New Orleans Pelicans: The Zion/Redick Pick-and-Roll Could Be NBA’s Best

While Lonzo to Zion has gotten all of the attention, a lesser featured two-man game could be the New Orleans Pelicans’ most effective weapon.

The New Orleans Pelicans have played exactly one minute in small-ball lineups featuring J.J. Redick with Zion Williamson at center, but it was enough to show what could be.

In just 19 games, Lonzo Ball and Zion have filled highlight reels with every manner of alley-oop, including many of the full-court variety. These never get old:

Many of them have come when the Pelicans went small, putting Zion at center and surrounding him with other guys who want to run.

These small-ball lineups with Zion have been effective, but underused, especially with Redick, as they create mismatches all over the floor and turn the Pelicans into one of the fastest teams in history.

ESPN’s Zach Lowe lauded the aforementioned small-ball lineup as one of the most fascinating to watch when play resumes to Orlando and for good reason.

Zion and Redick could have the most effective two-man game for the New Orleans Pelicans.

One of the reasons is because of the potential of the Zion/Redick pick-and-roll, which could end up being a devastating weapon for the Pelicans in the half court.

The Pels can run with anyone, but sometimes struggle in half court sets, so having a reliable, go-to play is something Alvin Gentry needs to develop.

The Zion/Redick pick-and-roll could be the play, as it is nearly unstoppable once Zion gets his body on the defender.

If teams jump out to double Redick, Zion can roll to the rim, and once he gets going, there are few players in the league who can stop him.

If teams drop into the paint to stop the roll, they are potentially giving one of the best 3-point shooters in history an open look and Redick doesn’t need much daylight to get off a shot.

If teams crash once Zion gets the ball in the paint, Ingram, Hart, Holiday or Ball (all above average 3-point shooters) will be open for a kick out.

Zion and Redick have not played much together thus far, but as they get more familiar with each other, could form the most deadly pick-and-roll combo in the NBA.