New Orleans Pelicans Most Anticipated 2019-20 Lineups

Jrue Holiday New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Jrue Holiday New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Jaxson Hayes New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans will have two rookies not named Zion Williamson trying to earn minutes next season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes have an opportunity to prove themselves immediately.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes were draft afterthoughts in what was billed the Zion Williamson sweepstakes. Thanks to their exceptional play during Las Vegas NBA Summer League action, Zion is no longer the only hyped rookie on the roster.

More from Pelican Debrief

Franchise Future Lineup: Lonzo Ball, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jaxson Hayes

Though nothing to fret over, this rookie class is actually under team control longer than Jrue Holiday. David Griffin preferred the Los Angeles Lakers trade package more than any other for a reason. Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram were the most established talents acquired in the trade.

The three draft picks exceeded expectations in Las Vegas. This lineup has the most synergy between players’ championship timelines. Gentry will want to see them all on the court at the same time.

Griffin stressed the importance of learning to win together during his recent media blitz. Should Griffin re-sign Ingram next summer, this would be the core of the Pelicans’ first true championship push.

Point Zion Destroyer of Defenses: Zion Williamson, JJ Redick, E’Twaun Moore, Darius Miller, Nicolo Melli

Zion will be given the keys to the franchise and the offense in the next four years. Lebron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Ben Simmons have been the three best players at running the point-forward position. Giving Zion the ball and spreading the floor is not a bad option.

Dwight Howard took the Magic to the Finals using a four-and-out system. Zion could work the space created by four competent shooters to great success. Where Howard was a low block force, Zion could pick almost any spot on the court to attack the offense.

Duke University Blue Devil Alumni Assault: Frank Jackson, JJ Redick, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, Jahlil Okafor

Coack Krzyzewski would approve of this lineup. It might actually prove useful for Alvin Gentry should he deploy it. This really could be more than just an NBA twitter fever dream.