The New Orleans Pelicans are on solid footing. You read that right.
Yes, it would seem strange to say that about a team that finished below .500, lost in the first round and is dealing with the uncertain future of Zion Williamson. But the Pelicans are built for long-term success.
Even if Williamson is not healthy next year, New Orleans should be at the very least a play-in team again. The Pelicans also have resources to improve the roster through the draft, and will have a full season of C.J. McCollum, who was acquired from the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline.
The upside of the roster, if Williamson is healthy, is a team that should contend for a top-six seed in the Western Conference.
So how should they move forward this summer, when Williamson -- who missed the entire 2021-22 season -- becomes eligible for a contract extension?