But the Pelicans not having to pay Brandon Ingram doesn't help them become a better team. If the Pels are going to move forward with Zion as their star player, which it looks like they will do (they don't have many other choices) then is clearing out cap room really the most beneficial move?

Brandon Ingram has yet to debut for the Toronto Raptors, but that doesn't mean he's just sitting around twiddling his thumbs.

Williamson's excellent play helps, but he is going to have to set the tone off the court for the Pelicans to move forward.