New Orleans Pelicans: 3 methods Gentry can use to save slow start
By Willie Lutz
Keep Kenrich Williams & Nicolò Melli on the floor, while giving Jahlil Okafor his own opportunities
One of the clearest things for the team is that there’s a need to find consistency off the bench, as Gentry has employed different looks in each game of the season. Against Toronto, he tried 12 players, then an 11-man rotation against Dallas, with a 10-man group most recently in Houston.
Even heading into the preseason, the bench picture for the New Orleans Pelicans was going to be a tricky group to balance.
Playing positive roles off the New Orleans Pelicans, Kenrich Williams, Nicolò Melli and Jahlil Okafor look set for stalwart spots on Alvin Gentry’s bench. All three can give the team a two-way boost, without too much of a falloff from the team’s starting bunch.
Williams hasn’t found his stride yet on the offensive end, averaging 4.7 points and shooting 30.8%, but is often involved in the team’s top-rated lineups. With the second-lowest defensive rating on the team to start the season, he’s been crucial to the team’s bench defense.
On the other hand, Melli has been pouring in shots for the New Orleans Pelicans bench at a high and efficient rate atop the campaign. He’s averaging 9.3 points while shooting 57.1% from three, a very good clip for a rookie in his first three career NBA games.
With Derrick Favors still trying to find his footing, Okafor has been solid off the bench, averaging 6 points and 3.3 rebounds, but is shooting 80% from the floor and has a team-high 154 offensive rating to start the campaign. If Favors continues to struggle, it’ll be hard for Gentry to keep Okafor out of the starting lineup.
While Melli, Williams, and Okafor aren’t all household names, especially in the case of Kenrich and Nicolò, they’re crucial to this Pelicans bench as it currently stands.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to start the rookie’s regular season. After staring in Summer League and preseason action, Alexander-Walker has struggled shooting the rock to start his year.
Getting better play off the bench can oftentimes come from just playing fewer and better players, allowing them to find their role in a system. Overall, the New Orleans Pelicans have some role finding and evaluation left to do as they continue to solve their woes.