Five Interesting Lineups for the New Orleans Pelicans Next Season

Oct 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson (33) celebrates with guard Tyreke Evans after a three point basket to end the third quarter against the Orlando Magic in a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Magic 101-84. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Bombs Away Lineup: Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, Tyreke Evans, Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson

This seems to be the other lineup that many people will peg as the Pelicans best and it comes mostly because of the insane potential it has offensively under Alvin Gentry. Considering that Gentry has a history of elite offenses that excel at getting three-pointers and free throws it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this lineup post numbers that would rank at or above the NBA’s best offense.

That happens because of the simple addition of Anderson and removal of Asik. With Anderson’s elite shooting now drawing an extra defender to the perimeter, defenses stand no chance to slow Davis down in Gentry designed pick-and-rolls without giving up a wide open look.

That also means that Evans will have even wider lanes to the rim to exploit which means points and foul shots for him if his newly slimmed down body gives him more explosiveness.

Perhaps the most fun part of this lineup though is the lob potential. Holiday and Davis have shown great chemistry when on the floor together and open space means Davis rolling open to the rim. If Holiday stays healthy AD is going to throw home a lot of oops.

And if AD actually adds a three-pointer for next year? Teams are going to curl up into a ball and cry when this lineup steps on the floor together.

Next: Time to Downsize