New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades for the small forwards.
Small Forwards
Josh Hart has consistently been the best Pelican in the restart, but for some reason, barely got off the bench against the Spurs. He ended the game with zero points and only five rebounds, though he did play hard and his defensive intensity was the difference in the third quarter. I’m not sure why Hart only got 16 minutes in a game when the Pelicans couldn’t stop anyone, a question I hope Gentry gets asked. I don’t really blame Hart for this one, as he never got a chance to get into a rhythm playing so little.
Brandon Ingram will probably win Most Improved Player this year, but it won’t be because of his effort in the last two games. Ingram was slow getting back on defense (a theme in this one) several times in the first half, which led to easy baskets for the Spurs. Both Ingram and Zion loafed back on defense all game, which is probably why Ingram found himself on the bench for much of the second half. Ingram did have 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, but didn’t play hard until he was re-inserted in the fourth quarter and missed a bunch of layups throughout the game. Ingram’s body language left a lot to be desired in the last two games, as he seemed to be disinterested and sulking on the bench. The Pelicans never really seemed happy to be in the bubble and Ingram was a big part of it.