3 Areas where New Orleans Pelicans improved in the 2021 NBA offseason

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#2 Jonas Valanciunas will elevate the New Orleans Pelicans' scoring at the center position

Valanciunas just recorded his second best season scoring average (17.1 ppg).

The New Orleans Pelicans made a seismic move in shipping out Steven Adams for Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their center position. To put this trade into perspective, JV just averaged 17 points and 12.4 boards per game, on 60% shooting from the field, this past season for the Memphis Grizzlies.

He makes over 77% of his free-throws which is far better than what Adams recorded. Valanciunas can effortlessly bring Adams' paint protection and rebounding, and add his scoring touch as well. He can step away from under the basket and knock down a jumper occasionally.

34 PTS | 20 REBJonas Valanciunas had himself a GAME. 😳#GrindCity pic.twitter.com/QccloQQ4YT

— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 31, 2019

There is no doubt that Valanciunas will space the floor and make it difficult for defenses to trap Zion alone in the paint. If he can work on an outside shot as well, he can be the New Orleans Pelicans' version of Brook Lopez.

His pairing with backup center Willy Hernangomez (who had an impressive campaign as well) will dramatically improve the New Orleans Pelicans' center position.

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#3 The playmaking at the guard position will witness promising improvement

Graham was drafted 34th overall in the 2018 draft.

Devonte' Graham's breakout year is still fresh in the minds of basketball junkies. In his last two years with the Hornets, he averaged around 16 points, 6 assists and shot over 37% from the three-point line.

The hope is that he can cover for Lonzo and Bledsoe's production. Playing alongside talents like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kira Lewis Jr., Trey Murphy III, Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple, Graham might come into his own and build on his sparkling 2019-20 season.

Devonte' Graham with an absolutely ridiculous shot 🤭 pic.twitter.com/qSe7qj8p6S

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 28, 2019

Not to be missed, Lewis Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are due for a breakout year at the guard position, and this makes the New Orleans Pelicans deeper than last season.