How bad really did the Pelicans want Davis out?
David Grubb:
"He had to go, especially after the team won the lottery. Davis wasn’t going to be second to a rookie on his own team, and Jrue Holiday has become the face of the franchise. From his first day Griffin talked about building a new culture. That doesn’t happen with Davis still on the roster. Ultimately, Anthony Davis requesting a trade could be the best thing to ever happen to the franchise. It woke up ownership and got them to take a real interest in basketball operations. And by waiting the Pelicans put themselves in position to win the lottery."
Let’s take that back further, the Pelicans basically shutting down Davis after the trade deadline was bad look. The removal of his image on the Titantron was even worse. Right now the Pelicans have moved themselves in a real advantageous spot here. They already have the marquee player in Zion Williamson. They already have Jrue Holiday who can move over to the two guard spot and provide one of the best defensive back courts in the NBA.
This deal is not over for the Pelicans. Remember they were shopping that #4 pick around to NBA teams for a potential player. On draft night, another shoe may fall on the intentions of David Griffin.
As for the operations, the New Orleans Pelicans have completely overhauled the way they do things. New medical staff was hired. The acquisition of Trajan Langdon and Swin Cash to executive positions has made the franchise look very competent these days. Far removed from six months ago when Dell Demps was in charge.