The New Orleans Pelicans snagged two of the notable “under the radar” players on Friday by signing Solomon Hill and E’Twaun Moore. These deals represent a definitive shift in the direction of the team.
It is not an exaggeration to say things have changed over night for the New Orleans Pelicans. The additions of Solomon Hill and E’Twaun Moore makes one thing abundantly clear: For better or worse, the upcoming season will not look like the last.
Solomon Hill, the 25 year old wing, was the first new face brought into the fold, and his presence should excite New Orleans fans. With the versatility to play both the small forward and power forward positions (he played 28 percent of his minutes at the four in the 2015-16 season) and defend everything from combo guards to traditional power forwards, Hill gives the Pelicans something that has been lacking for years, options.
E’Twaun Moore, in a similar fashion, lays a plethora of possibilities on the table for the New Orleans Pelicans. Last season, the talented shooter played meaningful minutes as the lead guard and shooting guard. This allows him to share the floor with nearly any of the (likely) residents of the Pelicans’ backcourt, something the player he is replacing, Eric Gordon, was unable to do.
Obviously, both of these players feature nuanced games that can be broken down at length, but, even with just this cursory observation, it is immediately apparent that Dell Demps, whether it is a result of Danny Ferry‘s arrival or not, has learned from his mistakes. Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson, undeniably talented players, are painfully one dimensional; Solomon Hill and E’Twaun Moore are not.
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With neither being able to do anything except shoot the basketball, the pair of outgoing Pelicans limited the team at every turn. Unable to switch and defend any position other than their own (let’s be honest, they couldn’t even defend their assignment), Erman, the team’s assistant coach tasked with vaulting the Pelicans’ defense into respectability, was unable to maximize the unique abilities of the team’s unquestioned best player, Anthony Davis.
Hill and Moore give the Pelicans the ability to switch on pick and rolls, something the NBA is clearly moving toward due to the neutralization of the Golden State Warriors’ offense by both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anthony Davis, an incredible athlete and shot blocker, projects to thrive in such a system. Jumping on the wave of change as it swells instead of after the crest will help the Pelicans reach the level of success they yearn for.
In addition to the versatility within the confines of the court, both players give Alvin Gentry a wealth of options in regards to his lineups. Solomon Hill is capable of fitting in with almost any lineup the mad scientist can cook up, and none of the possibilities are cringe worthy, something that could not be said about the human turnstile known as Ryan Anderson. Moore, an effective shooter and passable defender, provides so much more than the pure shooting of Eric Gordon, which allows him to fit into more lineups.
Watch Solomon Hill play extremely effective defense on the King himself, Lebron James.
That same player can also do this in transition, something Ryan Anderson could only dream of.
Next: Pelicans sign E'Twaun Moore
Instead of signing more players with single, definable skills, Demps and company snagged two players who project as versatile contributors that can fill a variety of roles for the New Orleans Pelicans. These moves represent a step in the right direction for the team, and fans will likely see a much different product on the floor come opening night.