ends of the court. Last season Satoransky averaged 7.7 points and 4.7 assists, while shooting 51.4% from the field and 35.6% from three. Satoransky profiles as the perfect backup point guard for New Orleans to give consistent minutes. Satoransky takes care of the ball well, averaging just 1.4 turnovers a game for his career. Compared to the two guards he is replacing in Ball and veteran Eric Bledsoe; he is just as good if not even better in terms of protecting the ball as either player. He may not be a top-level scorer but can play on and off ball and operate the pick and roll well. Plus, with his size and length he can he crafty and elusive on offense, and very disruptive on defense Satoransky may not wow you with high scoring games, or highlight reel plays but he will be reliable. He stays available and has proven to remain relatively healthy over a season. Meaning New Orleans will have a solid role player at the point guard position with high basketball IQ and sneaky athleticism.

            In the end New Orleans, I believe had a great offseason that not many are talking about. As they added three experienced, yet still young players to their core of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jaxon Hayes, and others. A team that if they mesh and come together over the offseason and early part of next season can become a scary playoff contender in a loaded Western Conference. The Pelicans will need these players to help add offense, while providing tenacity on the defensive end for this team to take the next step. The sky is the limit for this team, and fans can only hope these additions begin to help fulfill the promising potential this team has.