New Orleans Pelicans: Two Statistics that Deserve More Attention

New Orleans Pelicans: Numbers to Build On

A more positive set of numbers that stood out were 38.7 and 38.3 percent.

These are the 3-point shooting percentages for Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball respectively.

Both players improved dramatically in this category with Ingram going from 33 to 38.7 percent while Lonzo improved from 32.9 to 38.3 percent, both while increasing their attempts.

These numbers are important for a couple of reasons and will have an effect on how the Pelicans build their roster in the future.

Why this statistic is important

The first reason this is important is that it shows these two players can and should be part of the foundation of the team.

With such a dramatic improvement over one season, both have shown they can tweak their games and improve, which is exactly what you want out of two young players that you plan to lock up for the long-term.

This also shows that 3-point shooting is not an issue for the New Orleans Pelicans, despite what some vocal corners of the Internet might think.

The narrative is that the Pelicans must surround Zion with shooters. Well, it turns out they already have, and with a full season of the big man drawing double teams and getting better at passing, Lonzo and BI are sure to get even more open looks.

This could also affect how the Pelicans construct their roster and what types of trades they might explore.

How this will affect the future of the New Orleans Pelicans

Because of the evolution of Ball and Ingram into above-average 3-point shooters, the Pelicans can use the draft, free agency and trades to fill other, more pressing needs.

With Ball, Ingram, Redick, Hart and Melli, the Pelicans have the most prolific 3-point shooting team in the NBA, so could look to add wing and paint defenders in the offseason.

They could use a gritty, do the little things defender on the wing and a center who grabs boards and protects the rim. They don’t necessarily need a 3-and-D wing or a center who can shoot from long-range.

The 3-point shots are covered so the Pelicans can focus on other things.

It may even cause them to entertain trades for players like Redick, who is in his final year and could bring back a nice haul in a trade.

The Pelicans have a surplus of what every team wants, which is long-range shooters, so they could be able to take advantage and get a good deal.

Obviously shooting is vital and it’s nice to have depth, but the notion that the Pels’ biggest need is a 3-point shooter just isn’t supported by the numbers.

The Pelicans are certain to be studying every nuance of the statistics to see how they can improve, but their free throw and 3-point shooting will definitely be factors in how they build their roster.