Pelica Debrief
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Season Goals: New Orleans Pelicans Role Players

By Seth Nefsky

November 22, 2015: New Orleans Pelicans logo during the game between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans Pelicans defeat Phoenix Suns 122-116. (Photograph by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
November 22, 2015: New Orleans Pelicans logo during the game between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans Pelicans defeat Phoenix Suns 122-116. (Photograph by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire) (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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Solomon Hill: Get Healthy, Learn to Shoot

Dell Demps
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 18: Solomon Hill (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Of course for Solomon Hill, who will miss the first four to six months of the NBA season recovering from hamstring surgery, his primary goal should be to get healthy. He was the best wing defender on the Pelicans last year and is a valuable asset at either small or power forward.

After Hill recovers, he should look to improve his three-point shooting significantly. Last year Hill shot 27th in the league with 56.5% of his shots from three but hit on just 34.8%. Although that is just slightly below average, only seven percent of his three-point attempts were contested, his three-point percentage was so low because he shot just 35.5% on open three-pointers, 1.5% below the league average. In 2017-2018, Hill should look to capitalize on his frequent open three-point attempts, as shooting the three is his go-to offensive option.

In 2017-2018, Hill should look to capitalize on his frequent open three-point attempts, as shooting the three is his go-to offensive option.

The Contract Formerly Known as Omer Asik: Master the Towel Wave

ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 16: Omer Asik
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 16: Omer Asik /

Nothing would make me happier than seeing Asik play no legitimate minutes for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2017-2018. The team simply does not need a regular backup center, as the Pels start both Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Plus, with Cheick Diallo and Alexis Ajinca, the Pels already have two backup centers with more talent than Asik anyways. Therefore, watching Asik stumble on defense, and missing bunny shots is simply unnecessary.

So what should Asik do while he rides the bench longer than a gym bro after he hits a shot of pre-workout? Be an awkward seven-foot cheerleader. Yes, this may be against Asik’s nature, as he has not enjoyed being benched in favor of better players in the past (see Dwight Howard), but at this point, there is nothing for Asik to hate about this setup. 

He is well past his short three-year prime as a contributing NBA player but is still signed to the Pels for another three years, where he will be making $33 million.

So, it is time for Asik to cheer, clap and towel wave for the players that have deservedly taken his minutes. And when Asik’s contract is done in 2020, even if he retires, he will have earned $82 million in his underwhelming NBA career. So it’s time for Asik to take his free courtside seat down and motivate the likes of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, something I and many other NBA fans could only dream of.

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