Pelica Debrief
Fansided

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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The Small Forward Position

I was going to write about this anyway, then Solomon Hill was struck down with a torn hamstring and is likely going to miss the majority of the regular season.

Hill was the weakest player in the projected starting line up as it was. While Hill is a decent perimeter defender, he only averaged 7 points in just under 30 minutes. The production from this position has always been an issue.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 06: Solomon Hill (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 06: Solomon Hill (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

With Hill out, the Pels only have two other legitimate small forwards, Quincy Pondexter and Darius Miller. Neither has played in the NBA for the last 2 seasons.

Pondexter has been plagued by injuries, having surgery on his left knee three times in the past two years. Whilst I do think Pondexter is a good player, he may be good if he can stay healthy, a huge ask of someone who we are not sure will play again this season, let alone play 82 games.

Miller, on the other hand, has been playing in the Bundesliga (Germany) for Brose Bamburg. There, Miller has won the league championship twice, including picking up the finals MVP in 2016 and being named to All-BBL first team in 2017. Last year, Miller averaged 12.2 points per game, while shooting 41.1% from 3 in 27.1 minutes.

OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 17: Darius Miller
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 17: Darius Miller /

Whilst the stats are respectable, I do not think this is enough to be a starter in the NBA if he is the only healthy small forward come 19th October.

I believe Dell Demps must be looking in the open market as we speak, with players like Dante Cunningham, Matt Barnes, Shabazz Muhammad and Gerald Green being under serious consideration, if the price is right. If no further depth is added to this position, it could be another long season.

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