As the New Orleans Pelicans navigate a challenging season, the question on everyone’s mind is whether to push for the play-in tournament or pivot towards tanking. With a current record of 4-15, the odds of making the playoffs seem daunting. To secure the 10th seed, projections suggest the Pelicans need 46 wins, requiring a 66% winning rate for the remainder of the season. Given the team’s current form and injury woes, this seems a tall order.
The Case for Tanking
The Pelicans face a strategic decision: continue striving for a playoff spot or embrace tanking to secure a high draft pick. The latter might be a smart move, considering the team’s current standing and the competitive advantage of tanking early. By trading away key players and shutting down others, the Pelicans could position themselves for a top draft pick, potentially landing a game-changing talent.
Tanking isn’t just about losing games; it’s about making strategic moves to improve long-term prospects. Trading players like CJ McCollum or Brandon Ingram could help the team avoid the luxury tax and gain valuable draft assets. The risk, however, is finding suitable trade partners before other teams with similar intentions snap them up.
Navigating the Middle Ground
The worst position for any NBA team is being stuck in the middle—neither a playoff contender nor a bottom-tier team with a high draft pick. For the Pelicans, this no man’s land offers little benefit. The team must decide whether to aim for a competitive edge by tanking now or risk being left in mediocrity.
The financial implications of tanking are significant, especially for a small-market team like New Orleans. The Pelicans recently switched from Bally’s to an over-the-air partnership with Gray TV, impacting their revenue streams. While tanking might hurt short-term financials, it could pay off in the long run by securing a top draft pick and building a stronger team for the future.
Ultimately, the decision to tank or compete will shape the Pelicans’ future. With injuries plaguing the roster and a challenging path to the playoffs, the team must weigh the benefits of securing a high draft pick against the desire to remain competitive. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pelicans’ strategic decisions, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pelicans Podcast:
- The impact of injuries on the Pelicans’ season
- Potential trade scenarios for New Orleans
- Analysis of the Pelicans’ current roster dynamics
- Financial considerations for small-market teams
- The role of coaching in navigating a challenging season
