New Orleans Pelicans Most Anticipated 2019-20 Lineups
David Griffin completely overhauled the New Orleans Pelicans roster this summer. The only major contributor returning is Jrue Holiday, the unquestioned leader of the squad. Alvin Gentry will have plenty of lineup options while coaching the deepest Pelicans roster ever.
Gayle Benson hired David Griffin to turn the New Orleans Pelicans into a championship class organization. Griffin was taking over a team seen as an afterthought, to its owners, the city, and the NBA world at large. This was especially true after Anthony Davis issued his trade demand.
Griffin dealt Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, netting the Pelicans a substantial haul. The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson to be the future face of the franchise. He then quickly signed one of the most accurate three-point shooters in NBA history to start free agency.
Then the ‘other’ Pelicans draft picks went to Las Vegas and starting filming their highlight reels. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes showed a two-man game understanding that some five years veterans have yet to demonstrate. Sure, it was against some less talented competition, but it seems Griffin’s draft picks are ready to contribute sooner than expected.
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The New Orleans Pelicans roster now seems set for the regular season. Barring Griffin dabbling in the trade market, the roster is full and the remain free agents are less than appealing. It is possible, even likely, Darius Miller and/or E’Twuan Moore are dealt before the trade deadline.
However, he did give Miller that $7 million contract and has been heaping praise on Moore during Summer League media sessions. Starting the regular season provides the team with two near 40% three-point shooters serving as the ninth or tenth man.
The Pelicans roster has a nice balance. Jrue Holiday, Derrick Favors, and JJ Reddick are no doubt the leaders in the locker room. All three are capable of All-Star seasons. All-NBA teams and an MVP trophy is possible, according to Griffin. Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are mid-tier NBA starters with the potential to be top 10 players at their positions this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans upgrade their roster talent to such a degree that they can effectively combat almost any opposing lineup. Alvin Gentry will have several options for each position, instead of playing only eight deep during a tight February game.
Since this is a wholly different team besides for Holiday, there are only a few known factors to help in assuming lineups. First, this is Holiday’s team. Griffin has said it was built for Holiday to have an MVP caliber season.
Holiday wants to play the two-guard position. He will start as the off-ball guard. Where he finishes is likely dependant on the game situation. The Pelicans would prefer he finish games on the bench, watching the ending to a double-digit win.
That can not be the case every night. Holiday will finish close games. MVP candidates usually do so with the ball in their hands. Until those final minutes, Holiday will want a dedicated point guard. Lonzo Ball will fill out the starting backcourt to begin the season.
Derrick Favors was brought in specifically to be the starting center. David Griffin said as much on multiple radio shows and podcasts. Zion Williamson will start, just to get the arena hype during player introductions. Brandon Ingram or JJ Redick would start on the opposite wing.
Ingram has more potential, could play with Zion for the next decade, and is a better defender. The Pelicans should start him over Redick. The starter label usually means more to younger players in a contract year, not the sage old veteran secure in his skills and contract situation.
The new NBA requires these politics to be played. Anyone believing otherwise is fooling themselves. Ben Simmons just signed for $170 million dollars. Ingram knows he can get close to that number but will want the leverage of being a starter for a playoff team in contract negotiations.
Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball have been more outspoken about coming to New Orleans. At least for the first few home games, let the locals voice their support for Ingram. New Orleans can be a welcoming town.
New Orleans Pelicans Initial Starting Five: Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Derrick Favors
The New Orleans weakest link defensively would be Williamson, which is a compliment to this formidable five. The weakest link on offense is Ball, who would be tasked only with creating shots for the other four.
Starting games with stout defense and establishing the team’s quick-moving ball sharing tempo will be a priority. Not many lineups could match this Pelicans starting five.
Once the season settles matchups should determine whether Ingram or Redick is on the court for the tip-off. Zion and Lonzo should only lose their starting spots should they suffer shooting slumps. If neither are being guarded on the perimeter, Holiday and Ingram would find little room to drive the lane.