What Zion Williamson’s Absence Means for the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans could use both big and small ball lineups without Zion Wiliamson.

To Go Big or Go Small?

Zion Williamson’s dominance in the post really gives the New Orleans Pelicans a lot of lineup flexibility, especially when it comes to going small.

Zion can play spot minutes at the five and the Pels can put out a small-ball lineup that can run most teams off the floor.

This will work in stretches, but against some of the bigger teams like the Lakers, the Pelicans give up too much in the paint. The Pelicans are 28th in points allowed in the paint and don’t have much in the way of rim protectors.

If Zion had to miss a game or two, the Pelicans could run out huge lineups that feature Favors, Hayes, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday.

This lineup is not nearly as dynamic offensively, but could be lockdown defensively, as Lonzo and Jrue are excellent perimeter defenders and Favors and Hayes can protect the rim.

If Zion has to miss any time at all, going big might be the answer.

But the New Orleans Pelicans could still go small, especially in the second unit.

If Zion is out, it will likely be Melli, not Hayes, who is inserted into the starting lineup. This would leave Hayes as the primary backup center with the second unit.

They could run out small-ball lineups with Hayes, surrounding him with shooters and trying to blow teams off the floor with 3-pointers and spacing.

A lineup of Holiday, Redick, Hart, Melli and Hayes could be dynamic offensively, though the defense would be lacking. This lineup would work in short bursts, especially if Hart, Redick and Melli are knocking down their shots.

Even with Zion Williamson out, the New Orleans Pelicans have the lineup flexibility to create mismatches and could actually be better defensively.

Obviously the team is hoping they never have to worry about this, that Zion’s family is healthy and he can return to play without distraction.

But they have to prepare for his absence, which means someone else will have to step up and Alvin Gentry will have to get more creative with his rotations.