3 ways Meyers Leonard could help the New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans free agency: Meyers Leonard from the Miami Heat

Give Zion a break

The Pelicans need big bodies who can defend the other team’s best power forward or center so that Zion Williamson doesn’t have to.

Zion is not great defensively yet and also likes to run out on defense, especially if he switches onto the perimeter. Zion’s one-man fast breaks are a big weapon, as teams have to think twice before switching onto him on the perimeter pick-and-roll. If Zion switches and the shot is missed, it’s almost a guaranteed dunk on the other end.

The problem with this strategy is that it potentially leaves big men open under the hoop and makes it harder for the Pelicans to close out possessions with defensive rebounds.

Leonard is a guy who has the size and athleticism to defend most bigs in the NBA, which would leave Zion more opportunity to be a free safety on defense, flying around to block shots and running out on the fast break.

Leonard can use all six of his fouls to keep Zion out of foul trouble and can take on the other team’s biggest guy, allowing Zion to save his body on defense.

The Pelicans need to be more physical and get some size on the interior. Leonard has never been a great shot blocker but has the strength to hold his own in the paint and make shots difficult.

Leonard isn’t going to fix the Pelicans’ atrocious defense, but he can be a big help to Zion Williamson and give the Pels some much-needed size down low.