2034-35 Pels Presser

[NickMalone77]

Going 55-27 after starting the year at 4-10 would normally be a reason to celebrate. As would making necessary changes to challenge the upper tier in the Hardaway division and Omega Conference. But yet, Still left with a bitter pill to swallow after another first round exit. We won Game 3, had the advantage away from a game and competitive Dallas Mavericks squad, and they still were the superior team. Credit to them and Jarrett Allen. They managed to neutralize everything our team had left after Colby went down with a debilitating injury. That win turned out to be our last of the 2033-34 season.

So, when you're left with only four members of the existing roster from last season, and about 30 mil in the bank, you go to extreme measures to right the wrong. We didn't have our first rounder in the last draft thanks to acquiring Colby Lopez (during the last off-season) so we were on the outside looking in. We were encouraged with Paul Ammerman's steady increase during training camp and feel like he's improved to possibly be our PG of the future if he continues to develop and trending in the right direction. Trae Young, a consummate professional, had a pretty economic and team friendly contract. We received some calls as far as his services but when looking at the FA market and league in general, we didn't feel the need to move him in terms of replacing him and his production out on the open market. Our teams engine last year ran off the wheels and back of Phil Brooks. Earning All League 1st Team honors, Phil was second in the league in scoring last year and gave it his all every step of the way. What attracted us to Colby's skill set was how dynamic he was as a scorer and his ability to play the three or the four (if need be). His two way game with Phil worked well for us last season and we're hoping for more of the same in the year ahead. But a team isn't built on the backs of just 4 men. So we needed to examine the weaknesses and see what could be improved upon in Free Agency.

Going in, we were really hoping to retain one of our bigs from last year, whether it was John Vines, or Deuce Forte. Forte's speed and size along with a strong defensive game in the post was key for us having a presence in the post. They loved their time in New Orleans so much, they both decided to return on what we felt like were fairly reasonable deals. What surprised us however was the eagerness of Wanderlai Silva. He comes from a championship pedigree after his time with the Bulls and he really packs a punch that it no longer means teams have to just guard Brooks or Lopez on offense. We thought for sure some other teams were going to outbid us when we put the offer out to Silva but we were elated he wanted to join the squad. Silva demands attention and is a high impact scorer even with his slow of foot speed. We feel like the move of bringing Silva on will really impact us in the right direction.

After Silva, bringing in guys like Kenrich Williams, Joe Futrell, Wilburn Clark, among others will really help to fortify the bench with Vines and Ammerman. It leaves us in an interesting position considering we've never really had a tax bill this high before but that's the cost of doing business and attempting to improve the team. We've never been in that much tax trouble before but we do have the funds required to not feel the burden of being unable to pay it off. We're happy to see the return of so many veteran GM's like BallSoHard now in our own division. His Pistons have quite the hill to climb but with his savvy, the Pistons will be back to competing in no time. The Wolves and Raptors are both rebuilding and the Heat have something in place that could make them all winners sooner than later. Maybe one of them reaches the playoffs this year. Our toughest competition will once again be the Mavs. They didn't lose much from last year and are still just as talented as any other team with championship aspirations.

We're looking forward to the year ahead.

[false9]

With the talent in place in the starting lineup and the age, is a title or bust season?

[NickMalone77]

With the talent in place in the starting lineup and the age, is a title or bust season?

This team probably has a 2 year max window before the pieces in place can no longer compete at the same level they're at. Since we haven't won a division or gotten into the second round in forever, that's our goal at least. We would still like to make some upgrades here and there and the phone is always on so if something presents itself and there's a deal to be made, we look forward to exploring those directions.

[Eazy P]

What player on your team is your Eli Manning?

[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Your starting lineup looks pretty set to me, but who do you see as the leader of your 2nd unit and why?

[NickMalone77]

What player on your team is your Eli Manning?

Quiet, confident, a leader in the huddle, and around the perimeter? Probably Colby Lopez. Phil is very up-in-your-face type of mentality and won't accept anything less than your best. He'll dog you all game too if you're under performing. I'd say Colby is the leader that encourages players that are down and will do better next game or whatever. These are professionals that do everything they can to win. Even if that means clobbering opponents on the way out.

[JNR]

GWR: with how the conference has changed over the last offseason, where do you see yourself in your championship window? Are you prepared to stay in tax hell for the next few years or will you go for it all this year then follow the others to rebuild city?

[NickMalone77]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Your starting lineup looks pretty set to me, but who do you see as the leader of your 2nd unit and why?

Lead coming off the bench? I'd have to say John Vines. Vines defense and blocking helps to set the tone for the rest of the unit. We're hopeful that these guys can come in, protect the lead, and allow Deuce, Silva, etc. the necessary rest they need in games so they can come back in and finish it out.

[NickMalone77]

GWR: with how the conference has changed over the last offseason, where do you see yourself in your championship window? Are you prepared to stay in tax hell for the next few years or will you go for it all this year then follow the others to rebuild city?

We aren't worried about whatever tax ramifications are presented. We've stayed out of the tax the last few years and built up a decent enough bank account that any hits to our bank could be made up during the next few seasons. We're hopeful that experience of this team can provide up enough moments and memories that are rewarding for everybody involved.

As far as title aspirations? I think this team is capable of doing that but the various challengers in the conference like the Clippers, Bulls, and Mavericks, all hold that same kind of thought. It'll be fun to mix it up with them across this year and see what works, what doesn't, and see where the year takes us. If you're scared of the tax, then might as well shoot for the bottom.

[Keepit100]

Paul Ammerman could take control of the PG realm as soon as next season with Trae Young's team option on the table. Since this team build has at least a 2 year window, what do you hope to see in Ammerman's game this year to help you decide for the future?

[NickMalone77]

I think maybe another positive TC where his potentials/skill get above 70s for Passing and Handles. He’s very skilled already offensively and we think he still has another gear to him that can be accelerated. We are very appreciative of Trae Young’s ability to shepherd Ammerman along the way.

[greepleairport]

The Pelicans led the league this offseason in Points allowed by a large margin. Does this tell the tale of a very defensively apt Pels' future this season?