Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans – Five Major Weaknesses Next Season

By Alex Stokes

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 29: Head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 29: Head coach Alvin Gentry of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Smoothie King Center on March 29, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Lack of Depth at Power Forward and Center

NBA 2k18 released their ratings of the best players at each position, Davis and Cousins had the highest ratings in both the power forward and center position. This is great, but behind them two, there is a major drop off.

Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

When both players are healthy and playing, I would imagine that one of the two would always be on the court, but should one get injured, there is very little depth. As it currently stands, the out and out players in this position are Alexis Ajinca, Omer Asik and Cheick Diallo.

Could Darius Miller play at the 4 in a small ball line up, or Dante Cunningham if he re-signs? Possibly, but let’s look at the legitimate big men.

I believe Ajinca will see the most minutes out of the legitimate forwards, and he has had his moments of dominance and scoring in his career. His high in points (28) and rebounds (15) against the Lakers in April 2016, but unfortunately these are few and very far between. Ajinca only played 39 games last year, less than half the regular season and averaged 5.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. If Davis or Cousins were to have a spell on the sidelines, more would be required from Ajinca.

MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 15: Alexis Ajinca (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – FEBRUARY 15: Alexis Ajinca (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Diallo put in a solid performance in the summer league, but is still very raw. He is athletic but is slightly undersized for a big. I would like to see Diallo get more minutes and play in more games this year. When given the playing time last year, Diallo scored 19 points in just under 31 minutes against the Clippers back in December, shooting 53.3% and grabbing 10 rebounds

Asik’s potential role for the Pels has been discussed in Can Omer Asik Carve Out Any Kind Of Role? Whilst there is some potential for this, there is also a strong chance the Pels will release Asik and stretch his contract out.

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