It’s time to reset the New Orleans Pelicans depth chart and assess what the team will look like going into the 2020-2021 season
It’s looking like the offseason will finally be dying down for the New Orleans Pelicans. After drafting Kira Lewis Jr. with the 13th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, and making a blockbuster trade to acquire Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams, the team seemingly finished off their offseason by signing three depth players.
That means that aside from one more two-way slot next to the undrafted free-agent Naji Marshall, the New Orleans Pelicans roster is full heading into next season. This gives us a great opportunity to reset the team’s depth chart and see how they’ll attack opponents in the upcoming season. So let’s jump right in, starting with the point guard position.
The New Orleans Pelicans point guard position will see a little bit of a shake-up going into next season
Point Guard: 1. Eric Bledsoe, 2. Kira Lewis Jr.
Yes, I know what everyone is thinking. Where’s Lonzo Ball? Just hang in here with me and I promise we’ll get to him. For now, let’s focus on the two players who are holding down the point guard position for the Pelicans entering next season. Starting with Eric Bledsoe.
Coming from Milwaukee, Bledsoe becomes the starting point guard on the team because he’s experienced and has a knack for perimeter defense, playmaking, and 3 point shooting. In many ways, I think he brings a lot of what Jrue Holiday brought to the Pelicans roster only at a different position.
Given his smaller size and explosive playstyle too, I think he’s the perfect type of point guard to start in Stan Van Gundy’s offense as well because he’s similar to Van Gundy’s former floor general, Jameer Nelson.
Then there’s Kira Lewis Jr. For now, I’m slotting the young Lewis in as the team’s back-up point guard but I could really see him being utilized a lot as a shooting guard too. That’s because, despite his smaller size, Lewis’ game is entirely based on his scoring ability which includes a variety of crafty moves.
Given that Lewis is probably the fastest player on the team now, I definitely can see him be used as a pace-pushing guard and someone who attacks the basket. He’ll need time to transition to the NBA game, but after coming from a pick-and-roll heavy system at Alabama, I expect him to flourish in Van Gundy’s offense off the bench.
Now let’s finally get to Lonzo Ball.