New Owner Feature: New Orleans Pelicans

[The Athletic]

The Pelicans future is bright with state of art facilities and GM who is looking to build a dynasty

GM: Alexandros Vassiliadis
Age:21 

    Alexandros (we'll call him Alex for short) only recently started fantasy basketball.  He made the switch over from fantasy soccer 2 years ago and hasn't looked back since.  Despite his rather inexperienced background, and young age in general the Pelicans believe they have their GM of the future.  The draft has given Alex a unique chance to showcase he knows his stuff and nose for talent right of the bat.  He started immediately by trading back and acquiring more assets.  When sitting down with Alex he told me, "In the end I am all about acquiring assets and guaranteeing the long-term health of my franchise. Thats why i already started flipping numerous picks for more picks and will continue to look for more trades to improve my team. However I don't like taking advantage of others in this regard so I am mainly looking for win-win trades as I feel a bit guilty if a trade is going to heavily in my favor.  Alex told me that ever since a young age whether it be 2k, Fifa or other games of that sort he looks to create a long-term success for his franchise. 

Alex Len has a huge opportunity to prove himself this year

    A lot of teams rebuild, and decide that they can't have any good players on their roster.  I think the Pelicans surprise some people this year, and were able to get into that a little bit with Alex.  Originally he felt like with where he was picking in the draft it was going be tough to be able to compete, but as the draft snaked on he found players who were left while younger cheaper players were taken.  Danny Green, Gerald Henderson, were both big gets in our eyes, and provide veteran leadership and the ability to stretch the floor leaving space for guys like Alex Len, and Nerlens Noel.  Speaking of the two i think both have solid years.  And i think Alex sees that too.  Len exploded towards the end of the year last year, he has the full backing of coach Earl Watson and if he can separate himself from Chandler during training camp he could be in for a big year.  Noel has put up amazing defensive numbers for a player of his age and is another guy we really like if the big situation in Philly gets sorted out. Lastly, is Bobby Portis, or Bobby "tortoise" and Alex likes to call him.  Portis makes up the last player of the young big man.  Portis' situation is the most murky of the three, although all three have some sort of uncertainty.  Portis has been a great per minute guy, and has a fan in Hoiberg.  Portis, showed up again in summer league this year, and showed he just is a little too good for SL.  That being said he does have things he needs to work on.  He should have a chance to show what he can do in Chicago this year with the departure of Pau. If these three young guys can settle into sizable roles, the Pelicans could find themselves making a run.

Alex has faith in Delly's ability to carve a role out in Milwaukee

    We had to of course ask about the selection of Delly.  Obviously we along with a lot of people felt it was a reach but this is what Alex had to say, "Im looking to draft best value and not best fit because im looking to make a lot of trades later on. Specific for Delly: Love his outlook in Milwaukee as a 3 and d type of player who can get many easy looks due to the presence of Jabari and Giannis. I think he will be the point guard to pair with Giannis and thus can be very productive."  And while we may not agree or see that situation the same way Alex does, both Smith and Delly bring a presence behind Bledsoe that is needed for every team.  Both got paid this off season and should produce even if it's not 25+ a game, both will have roles on this team.  


    Lastly, i got a chance to ask about Eric Bledsoe.  Alex is a hue fan of Bledsoe, and thinks he can be the point guard of the future.  He will however continue to do his due diligence, and will field offers for him.  He wouldn't tell us much but said he has received upwards of 15 offers for him since he drafted him.  Bledsoe has also told us that he is very happy in NO and is already looking into buying a house.  He's connecting well with his new teammates and plans to be a Pelican for "some while".  


    All in all it looks like the Pelicans have the right man at the helm for years to come.  Alex is going to continue to run the franchise to the best of his ability, he knows the game, is committed, and is ready to build something special in New Orleans.