The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a 21-61 campaign that saw them underperform due to constant injury issues.
They did not respond with inaction, though, as the Pelicans moved on from David Griffin and hired Joe Dumars as the new president of basketball operations and Troy Weaver as the new general manager.
After a few months in the building, it is clear that this is going to be a different approach. The new staff was very aggressive out of the gates, for better or worse.
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey recently released a report card for each front office this past offseason. They were graded on three criteria: new additions, continuity and the draft.
New Orleans was given a 1.9 overall grade-point average. The Phoenix Suns were given a 1.8, and the Golden State Warriors had a 1.0, which made them the only two teams that finished lower. The Sacramento Kings also received a grade of 1.9.
The lowest grade on their card came from their handling of the draft, which landed them a "D" grade. The biggest issue with that night is nothing that Pelicans fans have not heard before.
No one asserts that Derik Queen is not a very intriguing prospect, but the price they paid to acquire him is just very high. Next year's first-round pick is expected to be a lottery selection, given the team's low expectations for the season. That is now placing hefty expectations on a No. 13 overall pick.
The selection of Jeremiah Fears is another that has both fans and skeptics, but he has a ton of upside as well. This could be a center and a point guard that carries the franchise for a decade, but will the result be worth the risk?
The next lowest grade that they received was a "C" for their new additions, pretty down the middle. That seems to be a fair take on the moves, given that few feel like guaranteed successes.
Jordan Poole and CJ McCollum will swap places, but could realistically give the same value next year. Kevon Looney is a better backup center on defense, but will be a downgrade on offense. Saddiq Bey has potential as a backup wing, but has missed a lot of basketball.
The best grade they received was continuity, which they actually received a "B-" for. Bailey was fond of the decision to build around Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III rather than trade and reset.
That is fair. It's hard to justify moving Williamson right now, given his inury-riddled value. Murphy has shown superstar potential is under contract for four years. This is still easily the best path forward for the team.