The Philadelphia 76ers quickly decided to discard Trendon Watford this summer, which is an unfortunate development given that the forward was expected to be a vital player for the squad. Now, he is set to play for the Pelicans this coming season. Unfortunately for him, on paper, he appears to be slated for a familiar fate in New Orleans, which signals that his role could continue to be a minuscule one in the grand scheme of things.
This past season, Watford averaged just 16.3 minutes per outing. Be that as it may, he was quite productive in his limited role, as he ended the regular season registering 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists a night. He was able to showcase his all-around skills and two-way play, although that did not prevent the 76ers coaching staff from putting him in their doghouse.
Ex-76ers forward Trendon Watford might have a minor role with Pelicans
To be quite frank, it is confounding that the 76ers did not deploy Watford more. However, his lack of presence out on the perimeter probably played largely into the coaches' decision to put him on the shelf. He is certainly hoping that things will change in New Orleans, but just a quick glance at the Pelicans roster for the upcoming campaign points to his fate being unchanged.
The Pelicans are not exactly lacking playable bodies at the forward positions. with Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, Herb Jones, and Derik Queen. They are all projected to spend minutes at those spots. As such, unless the injury bug bites them hard, Watford will most likely have to settle for another minuscule role off the bench.
Stated less nicely, Watford is likely going to ride the bench for the most part in New Orleans, assuming lady luck smiles at them and their forwards do not spend the season largely in street clothes.
All of those players listed who are above him in the depth chart are simply way more sensible rotation players than Watford. While he is no slouch himself, his presence requires a specific kind of lineup configuration, and making such accommodations for a role player is not exactly going to be a major emphasis for a team already desperate to be in the winners' circle.
Hopefully, Trendon Watford gets the breakthrough he needs and deserves. However, realistically speaking, the Pelicans might not offer him anything different role-wise compared to what he had with the 76ers.
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