New Orleans Pushed Through Countless Struggles
After starting the season 1-12 and seeing their #1 overall pick and best player, Zion Williamson, see setback after setback with his injured foot, no one in the NBA circle envisioned the New Orleans Pelicans getting to this point. Behind first-year head coach, Willie Green, the Pels definitely had growing pains during the regular season ending with just a 36-46 record. With that being said, a large reason for their struggles was due to missing their All-Star caliber forward, Brandon Ingram. Playing without Ingram this season, New Orleans was an abysmal 7-20. With Ingram playing they were an above average team at 29-26.
The Pelicans were also active at the trade deadline, acquiring CJ McCollum and Larry Nance Jr. from the imploding Portland Trailblazers. While it took some time for Coach Green to iron out the rotation and play through more missed games from Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans entered the playoffs playing solid basketball. After the All-Star Break, New Orleans were an impressive 15-10. As the season progressed and following the trade for McCollum and Nance, NBA fans were also introduced to the pick-pocketing speedy guard, Jose Alvarado. The rookie from Georgia Tech was not even a part of the rotation early in the season, playing in just 8 total games before January. He saw his time gradually increase until solidifying his role as the backup PG, averaging 19 minutes per game after the All-Star Break.
The Pelicans are Incredibly Young and Fun to Watch
While New Orleans does start experienced players such as CJ McCollum (30) and Jonas Valanciunas (29), as well as bringing in 29-year-old Larry Nance Jr, and 26-year-old Devonte’ Graham off the bench, overall the Pelicans are very young. They start three players who are 24 or younger and also bring in two rookies and one second-year player off of the bench, making them the most inexperienced playoff team this season. With Herbert Jones being the best defensive rookie since who knows when, Trey Murphy III shooting 42% from deep and hitting complete daggers, and Jose Alvarado being the epitome of an energizer bunny, this rookie class has been iconic for the Pelicans.
The last player, and most crucial part to the Pelicans playoff success, is Brandon Ingram, who is shockingly still just 24 years old. He is playing like true alpha and is averaging 29.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 5.0 APG against an elite defensive team in Phoenix. His 119 total points is 35 more points than the leading scorer on the Suns (Deandre Ayton, 82). Not only is Ingram’s scoring average insane, but he is also doing it on prolific efficiency. Through the first four games, Ingram has shooting percentage splits of 51.5/50.0/87.9.
Is this Playoff Performance a Sign of Things to Come?
The playoff series is tied 2-2. Devin Booker’s hamstring injury means that the Pelicans also had some incredible luck go their way. Zion Williamson remains a huge question mark for the franchise. The Phoenix Suns could easily dominate at home next game close out this series in 6-7 games still… but what do we make of this team moving forward?
CJ McCollum at PG looks amazing as the primary guard, no longer having to be the Robin to Damian Lillard. Brandon Ingram at SG (which is notably out of position but has worked) is still improving his game and has the talent to become a more consistent All-Star. Herb Jones at SF is one of the biggest 2nd round draft steals in quite a while and will be looking at tons of All-Defensive awards in his future. At center, Jonas Valanciunas is very underrated and is quietly a top-10 center in the NBA. That leaves us at the Power Forward spot… Jaxson Hayes. Hayes has shown out-of-this world athleticism and is just 21-year-old, about to enter his 4th season in the NBA. He has been a nice fill-in for Zion Williamson but is ultimately more of a 7th man.
It all comes down to Zion. If Zion returns next season, engaged, in shape, and willing to mesh with the newer additions to this team, the Pelicans could have a top 6 team in the West in terms of pure talent and upside. If Zion is unengaged, out of shape, or more of a distraction than an asset, then the Pelicans, while still intriguing, are likely looking at another Play-In spot in order to stamp their ticket to the playoffs in 2023. Regardless, being able to watch this team grow and shine in the playoffs is thanks to the NBA Play-In and is a perfect example of why it should stay.