New Orleans Pelicans: 3 ways Stan Van Gundy will improve the defense

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New Orleans Pelicans, Jrue Holiday, Zion Williamson, Western Conference Playoffs, Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, Derrick Favors, Josh Hart, Kenrich Williams, Staples Center

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Derrick Favors #22, Kenrich Williams #34 and Josh Hart #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans: Stan Van Gundy’s defense reduces points in the paint

Points in the Paint

Another area where the New Orleans Pelicans were terrible on defense was protecting the paint. Part of this was because they didn’t have much in the way of big men, as Derrick Favors is not a shot-blocker and Jaxson Hayes is still learning how to play.

The Pelicans were 28th in points in the paint allowed in 2019-20, giving up a whopping 52.2 points per game in the paint. That means nearly half the points they are allowing per game are coming from close to the hoop. That has to change.

Van Gundy improved the Pistons in this area, going from 20th in the NBA to top-ten in one season. Of course, if the Pelicans are to improve in this area, it will take more than defensive scheming.

They lack talent at the center and power forward position, need some size, and guys who are committed defensively.

The Pelicans also need a rim protector, as they didn’t have a single big man average at least one block this past season. The Pelicans need to bring in someone who can block and disrupt shots around the rim.

Zion often has the highlight reel swats but he needs to get better at on the ball defense in the post, as he often doesn’t move his feet and commits silly fouls.

If Van Gundy can get the Pelicans to the middle of the pack in points in the paint allowed, they would potentially be shaving another 5-8 points off their opponents’ total.

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