While possessing arguably one of the most special talents in the entire league in Anthony Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans remain mediocre. Davis has turned into a full-fledged superstar, just as everyone saw coming after his rookie season if he was able to fight off his injury issues. Thus far this season he has and has thrown up an insane 28.6 points per game to go along with 12 boards. Despite the herculean performances from Davis, New Orleans remains a long shot to make the postseason with a 17-27 record.
Though guards Jrue Holiday, Tim Frazier, and the recently reacclimated Tyreke Evans help take some scoring pressure off the shoulders of Davis, the Pels could really use a true secondary star to pair with the Kentucky product. According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, The Pelicans showed interest in the services of now Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes:
The Pelicans discussed throwing all their money at Harrison Barnes before splitting it among Moore, Hill, and others, sources say. Barnes told ESPN.com this week he would have considered the Pelicans had they contacted him. New Orleans felt they had to move before the Kevin Durant sweepstakes shook out.
Instead of gutting out the Pelicans salary cap, Barnes opted to sign with the Dallas Mavericks on a 4 year, $94 million max contract.
Had New Orleans decided to go on a full-fledged pursuit of Barnes and successfully landed him, it’s easy to see how he would have fit alongside Davis. Barnes would’ve provided immediate versatility being able to start from either forward spot and giving the Pels the flexibility to play Davis at either the four or the five. Though Barnes would’ve improved their team substantially, the addition wouldn’t have been major enough to thrust them directly into the Western Conference contenders, but a case could certainly be made that they would be a legitimate playoff team.
Hopefully, we see New Orleans successfully acquire a young side piece to pair with Davis and build a formidable core going forward.
