It’s been a tough week to be a fan of the New Orleans Pelicans. Fans were treated to two shellackings at the hands of the defending champions and a thorough beating by the Portland Trail Blazers. Unfortunately, that didn’t change Tuesday as the Pelicans fell, yet again, to a team they probably should have beaten. The same things that have plagued the Pelicans all week reared their heads once again: poor transition defense, a complete lack of defensive rotations, lackluster performance from Anthony Davis on both ends and far too many turnovers. These grades won’t be pretty.
Other Thoughts:
- If it feels like I’m being harsh on Davis, it’s because I am. I trumpeted his greatness all offseason, but he really has started the season in about the most disappointing fashion possible. He needs to turn it around.
- Omer Asik returning for the Pelicans will be huge. The interior defense has been a nightmare, and his intelligent defense will go a long way to getting them moving in the right direction.
- The same goes for Tyreke Evans. One of the biggest weaknesses so far has been the tendency for the offense to go completely stagnant without Holiday.
The Pelicans return to action on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.