New Orleans Pelicans: One Positive/Negative for Each Player this Season

New Orleans Pelicans: One positive/negative for the bench guards.

The Bench Guards

E’Twaun Moore

Positive: E’Twaun Moore was a solid veteran who did his job when called upon. His defense was a boost at times in the regular season and his floater was one of the most reliable shots on the roster.

Negative: Uncle E’s stats dropped across the board this season, starting with his minutes. He averaged fewer points, rebounds, assists and his 3-point percentage dropped from 43.2 to 37.7 percent after shooting over 40 percent for two seasons in a row. E’Twaun’s 3-ball was not as reliable as the past.

Frank Jackson

Positive: Frank Jackson played well in the bubble and looked to have improved his shooting. He was an injection of energy when the Pels had none, played good defense against multiple positions and may have earned himself a new contract. He’s one of the only free agents we think the Pelicans should definitely re-sign.

Negative: Prior to March, Frank Jackson didn’t play particularly well and his numbers had dipped from his rookie season, which was a disappointment. The Pels seemed to have lost some faith in Jackson as a primary ball handler, as they took those duties from him and played him mostly off the ball. I am not sure if that’s his ultimate future, but it did seem to stunt his growth as a point guard.

J.J. Redick

Positive: Redick can still shoot the rock. He was second in the NBA this season in 3-point percentage at 45.3 percent. He was the veteran leader they needed, was probably their only “big game” player in the bubble, he loves New Orleans, wants to stay and thinks he’ll win a title there. What is not to love about J.J.?

Negative: Redick’s streak of making the playoffs every year of his career ended this season. It was obvious he didn’t want that to happen and played his butt off in the bubble. His teammates never matched his intensity and the streak is over.