New Orleans Pelicans Preseason Passport

The New Orleans Pelicans began their season in earnest with an opening preseason game against the Chicago Bulls. While only one game, the coaching tactics and play patterns started to take shape. Several New Orleans Pelicans players should be concerned about roster spots while most fans wonder if Alvin Gentry will risk playing the stars.

The fight for roster spots is more intense than previous seasons. Experimental and developmental players are acceptable for teams finding their way. The New Orleans Pelicans are no longer afforded the luxury of wasted or unused roster spots. They’ve found the core that will represent the Pelicans in this playoff window

Anthony Davis is the best player in the league now, he said as much and has the stats to back it up. Jrue Holiday will be a first team defender, just ask him. Adding Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton to the post-Boogie Pelicans should elevated expectations, and consequences for failing to make the grade. Fringe players and the front office are on the clock, which is set to time by Davis’ contract.

The New Orleans Pelicans have just a handful of preseason games to trim the squad and start settling on rotations. Against Chicago, the Pelicans finally got to dunk and dime on another team, instead of just squad scrimmages. And dunk they did, for the first 3 quarters.

The game against Chicago was the debut for several Pelicans. Fitting into the current team with positive contributions and chemistry is paramount to making the team. Julius Randle is assured of a spot but how will he mesh with Davis and Mirotic? Jahlil Okafor is fighting for a spot on the bench much less the rotation. There is also Frank Jackson, perpetual potential exemplified, who is aiming for a rookie of the year type campaign, after a year out rehabilitating.

Speaking of injuries, (pays homage and tips voodoo lady, shaman, and barkeeps…) entering the season, Jahlil Okafor (toe) is probable and will likely feature in the exhibitions games barring a set back. Nikola Mirotic (Achilles) is questionable but is not under as much pressure to return immediately. It would benefit the coaching staff for tinkering purposes. A tricep injury will keep Darius Miller in street clothes for a couple games.

Alexis Ajinca is still recovering from knee surgery and may not play any preseason minutes. How will he incorporate back into a team that is very much unlike the Pelicans team he last logged minutes with. Ajinca even mentioned a difference in outlook surrounding the team and within the locker room.

“It is completely different than previous years coming in,” he told Pelicans.com. “Right now everyone is healthy, which is also different. It seemed like every year there was something. Everyone, including the coaches and the players, is on the same page and very excited to get started. We all can’t wait to get back to work.”

Randle told Pelicans.com he was not too anxious or nervous about fitting into the team. Nor is he worried about immediate results. The plan is to “get a feel for my new teammates,” Randle said. “I’m not putting much emphasis or stock on how things go right away. Just go out and play hard. The chemistry will come.”

Jackson is a bit more amped, even for preseason action. Jackson exclaimed,  “I’m super excited. This time last year I was watching. It was tough. I definitely learned a lot, but I’m excited about the team we have right now. I think we’re loaded at each position. I’m excited for the season.”

He should be after the Chicago game, and the fans should be encouraged as well. Jackson was tasked with bring the ball up-court even when Ian Clark and Holiday was on the court, and he did well in the role. Jackson and Clark will be a formidable pair against most reserve lineups.

Elfrid Payton and Jackson received plenty of minutes and a game long green light to shoot. Neither had a great percentage, but the looks and movement within the offense was promising. Both will serve Gentry’s purpose in their role as depth to run and keep the tempo up and the opponents uncomfortable.

Randle did well to show off his whole offensive repertoire. Randle was able to be the ball handler in transition, and his rebound positioning was adequate. In the half court he was able to get to the rim at ease, bullying his way through most every defender Chicago deployed. If he can extend his range to the arc, Randle will be a better fit than Cousins at his peak.

Okafor re-injured himself with under a minute left in the game. His momentum got ahead of his ball handling skills, an this resulted in a tweaked ankle and a turnover. Results from test are pending, but he was able to walk off under his own power.

At times, Okafor tried to do too much, when he was doing so well playing within his game and the team’s hierarchy of play options. Okafor finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and a minus 12 differential. His defense really must improve, or he will need a passport.

Of course, it is just preseason and there are lots of ‘ifs’ contending with each other. However, this version of the Pelicans might be the most talented squad ever assembled in New Orleans basketball history.  A 50-win season is attainable if managed correctly. Expect the starting five to play little to no minutes against Atlanta or Toronto, as both are the second of preseason back-to-back game sets.