New Orleans Pelicans: Better or worse? A breakdown of each position

New Orleans Pelicans: Are the Pels better or worse at center?

Center

2019-20: Derrick Favors, Jaxson Hayes, Jahlil Okafor

2020-21: Steven Adams, Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangomez

This one is interesting.

Derrick Favors was the Pelicans’ best interior defender last season but the defense still stunk, especially at the rim.

Favors looked absolutely cooked in the bubble, got beat everywhere, was slow to rotate and mostly just went through the motions.

Adams will not go through the motions ever, so adding a player who brings some intensity and passion to the position will be an immediate upgrade.

Adams is also much better at switching on the perimeter (something Favors was utterly incapable of doing) and is a better defensive rebounder to close out possessions.

The Pels did lose Okafor but can expect a boost from Hayes, who should be a bit better though he only had a short offseason to prepare. Hernangomez is more of a defender, so the Pels have some depth although he is only partially guaranteed.

Keep in mind that Melli had to play center last season, which was a disaster, so the Pels must still be concerned about their depth. If Adams goes down, they are screwed.

Gabriel wil probably play some center as well, and we know Zion will be there in small-ball lineups, so I expect the Pels to be a lot more dynamic and flexible at the position.

VERDICT: BETTER

The Pels are marginally better at point guard, power forward and center but took a step back at shooting guard and did nothing on the wing.

It’s going to be tough for this team to improve without impact contributions from Lewis Jr., Gabriel and Steven Adams, which may be a lot to ask.