New Orleans Pelicans: Why the team will go over the Vegas win total

Nickeil Alexander-Walker – First Rounder

The last, but definitely not least, first-round pick for the Pelicans this season was Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He was selected 17th overall by the Pelicans out of Virginia Tech hailing from Toronto, Canada. The 21 year-old while older for the class, provides a scoring boost right away and had that on display in Summer league a few months ago. He averaged 27.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.6 steals while hitting the three ball at a very high clip as well. Nickeil showed an excellent ability to get to the rim, knock down the jumper as well as find both open teammates and utilize his court vision to confuse multiple defenses over the course of the tournament. With such a young core on this Pelicans squad, competing for playing time and during practices will be a huge element for New Orleans this year. While Nickeil is not expected to get significant minutes in his rookie campaign, providing a scoring threat off of the bench to tie over productive minutes while the starts can catch a breather will be imperative in order for this Pelicans team to win 40+ games and potentially make the post season.

When analyzing the additions and subtractions of this Pelicans team this offseason, you can make the case that this team added much more efficient and depth scoring, better play makers, more efficient three-point shooting, front court depth, guard depth as well as front office that is well-respected by peers around the league. It is clear that this franchise is headed in the right direction and with enormous opportunity arising in the Big Easy, the fans now have something to get excited for. A young team with promise, athleticism, defense, shooting and great coaching is always a recipe for success in the NBA.

With the Pelicans coming out on the right side of each of these categories, we may see playoff basketball in New Orleans, Louisiana. Let’s dance!