New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades in 109-99 Win Over Memphis

New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades for the centers.

Centers

It’s two steps forward, one step back for Jaxson Hayes. After playing relatively well in the first two games, Hayes was expected to get even more run last night. Instead he played six minutes total and turned the ball over pretty much ever time he touched it, ending with more turnovers (3) than points (2). Hayes looked nervous and out of control a couple of times, again committing a charge that looked like Sideshow Bob had been shot out of a cannon directly into the Memphis defense. Hayes showed his youth last night, played poorly in the brief time he was in there, and put to bed any of the “Hayes should start!!” nonsense.

If anyone needed a good game it was Derrick Favors, who has largely been the scapegoat in the Pelicans’ two losses. His defense was huge last night, especially in the post, where he was the only one who could slow down Valanciunas. Favors ended with seven points, 13 rebounds and a block and it finally looked like the Pelicans had a grown man in the lane. The problem with Favors is not his defense or rebounding (although his defense outside the paint is horrible) it’s his complete lack of an offensive game. For some inexplicable reason, half of the Pels’ sets start with Favors with the ball at the top of the key, which is completely baffling. He can’t pass, doesn’t set great screens, can’t shoot or create his own shot, so WHY DO THE PELICANS KEEP GIVING HIM THE BALL?!? Lonzo turned it over trying to thread the needle to Favors in the lane at one point. Why? He was surrounded by three guys and was going to get stripped even if he caught the pass, which he didn’t. Several times last night Favors was moving towards the hoop, got the pass and couldn’t finish. I’m not sure Favors can dunk, but it would be nice to see him slam those home instead of putting up soft layups.

Favors was much better overall, but the Pelicans still need help in the offseason