After completing the trade for Lamb, the Pelicans went on to sign Diop and David West.
Both received Fully Guaranteed Minimum Contracts.
The Pelicans now had Davis, Dedmon, Harrell, Kuzma, and even Siakam, who could play Power Forward, in the paint. In theory, they did not need that many big men.
But signing the two of them still carried several benefits.
First, both still had plenty left in the tank.
Second, both had made significant contributions last season. Diop in particular had entered the rotation after Jokic was injured in the Western Conference Finals and performed well. This was also a reward for their service.
Third, they were both highly experienced and could serve as excellent mentors for the younger players.
After completing the signings of the three players, the Pelicans' new season roster was basically set.
Point Guard: Walker, Brogdon
Shooting Guard: Tang Tian, Lamb
Small forward: Butler, Bojan, Siakam
Power Forward: Davis, David West, Kuzma
Center: Dedmon, Harrell, Diop, Thomas Bryant
The fourteen-man roster still had one spot open. They would keep looking in the Free Market for a bargain or a capable guard.
But there was no rush. There were not many guards on this roster, but Butler could also play the Shooting Guard position. Combined with Brogdon, who had starting-caliber ability, their backcourt was still very strong.
The Brothers of Hard Work training camp lasted nearly a month.
They even found time to play some Actual Combat games in the Drew League, beating the other teams so badly that they questioned their lives and nearly got banned by the organizers.
Tang Tian also ran into Rose. The former MVP had grown a Raza beard and looked much more mature now.
But training remained their focus.
Over that month, both Walker and Davis improved greatly.
Walker in