New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 109-99 Win Over Memphis
New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades for the power forwards.
Power Forwards
NICOLO MELLI. C+. . Power Forward. New Orleans Pelicans
I actually got a text last night that simply read “MELLI MADE A THREE!!!”
That’s how bad it’s been for Nicolo Melli in the last few games. He did hit his first three-point shot since March 8, and is now eight for 44 since February 23, when he made six of seven against Golden State.
Melli played much better overall last night, adding four assists to his five points and had a couple of really nice dishes. He was also part of the worst lineup that Gentry put on the floor, playing as the primary and only big man, which is something I hope to never see again. Part of Melli’s struggles are not his fault, as he is constantly asked to do things that are not his strengths, such as guard the other teams’ center or play as a “stretch-five” in a lineup with no other bigs.
Melli is going to be an important part of this team once the roster is more balanced and the Pelicans have some actual big men to put on the court with Melli at the same time. He was much better at the beginning of the fourth, when he was playing along Zion, which was working.
Melli played much better but he still went just one for four from behind the arc and that is his primary job.
B. . Power Forward. New Orleans Pelicans. ZION WILLIAMSON
Zion Williamson played 25 minutes last night which is the big story. He didn’t necessarily play well, shooting just 9-21 from the field, but his presence was felt, especially in the fourth quarter.
Oh, and he did this:
https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1290448806543319040
I for one was very happy to see Zion closing out the game and doing it well. He scored several tough baskets down the stretch when the Pelicans were having a hard time scoring and it looked like Memphis may come back.
Zion reentered the game with the Pelicans leading just 97-93 and was able to instantly help them extend the lead.
But Zion was sloppy with the ball, turning it over four times, looked out of shape and didn’t run the floor well (or at all) at times.
It is clear he is not 100%, but even half a Zion is better than most players. I know Ja Morant is going to win Rookie of the Year, but Zion is better and consider this: The Pelicans have now beaten Morant’s Grizzlies threes times this season and in those three games, Morant has scored 43 points. In the two games Zion has played against the Grizzlies he’s scored 47 points.
But Ja Morant played more games!