I don't think CJ has done anything really to turn around the franchise. Ignoring the Pelicans start of the season lets compare the games CJ played with the same number of games immediately prior to him joining the team. CJ's first game was Feb 10. From that point to the end of the season they were 14-14. Much better than their winning percentage overall before he joined. However..... In the 28 games immediately prior to CJ joining the team they were 15-13. Basically, they were the same team - if anything slightly better before CJ than after CJ. Turning around a franchise....it would appear they need something else to turn that franchise around (Zion?) but it ain't CJ.
He's a leader and he's vocal about staying and building something. That is often enough to change a culture on a team. Coming from a place like Portland, we know the importance of culture and leadership. Often times, its just as important as talent. Zion has all the talent in the world, but he probably needs a veteran like CJ to help him blossom into the franchise player he can be. It isn't about this year. Its about the future and right now, the future is pretty bright with the team. Making the playoffs and winning a few games is a step in the right direction for this franchise. Its on the way up, while others like the Jazz and Nuggets are on the way down. Not saying that he's definitely, 100% going to have his number retired as a Pelicans great. But he will get the credit for the turnaround for the team if Ingram and Zion are going to thrive together in the future. And if he stays there the rest of his career and continues being a leader, then I'm sure they will appreciate what he does.
Nobody would be surprised if the Pelicans didn't make the playoffs next season. What they did this season means there is room for them to go down too.
The Nuggets could go either way. Murray should be back, but Michael Porter on the other hand...... 3 back surgeries? Yikes!
He should've been smart like Ben Simmons and just taken the entire year off. Those 9 games he played are going to ruin him.
CJ is gonna be just fine, but best case scenario for the Pels, he is their 3rd best player, as it should be. Some guys are "Batmans" (#1), some guys are "Robins" (#2)... CJ is an "Alfred".....(#3)...
The job Willie Green is tasked with is making CJ realize this. Help CJ understand that he is the guy who initiates the offense but depending on who they draft with the Lakers pick and Zion's health, he's the guy that needs to be taking the third or even fourth most shots on the team.
Are we talking about the old Alred from the 60s TV show or young Alfred from "Pennyworth"? Because he is kind of a badass.
Agreed. But also, CJ can become the actual "leader" of this team, similar to what Marcus Smart is for the Celts. And, he can go for a 40 spot if needed on any given night. I can see why CJ wanted New Orleans, it could be a really nice fit for him. (I'm still ecstatic we have Josh Hart instead, going forward, but that's a different, overplayed topic.)
I had never heard of it until last month. My wife and I binge-watched both seasons the last few weeks.
