Is Kira Lewis Jr.’s Speed Worth the Risk for the New Orleans Pelicans?

How Kira Lewis Jr. Fits on the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans do not have a lot of glaring roster holes, but if they decide to move on from Jackson, they will need a 3rd point guard to replace him.

Lewis Jr. fits the profile of what they need in a backup. He brings pace to a unit that needs it, as the Pelicans’ second unit doesn’t have enough speed.

The bench is full of spot up shooters, with Nicolo Melli, J.J. Redick and even Josh Hart unable to get their own shot with regularity.

Lewis Jr.’s speed, dribble penetration and ability to run the pick-and-roll would best be utilized if he is surrounded by guys who can shoot.

The Pelicans lack that “lighting in a bottle” guy off the bench who can build leads and run the other team off the floor. The New Orleans Pelicans’ bench often gave up leads instead of building them.

The Pelicans’ starters are the most efficient lineup in the NBA, but the bench often gave it all back. They need guys who can come in and keep the other team on their heels.

Lewis Jr. could play with Jrue Holiday in the second unit at times and also fits well with sharpshooter Redick and could even play in some 3-guard lineups with Lonzo and Holiday.

The Thunder confounded the NBA with their three point guard lineup this season and Lewis Jr. could give the same kind of small-ball capabilities to the Pelicans, who need to find ways to close out games.

The Pels were terrible in the clutch, and might benefit from having more ball handlers, shooters and guys who can knock down free throws at the end of a game.

Lewis Jr. could be that speedy third guard in the mold of Dennis Schroder, a guy who will occasionally take over a game, provide blazing speed off the bench and get open looks for the Pelicans’ bench shooters.

If the New Orleans Pelicans decide to draft a point guard, they might try for their own Morant, a lightning quick, change-of-pace scorer who can get teammates open shots.