Shooting Guard
While New Orleans has not drafted a great shooting guard, the city has done very well in trading for great players at the position.
Jrue Holiday – Starter
Nola stats – 7 seasons (2013-Now) 17.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.5 steals, 46.2 FG%, 409 games, 33.5 min per game
While some readers may disagree with my choice as the starting shooting guard over my sixth man, Jrue Holiday is a great all-around player with two All-Defense selections (2017-18 and 2018-19) during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Holiday arrived on the New Orleans Pelicans via the trade which sent Nerlens Noel to Philadelphia and set up Holiday as a perfect running mate to Anthony Davis. The pair combined to lead the Pelicans to a first round upset of the third-seeded Trailblazers in 2017-18.
As an offensive player Holiday can both lead the team and play in a secondary role (something he’ll do more of when paired with the starting point guard) effectively. Holiday has consistently set up his teammates for success, ranking second all-time in New Orleans Pelicans’ history with 2803 assists.
A Swiss Army knife defensively Holiday can defend most positions except the biggest of centers. Holiday ranks third on the New Orleans Pelicans’ all-time steals list with 1.5 per game.
Holiday is another do everything player who elevates the floor of his team and covers for the mistakes his teammates make.
Pete Maravich – 6th Man
Nola stats – 5 seasons (1974-79) 25.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.4 steals, 43.5 FG%, 313 games, 38.8 min per game
Pistol Pete Maravich was a three time All-Star while with the Jazz (every year from 1976-79). Best known for his skill as a ball handler and his outside shot, Maravich could be like Steph Curry if he played today. Maravich played before the three point line was introduced to the NBA but he would frequently shoot from very deep during games.
Maravich led the NBA in minutes per game during the 1976-77 season with 41.7 per game. You can’t even look at per-36 numbers for Maravich because his stats go down when viewed that way.
Not as good defensively as Holiday, Maravich would still get his steals and compete on defense.
Maravich coming off the bench allows this team to keep two playmakers on the floor at all time or run a three point guard lineup to blitz opponents.
Eric Gordon – Reserve
Nola stats – 5 seasons (2011-15) 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 42.0 FG%, 221 games, 32.3 min per game
A member of the original New Orleans Pelicans, Eric Gordon was a good scorer tasked with leading the team after coming to New Orleans in the Chris Paul trade. Injuries derailed his time with the team although he performed well when he could play.
A reliable three point shooter, Gordon averaged 39% form deep while here. In a more modern game he would shoot more than the 4.9 shot from deep that he did. His offensive contributions far outweighed what he did on the defensive end.
An underrated passer, Gordon had a solid 3.3 assists on teams that had a young Anthony Davis but not much else. While in New Orleans his teams didn’t win many games but Gordon still put up good all around numbers.
If needed Gordon could come off the bench and provide a spark.