An informal poll of 20 NBA coaches, scouts and front-office executives conducted by ESPN reporter Tim Bontemps found the New Orleans Pelicans received harsher criticism than any other club for their summer moves.
The vote tally
New Orleans Pelicans: 9
Phoenix Suns: 4
Sacramento Kings: 2
Chicago Bulls: 1
Los Angeles Lakers: 1
Memphis Grizzlies: 1
Philadelphia 76ers: 1
Portland Trail Blazers: 1
Nearly half of the respondents pointed to New Orleans, citing two key transactions: an aggressive draft-night trade viewed as an overpay to select rookie Derik Queen and a deal that sent veteran guard CJ McCollum’s expiring contract to Washington for Jordan Poole.
“I just don’t get what they are doing,” an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN, referencing the moves overseen by newly hired chief of basketball operations Joe Dumars.
Phoenix and Sacramento also drew skepticism. Another Eastern Conference executive, assessing the Suns’ roster changes, remarked, “Whatever chance they may have had is gone now.”
The survey is part of ESPN’s annual check-in with league decision-makers on how teams have handled the off-season to date.
Source: Hoops Wire
