Originally Posted by
Truth&Justise
Gotta be honest, I don't quite understand this move.
Yes, New Orleans lacked shooting, and JJ is one of the very best. But he's 35 now, way out of step with New Orleans' competitive window.
Is New Orleans currently a playoff team? Do they want to be? JJ is the kind of missing-piece veteran that can put a contender over the hump, but I don't know if it really moves the needle to have him help New Orleans win 35 games instead of 30. Why not just give all that playing time to Frank Jackson, who is now stuck behind Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday? Why the push for the playoffs in Year 1 of Zion...it will only make it harder to add co-stars via the draft.
As for JJ, I'm really surprised a contender didn't offer comparable money. This is likely his last two seasons of consistent, 20-ish minutes per game for a contender, and he can make a difference. Really surprised there wasn't a better offer--this feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity.
So I'm excited for five Blue Devils on the Pelicans...but it doesn't really make sense to me.