New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Players Who Will Make a Big Leap Next Season
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shooting Guard
Why He’s Important
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is not a household name, but he is low-key one of the most important members of the New Orleans Pelicans.
He didn’t get a lot of run outside of the beginning of the season and was eventually relegated to the G-League so that he could get more reps.
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Alexander-Walker showed flashes early in the season and it looked like he might contribute as a rookie.
But the New Orleans Pelicans are deep at his position and had veterans like J.J. Redick and E’Twaun Moore who can still do more at this point in their careers.
Alexander-Walker could be vital to the future success of the New Orleans Pelicans, as he is on a team-friendly contract that runs through the 2022-23 season.
He is one of only three Pelicans who are signed to that point along with Zion and Jaxson Hayes, so he’s definitely part of the future.
The reason he is so important is that his low-cost production would allow the Pelicans to eventually shed some salary in the form of a Redick or even Jrue Holiday trade.
The New Orleans Pelicans need another wing who can defend, a center and a back up point guard, and some of these needs will have to be made via free agency.
If NAW steps up they can shed some of the money they have tied up in shooting guards and focus it elsewhere.
Why We Think He’ll Make the Leap
NAW will make the leap next year and here’s why.
He is 21-years-old, which is the age most players start to develop their “finished” body and can better handle the rigors of a full NBA season.
NAW will put on additional strength in his first NBA offseason, which should allow him to more capably defend either guard position and even the wing.
The New Orleans Pelicans need more perimeter defenders, especially in the second unit and Alexander-Walker could pair with Josh Hart to form a versatile defensive duo.
NAW is also going to get better as a 3-point shooter, another skill most players start to develop in their second and third year in the league.
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NAW showed he can shoot it, such as the 27 point game he had against Miami when he knocked down 6 of 9 three’s. NAW’s shot is going to improve, which should keep him on the floor more often.
Our Prediction
With Frank Jackson, Moore and Kenrich Williams all likely to leave in free agency, NAW is going to get more minutes, which should help his consistency on both ends of the floor.
Alexander-Walker will start at least half of the Pelicans’ games next season, which will allow them to move Holiday to the bench and spread their scoring.