Jan 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward
(23) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Lakers 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
3. The New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are just above the Lakers in terms of standings at 5-15, 14th worst in the Western Conference. Expectations were high for New Orleans entering the season but injuries and lack of cohesion has led to their molasses slow start.
Currently, Alonzo Gee is starting for the Pelicans and other than Eric Gordon, they have no other shooting guard listed on their roster. Additionally, the Pels are thirteenth overall in scoring and last overall in points allowed at 108.9 ppg.
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Conventional wisdom says that the best defense is a good offense, and Nick Young is proven instant offense.
Starting Young alongside Gordon could be problematic, but if Young could make it work with Lou Williams and Kobe Bryant, he could likely make it work with anyone.
Young is an instant upgrade over Luke Babbit, Alonzo Gee and Cunningham who are all averaging under six points per contest. He also a much improved defender, proving that effort, or lack thereof, was his main deficiency.
The drop off in points from starters downwards is significant: Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson hover right around 20 points per game a piece, then Ish Smith and Jru Holiday are good for around 11 points per contest, but after that the scoring falls off.
Given more minutes, Young could fit into this roster seamlessly, and average around 15-18 points on a consistent basis.
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If the Lakers could get a good haul back for Nick Young, where do you think he could be traded?