New Orleans Pelicans: Final Grades for Every Player in the Bubble

New Orleans Pelicans: Player Grades for the small forwards.

Small Forwards

Kenrich Williams played hard when he got in the games, but it was mostly ineffective effort. I think Williams is one of those players who tricks the eye a bit, as it always seems like he is diving all over the place, falling on the ground and playing hard, but he hardly ever accomplishes anything. His cuts to the basket are symbolic of his game overall, as he works really hard to get the ball, but then can’t do anything with it once he does. The Pelicans need to move on from Williams and find a guy who can provide that consistent energy more effectively.

Ok, so I know Zylan Cheatham only got basically mop-up duty in meaningless games, but was I the only one watching who said “Couldn’t the Pelicans have used this?!?” Cheatham played with heart, dove all over the place, got deflections and ran the floor well, all things the Pelicans were lacking when the games mattered.

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1294247146070388740

I know I am probably crazy, but I would have liked to see Cheatham get some run. The Pelicans clearly lacked energy and defense, especially on the wing and Cheatham is a guy with size and athleticism who plays hard. I hope he gets a chance to make the team next year and thoroughly enjoyed his limited minutes. He fits the prototype of what the Pelicans need, which is some toughness and grit.

Josh Hart had a couple of tough nights shooting in the bubble, but was one of the only Pelicans to bring energy and intensity every night. His rebounding is the key to the Pels’ small-ball lineups, he took on any defensive assignment that was given to him, and was overall the Pelicans’ best player in the bubble. Hart filled the stat sheet in starter’s minutes against the Magic, notching 23 points, six assists and 14 rebounds in 36 minutes. I think Hart made a strong case that he should be starting for this team, as he is the glue that holds it together. I hope the New Orleans Pelicans prioritize re-signing Josh Hart, though his play may have priced him out of their range.

Brandon Ingram had some moments in the bubble, but never had that breakout games the Pelicans were hoping for and desperately needed.

I was a little put off by Ingram’s sulking on the bench, especially when the other bench players were standing, cheering and supporting their teammates. It wasn’t a good look.

Neither was not running back on defense, which Ingram was guilty of several times, something that eventually got him benched against the Spurs.

I feel like Ingram’s time would have gone a lot differently had that 3-pointer went in against Utah at the buzzer. Ingram didn’t really step up when they needed him, disappeared for long stretches and didn’t lead by example.