New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Things this Core is Missing

The New Orleans Pelicans need to get tougher both mentally and physically.

Zion Williamson couldn’t stay on the floor and had to be on restrictions all season.

Brandon Ingram pouted on the bench when things didn’t go his way.

Lonzo Ball checked out after his shot wouldn’t go down.

To say this core is soft is an understatement, and it was even more obvious in the bubble, where everything was under a microscope.

Maybe the Pelicans already knew their coach was being fired and didn’t want to be there. Maybe it was just youth, but either way, the Pels looked soft.

I wrote earlier in the season that the Pelicans need their own Rodman and they still do. They need players who don’t get rattled when things don’t go their way. They need guys who dive on the floor, pick a fight once in awhile and don’t get hurt constantly.

If you have been watching the playoffs, the teams that remain are physically and mentally tough. They don’t let bad losses stay in their heads. They play through injuries. They hustle and give intense effort on the defensive end.

The Clippers have about six of these types of players, which is one of the reasons they are a favorite to win the title.

Winning in the playoffs takes a lot more than just talent, flashy passes and huge dunks. You have to be tough and the Pelicans aren’t there yet.