When the Pelicans acquired Tyreke Evans two offseasons ago, questions quickly sprung up about his ability to play small forward. After two years of evaluation, Evans answered those questions definitively with his dramatic improvements when playing a guard position, just like he did in Sacramento.
To fill the small forward position after Evans moved to point guard during an injury-riddled year, the Pelicans traded Austin Rivers for Quincy Pondexter. It was a season-saving move for New Orleans. However, after a tough series against Golden State, Pelicans fans were reminded that Pondexter was only a temporary replacement if this team hoped to seriously contend for more than just a playoff berth.