Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Best and Worst Case Scenarios

By Christopher Dodson

NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 9: Solomon Hill #44 of the New Orleans Pelicans talks with DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors during the game on April 9, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 9: Solomon Hill #44 of the New Orleans Pelicans talks with DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors during the game on April 9, 2019 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans player introductions
METAIRIE, LA – JULY 16: Derrick Favors #22, Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #3, and Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans pose for a photo at the introductory press conference on July 16, 2019, at Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, the user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images /

Brandon Ingram could be an All-Star but the New Orleans Pelicans may start him on the bench.

The New Orleans Pelicans have a potential All-Star coming off the bench no matter who plays in the starting five. Jrue Holiday is a potential MVP vote waiting to emerge. Derrick Favors is no longer overshadowed by Rudy Gobert and will want to show he deserves a max contract in his prime.  Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson will get All-Star appearances in their prime. J.J. Redick is historic.

Brandon Ingram is the sixth man every team wants. He is the closest version to a young Kevin Durant the draft has offered in the past decade. Ingram’s best season might look like Durant playing Harden’s role in that last Thunder season together. Ingram might not have the starter label, but he will have the freedom to shoot at will on the second unit.

Josh Hart will battle with E’Twaun Moore for backup off guard and wing minutes. Hart had a below-average shooting season by his standards. If he can bring that average back above 36% he could render Frank Jackson surplus to requirements. If not, Hart might get less than a dozen minutes per game, every other game. He knows he is in a battle but is buying a house in a show of confidence and comfort with his situation.

Moore is likely to get more minutes to start training camp just based on his familiarity with other return Pelicans reserves. Moore is in a contract year, playing for the biggest contract of his career. His three-point accuracy will keep him on the court for 15-20 minutes per game. If he can show he fits in longer stretches, his next contract will be more financially rewarding.

Jahlil Okafor is playing to avoid the NBA Draft lottery bust label. The Pelicans are hoping Okafor can show his ability to stretch the floor beside Derrick Favors or man the paint while Favors rest.

Nicolo Melli has the blessing of being an unknown. Most anything he provides that looks better than Luke Babbitt or Ryan Anderson is going to be applauded. Should he approach Nikola Mirotic levels of production, Lil Wayne might have to produce a remix of a past hit.

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