The New Orleans Pelicans Most Likely to Win Awards Next Season

New Orleans Pelicans: Jrue Holiday is the only one with a shot at DPOY

Defensive Player of the Year: Jrue Holiday

Ok, let’s get serious, no current Pelicans’ player is winning this award.

The Pels were awful defensively, especially in the bubble, where they let up something like 800 first half points to the Kings.

Holiday is definitely their best defender, but even he wasn’t good down the stretch, so the chances of the Pelicans winning this award are pretty slim.

Zion is not a great defender and is more interested in leaking out for dunks than closing out on shooters. Ingram has improved but is still not good. Lonzo has his moments, but still needs improved footwork.

Josh Hart is really the only other above average defender on the team but doesn’t do enough for consideration.

For Holiday to win this award he would almost have to give up on his offensive game and focus entirely on defense. If he took it upon himself to lock up the other team’s best player every night and not worry about his offense, then it’s possible.

This is the award the 20th ranked defense is least likely to win.