These three players have benefited the most from the New Orleans Pelicans' offseason decision-making.
The New Orleans Pelicans' offseason has been maligned by pretty much everybody because of the lack of activity. They brought back DeAndre Jordan for a bench veteran role and signed two training camp contracts, but that's it outside of the coaching change.
The Pelicans' inactivity isn't bad for everyone, though, as it is a good sign for a couple of players and how they are viewed by the front office. Through the first few weeks of free agency, here are the team's biggest winners of this offseason:
SG Trey Murphy III
It always has to be weird to be in trade talks, but these all played out well for Murphy. He got to stick around on his team and he became a much more talked-about figure in the league because of it. New Orleans has set the price at three first round picks, which is a tag usually kept for All-Star level players.
Murphy has what it takes to become that All-Star. He is a high-flyer with deep range. He can put up the volume to go along with the highlights, which is what it takes to become a star in this league. If the Pelicans turn this ship around any time soon, Murphy will play a part and step further into the limelight around the NBA.
C Yves Missi
One major area that people have wanted New Orleans to address this offseason is the front court. They resigned Jordan, but their group has actually gotten lighter because of Kevon Looney's departure.
Every day that passes means more minutes for Missi next season, who got better as a sophomore even though he saw the court a little bit less. He is obviously still a raw talent, but isn't completely wasting his opportunity.
His 3.8% block rate last season was at the 95th percentile among other bigs, per CleaningTheGlass. Perhaps the defensive answer they were waiting for is already on the roster, but they need to keep working on his hands and defensive rebounding skills.
F Zion Williamson
Williamson is a polarizing figure. He is always in the trade conversation, but has somehow lasted longer on his first team than anyone else in his draft class's lottery. He's too good of a player to let go of, and too injury prone to fully build around.
The front office is committing to him once again heading into the year, hoping that the signs from last season prove to be the new normal. The forward has done the right things all offseason, consistently working out and looks to still be in great shape. Perhaps it really will be different this time.
