Is New Orleans being overlooked as a free agent destination for LeBron James?
Would LeBron James leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the New Orleans Pelicans in free agency?
Looking at LeBron James’ selections in the 2018 All-Star Game, one has to wonder: would James leave the Cleveland Cavaliers to team up with two generational big men in DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis of the New Orleans Pelicans this summer?
James’ possible departure is the talk of Cleveland when the city isn’t focused on fractured locker rooms and the feelings of chaos.
Together, the trio of James, Cousins and Davis would be the most talented frontcourt assembled in NBA history. They’d be able to thoroughly dominate even the Golden State Warriors in the paint thanks to their length, versatility, athleticism and two-way ability.
After re-signing Cousins, to make room for James on the roster, they’d only have to trade some combination of the following players: Jrue Holiday (who will make $25.3 million), Solomon Hill (who will make $12.2 million next season), Omer Asik (who will make $11.2 million next season) and E’Twaun Moore (who will $8.8 million next season).
Seldom used Asik seems to be the only player whose contract they’d have real difficulty moving.
So with that said, would the King go to The Big Easy?
The Pelicans’ current Big Three has led their team to a 26-21 record in the Western Conference. Obviously, they’ve managed to have some measure of success without his services, which bodes well for their ability to convince James to sign.
As James ages, having a team that can sustain success without him is imperative to him receiving the proper rest before deep playoff runs. As is having players who can take over the role of scoring leader (Cousins), defensive anchor (Davis) and crash the glass.
Together, Cousins and Davis are averaging 51.9 points, 23.3 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 3.6 blocks and 2.8 steals per game. Besides having the two best defensive ratings on the team, both are shooting above 34.0 percent from three-point range and above 46.0 percent from 10-16 feet away from the rim.
Adding James would be like adding a combination of Holiday, Hill, Rajon Rondo and then some to what’s a very successful duo.
While Alvin Gentry is a player’s coach, which could appeal to James, this is a situation where University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari could opt to rejoin the NBA.
Cousins and Davis played for him at Kentucky and this season, the Pelicans have been UK-friendly with the signings of former Wildcats Rondo, Darius Miller and DeAndre Liggins. This group, along with James (one of James’ friends) would present Calipari with an option to coach an ultra-talented team with familiar players.
Either coach but especially Calipari could appeal to James.
The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t a sexy destination like Los Angeles or Houston, right?
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*All stats gathered from www.basketball-reference.com