What do you think you know about the pelicans that I don't at this stage in your observations about them as an organization? Serious question.
Fwiw, i agree that at some point, the franchise needs to have an identity other than the "stepbrother of the saints" as many outside pundits like to often call them.
Paul and West were under the previous ownership regime. While it would've been a nice gesture to honor at the least, David West, neither Gayle or the current operations team has any ties to West or Paul.
Paul wanted out of Nola. West did as well. West wanted out so bad that he entered FA coming off a serious inquiry. He would've rather taken his chances on the market than to at least work out a deal to return to the team. I don't blame him. He was a FA and wanted to test the market because him and Nola were going in two different directions.
Paul essentially forced his way out and AD definitely forced his way out.
No one is going to be embracing him back in Nola anytime soon. He could've ran this town especially with Brees about to retire. Hell, Paul and Brees could've held down Nola.
The real test will start with the current regime. How do they handle BI and Zion and the players to come in the coming years. All the signs are pointing in that direction with the group in place now.
It won't happen overnight but the hope is it will when the time comes
