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

Yes, I know, Jahlil Okafor put up stats in garbage minutes in meaningless games, but what else can he do? I applaud Okafor’s professionalism all season, as he always came in after sitting for several games, but still played hard and did what he does best, get buckets. Okafor is a force in the post, and had he played in the1990’s, he would have been a perennial All-Star. The modern game doesn’t value what Okafor does, and unfortunately, he doesn’t do much else. However, I predict some team is going to get a steal with Okafor this offseason, as he is eventually going to stretch his range, start hitting three’s and be an offensive force off someone’s bench. He has a lot of Al Jefferson in him, a guy who can get buckets off the bench and carry your offense in bursts. Jefferson had a long and successful NBA career and Okafor has a chance to replicate it. He is only 24 and if the Pelicans could keep him as a third center on a minimum contract, I’d jump at it.

Jaxson Hayes plays with intensity and heart, but is still a work in progress in just about every way. He’ll do things at times that make you wonder why is not starting, then remind you why on the very next play. Hayes can be a force at the rim, but he is so often out of position, can’t guard the pick-and-roll and isn’t a great shot blocker despite his occasional highlight reel swat. He needs to put on strength in the offseason, as he gets trucked at the rim by just about everyone, including Derrick White, a guard for the Spurs. There is a lot to like about Hayes, but I still don’t think he’s done enough to be handed the backup center role next year. The Pelicans need bigs desperately, and while Hayes may be part of their long-term plans, he’s not the guy yet.

A lot has been said about Favor’s poor play so I’m not going to pile on.

I will say that his heart never really looked in it, which is too bad, as he was so important for the Pelicans in so many ways. My man had a tough year, and I feel for him, but he just didn’t look like he wanted to be there.

If that was Favors last run with the Pelicans, I’d like to thank him, as his play helped to turn their season around, and he was a good teammate and solid professional.