#1. New Orleans Pelicans — Zion Williamson
Though the chances were low (6 percent per Tankathon), the New Orleans Pelicans lucked into the best draft prospect in recent memory in Zion Williamson. Because of the likely presence of Zion on the team next year (unless something crazy happens), the team has already begun to reap the benefits of that “Zion bump,” per The New York Times’s Marc Stein:
The Pelicans, I'm told, have sold in the neighborhood of 3,000 season-ticket packages for next season in the wake of winning last night's NBA lottery and the chance to draft Zion Williamson No. 1 overall
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 15, 2019
Beyond the monetary windfall that the Pelicans will surely gain next season (can anyone say alternate Zion “mardi gras” jerseys?), the on-court fit of Zion alongside whoever else the Pelicans nab via trade or in free agency should be tremendous.
With David Griffin at the helm as the team’s GM and team owner Gayle Benson stepping back and empowering Griffin to do his job with little meddling from her, the Pels are actually set up quite well going forward.
Jrue Holiday is locked up on a big deal, but he has also expressed interest in a trade – especially if a deal for Anthony Davis is completed. If that’s the case, the Pels could start anew with Zion and a strikingly young core as soon as next season.
Zion is an absolute difference-maker, so whatever happens, the Pels will be in good shape and they will capture the attention of the league at large – far more than Davis (who is a bit more milquetoast). Best of luck, Pels fans, this Atlanta Hawks fan is only slightly salty.