New Orleans Pelicans 2020 NBA Draft: The Best Fit By Advanced Metrics

Based on a metrics evaluation, the New Orleans Pelicans need to upgrade their shooting guard position

I didn’t plan for this to turn out this way, but most of the negative metrics for the Pelicans this season end up being an indictment on Jrue Holiday. I think Jrue Holiday is still a good player but it’s no coincidence that he links to the worst metrics for the Pelicans.

When you assess the Pelicans, it is Holiday who holds the second-highest usage, drives to the basket, and plays the role of ball-handler in clutch moments. This needs to change, and the New Orleans Pelicans need to target a fresh perimeter scorer with pick 13!

As much as Jrue Holiday is a fan-favorite it’s clear his game is eroding as he enters his 30s. In the past Holiday would draw contact on his drives getting to the free-throw line 4 times a game, that number is dropping every year now.

In the clutch, Holiday shoots more than anyone on the team minus Brandon Ingram, and he shoots a horrendous 34 percent in those situations! Factor in a sub-par 3 point shot and the picture gets painted that Holiday is the Pelicans weakness.

I don’t want to drag Jrue Holiday through the mud and of course, he’s not to blame for all the Pelicans struggles this season. All I’m saying is that the New Orleans Pelicans need a better long-term scoring option that fits the rest of the roster’s timeline