New Orleans Pelicans Most Anticipated 2019-20 Lineups
The New Orleans Pelicans will want to push the pace. Even when prioritizing rebounds, Alvin Gentry will not have to sacrifice the team’s tempo.
Alvin Gentry will have two simple strategies for the season: Protect the nest on defense and run the opposition to death on offense. Some lineups could prove capable of doing both tasks.
Small-Ball Hurricane Hurry Up and Run: Lonzo Ball, Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson
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Alvin Gentry wants to push the pace. Lonzo Ball is the perfect point guard to lead the charge. When the opposing team hits a shot, the Pelicans can still get across midcourt in mere seconds. All five players can rebound their position and push the pace immediately.
Only Redick is a proven shooter but the point of running these five together is layups, dunks, and drawing fouls. Redick would supply the spacing with hopes that Ingram could increase his consistency from deep.
This group would run most teams off the court, should they not get overpowered. Only Redick could not guard up two positions, but he should be able to hide on any corner three threat.
Rookies and the Ruler: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jrue Holiday, Zion Williamson, Nicolo Melli, Jaxson Hayes
Sweat equity is a big part of earning one’s NBA stripes. Jrue Holiday is the unquestioned leader of the team. He needs time on the court to truly connect with the younger guys. Holiday has been given “permission to dominate” the court, which includes being stern when correcting his younger teammates.
There is no better way for raw talent to learn what is necessary than to be next to Holiday during meaningful games. Alexander-Walker could show he can handle the backup spot better than Frank Jackson. Jaxson Hayes could also shine, making Jahlil Okafor surplus to requirements.
Nicolo Melli will be playing his first NBA season. He is older than the rookies but still faces a learning curve. The three-point line is a different length and the defenders are far more athletic. Melli cannot be intimidated against longer defenders.