As quite a few commentators have said since last season came to a close, Nikola Mirotic proved to be a savior of sorts for the New Orleans Pelicans.
With a record of 27-23 and fresh off consecutive losses to the Clippers and Kings, the Pelicans were in a tailspin and legitimately facing more disappointment. Following the disastrous injury to All-Star big man, DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans seemed to have lost all remaining hope of making any playoff noise. And with General Manager Dell Demps and Head Coach Alvin Gentry’s positions becoming hotter by the second, the front office chose to forego yet another future first round draft pick to acquire Mirotic.