New Orleans Pelicans: Second Term Report Cards
By Seth Nefsky
T2. DeMarcus Cousins: B+
From November 29 to January 12, only ten players have shot over 40% from three on 5.5 attempts in 15 games. Boogie Cousins was one of only two centers to make that exclusive list. Both on the catch and off the dribble, Boogie has been more confident from outside and that is paying off.
Boogie with a 40% three-point shot opens up shots for other teammates that would not otherwise be had. This is why players are shooting 37.8% from three off of Boogie’s passes this term, despite shooting just 31.1% from three off of his passes the last term. Boogie’s hockey assists per game have also doubled this term, likely because of the extra attention he gets from three-point range now.
But defensively, Cousins has suffered similar struggles as his teammates. Despite his perimeter defense improving, within six feet, Cousins has gone from elite last term, with opponents shooting 10.3% worse, to having them shoot .2% better this term. To make the ‘A’s next term, Cousins must have the defensive skill of his first term, while shooting like his second.
T2. E’Twaun Moore: B+
Once again, E’Twaun Moore sees himself earning a ‘B+’ report card. Last term, his reason for earning such a high grade was due to his improved shooting. However, the reason why it was not in the ‘A’s, was because of his subpar defense. And for his second term report card, it seems as if both of these tendencies have only intensified.
His three-point shooting has been terrific, raising his already incredible 38.9% three-point percentage of last term to 48.8% this term.
And while his shots have seemed to drop at a higher volume, so have his opponents, who have shot
better from outside of 15 feet with him guarding them
. This is despite opponents shooting 1.2% worse on his perimeter shooting
. This term, teams are averaging 9.6 more points per 100 possessions with him on the floor than they would if he was on the bench. Even with Rondo
, opponents are still putting up a 118.8 defensive rating with Moore on the court.
Moore has definitely been a valuable member of the Pelicans this season, as he has been lights out from behind the arc, making defenders concentrate more on him, and putting less pressure on the coveted big three. However, if he really wants to earn that ‘A’ grade, he should look to improve his defense.