New Orleans Pelicans: Resetting the depth chart post-free agency
By Nick Alvarez
This season the Pelicans hope to unleash Zion Williamson as the starting power forward for the entire season
Power Forwards: 1. Zion Williamson, 2. Nicolo Melli, 3. Wenyen Gabriel
Very similar to the small forward position, the power forward spot is all about one guy, Zion Williamson. Last season, we barely got to see what Williamson could do as injuries and absences held him back, and the pandemic put the season on pause.
This season will play out much differently as long as Williamson stays healthy. That means seeing one of the league’s physical marvels in constant attack, and I suspect that most of what the Pelicans do on the court this season is based on Williamson’s talent.
His imposing nature on offense should create a lot of dangerous pick-and-rolls while his threat of attacking will open up other players on the Pelicans for easy shots. Defensively, if Zion’s at 100 percent, don’t be surprised to see the return of the bouncy shot-blocker who’ll swat basketballs into the seventh row of bleachers.
Williamson isn’t the only player the Pelicans have at power forward, he’s followed by two guys who have some upside but really need to leap forward if they want to contribute long term. Those players are Nicolo Melli and Wenyen Gabriel.
Melli, played his first season in the NBA last year after playing most of his career overseas in Europe. He was expected to become the Pelicans’ primary shooting threat from their frontcourt but only shot a mediocre 33 percent from deep last season. Hopefully this year, he’ll be acclimated to the NBA and hit on more looks from deep.
Gabriel on the other hand is a player with a strong background and raw athletic abilities, but he’s a major project. The Pelicans coaching staff will have to work hard with Gabriel to improve his fundamentals and clean up his shooting mechanics if they want him to provide anything this season. I’m high on his potential though, and wouldn’t be surprised if he has a breakout season in New Orleans.