There’s some ambiguity around the Pelicans entering this offseason, but one thing is clear — the goal is to build a contender around Zion Williamson sooner than later. It therefore makes sense to grab a prospect who can contribute to winning, something Tyrese Maxey has shown himself capable of.
Maxey’s freshman campaign at Kentucky was underwhelming, but he still profiles as a reliable NBA two-guard. He has a sterling reputation in the locker room, is a hound on defense, and can function comfortably as a secondary creator. The Pelicans already have three high-profile guards garnering minutes, but Maxey slipping into the back end of the rotation as a high-energy glue guy is fully possible.
New Orleans has the framework of an elite defense, especially if Williamson can find his step on that end. Maxey would contribute to the cause. He’s not the biggest guard at 6-foot-3, but he suffocates the point of attack, fights hard over screens, and does his best to infuse energy into the D. He’s not hard to root for.