New Orleans Pelicans: 3 secret weapons team has for NBA Disney

New Orleans Pelicans: J.J. Redick Could be a Secret Weapon

J.J. Redick is hardly a secret. He’s one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history and has made the playoffs in all 13 seasons he’s been in the NBA.

Redick would like nothing more than to keep that streak alive, which is why he could be a dangerous weapon for the Pelicans in the final eight games.

When Redick went down with injury in early March, the Pelicans’ bench went with him. Suddenly Nicolo Melli and Josh Hart weren’t so open, started missing everything and the Pelicans did not have a reliable scorer off the bench.

Redick should be completely healed from his hamstring injury and ready to go, and the Pelicans definitely need him.

Everyone is aware of Redick’s shooting, so he could definitely get hot in one of these games, hit seven or eight three’s and carry the Pels to victory.

But Redick can also affect games without ever taking a shot. Teams have to pay so much attention to him running off screens that other players are often left open. Both Melli and Hart suffered with Redick out and the floor spacing was not as good.

Redick’s presence alone can be a difference maker and he is the most experienced veteran the Pelicans have, which will make him invaluable as a leader.

One of the Pelicans’ big weaknesses this season was going through long scoring droughts, especially in the second unit. With Redick back the Pels have a more consistent and reliable option off the bench, who will also open the floor and make it easier for other guys.

You’d be crazy to bet against J.J. Redick making the playoffs, and if the Pelicans do manage to play their way in, it might be on the back of a couple of huge games from Redick.

When the season re-starts in Orlando, all eyes will be on Zion, but it’s the bench that could end up being the difference between the playoffs and one way ticket back to The Big Easy.