NBA 2019: Top 5 young cores in the NBA TODAY

#1 New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson has arrived

New Orleans Pelicans went from a team that nobody to be a part of to one of the most interesting rosters in the NBA. Following the trade of Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pelicans landed the No.1 draft pick and picked Zion Williamson to become the new face of the franchise.

Zion is an enigma, that had engulfed the college basketball scene and now is thundering towards the NBA. He is a 6 ft 7in power foward who weighs in at 285 pounds, giving him the unique size advantage to play as a center. He is also one of the most athletic players ever and can guard multiple positions, making him invaluable both on offense as well as defense.

Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart are the newest members of the New Orleans Pelicans, having been traded from the Los Angeles Lakers recently. Lonzo Ball is in his 3rd season and is an intriguing prospect. While his offense needs to be polished, his defense is already top-notch and he can settle in comfortably next to Jrue Holiday.

Brandon Ingram was ready to breakout last season, but injuries, suspensions and bad form hampered his growth. With no LeBron James to preside over him, Ingram can potentially become one of the most potent scorers in the NBA next season, unless his blood clot injury prevails, which seems unlikely.

Josh Hart is a hard-nosed defender that is a great rotation piece in the Pelicans roster. He can score when the team needs him to and has a decent 3 point shot. He gives it his all for his roster and the Pelicans can count on him to only get better.

The Pelicans also drafted Jaxson Hayes with the #8 and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at #17, both of whom are projected to be really solid players. Hayes is a superb rim running center, who is athletic and can block shots with his huge wingspan. Walker is still a work in progress but has improved year on year and has some solid potential.

The Pelicans have the best young core going into the 2019 NBA season, one that can grow into a really solid bunch of players with a great chance of competing for the post-season, due to the seemingly right blend of youth and veteran experience.