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Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif
New Orleans faces a crucial decision this summer. Should Zion Williamson be traded to move on, or should the franchise keep him? If the latter is preferred, one analyst advises the team to surround the big man with a specific veteran.
There are franchises that have solid foundations for the years to come… and then there are the Pelicans, who are navigating the Western Conference by sight. Second to last in the latter with only 26 wins and 61 losses, they will certainly have the fourth pick in the next draft, but that’s clearly not enough to restore fans’ confidence, especially after the last few months.
Having talented young players is one thing, but having them on the court is quite another in Louisiana. Coach Willie Green has rarely been able to count on his starting five in 2024-25, starting with Zion Williamson. After playing 70 games last year, the big man has been unable to live up to the expectations placed on him following his return to form.
Brook Lopez, the perfect match for Zion Williamson?
As a result, they’re not really sure what to do with him anymore in New Orleans, but right now, parting ways with him seems difficult. If his executives are going to keep him, they might as well surround him with players who complement him, according to Kevin Pelton. The ESPN analyst has also suggested a possibility that leads to an Eastern Conference pivot:
Having turned 37 in April, Lopez has slowed as a rim protector, a factor in the Bucks taking him out of the starting lineup for the first time since March 2022 during Game 5 of their first-round loss to the Pacers. But his 31.8 MPG in the regular season were his most in nearly a decade, and Lopez missed just two games all season while shooting his usual 37% from 3-point range.
If Milwaukee moves on for financial reasons, Lopez should have a strong midlevel market. Scouts anticipate some regression from Lopez but still see a capable starting center in most matchups. Possible fits: If the Pelicans are trying to win now and committed to Zion Williamson — two big ifs — Lopez would be an ideal frontcourt partner and take pressure to perform off developing centers Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic.
Lopez has been recognized as a dangerous shooter for years, a perfect fit for Williamson, whose skill set puts him closer to the rim. And despite his advanced age, the former Nets player and 2021 NBA champion still knows how to do the deed defensively, in addition to bringing his immense experience to NOLA’s young players. So his arrival wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing.
