New Orleans Pelicans Rank: Norris Cole Roundtable

Apr 25, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) fouls Golden State Warriors guard

(30) during the first half in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Is Cole in your lineup if you really need a stop? If so who is he playing next to?

Austin: I would say yes and if he is, I’m playing him with Jrue Holiday. You can have Jrue guard two guards and then sick Norris Cole on point guards, which would essentially place him in the lineup over Eric Gordon. Gordon’s defense is starting to come back as he gets healthier and healthier each year, but I would still say that Cole is better on that end. Jrue Holiday is their best perimeter defender when healthy, but that is a big question mark for him at the current moment. If Cole returns, he will get plenty of opportunities early to play.

Rick: This is tricky, since other than Jrue Holiday the New Orleans Pelicans really don’t have a defensive player at the guard spot. I guess it depends on what kind of player is at that position. Tyreke Evans has the capability to guard a bigger shooting guard who is a threat to drive inside, however Cole has been strong on defense against better long-range shooters with his ability to keep up with speedier players. Also, if he’s in a game late to get a stop, Jrue Holiday has to be with him due to his defensive prowess.

Nathan: Last season, I would have said that Cole definitely should be on the floor when the Pelicans needed a stop. For this upcoming season, I’m not so sure. Alonzo Gee has the athleticism to guard two’s and his length would give him an inherent advantage. Put him on the floor with Holiday, Pondexter/Cunningham, Davis and Asik, and I think that is the best defensive squad the Pelicans can put on the court right now.

Matt: Absolutely for me and he would be alongside Jrue Holiday. Cole really played some incredible defense towards the end of last season and having him play with Holiday lets the Pelicans get their best two defensive guards on the floor at the same time. I expect to see the pairing a fair amount this year as well.

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