New Orleans Pelicans: 3 takeaways from pre-season game vs. Miami Heat

Takeaway #2: The Adams/Zion frontcourt looks promising

This was our first look at Steven Adams and Zion together. There was a lot of talk about how the two will mesh together because Adams doesn’t provide any spacing.

What Steven Adams does provide is a huge body down low that Zion can work with. Zion used Adams almost as a screen man on a couple of plays in the paint to get an easier shot at the rim where Zion is best. Adams is also a great passer and he was able to find Zion on a couple of lobs down low.

I like how Adams was inserted into the Pels offense as well. He isn’t much of a threat, which is fine but he did initiate the offense from the top of the key, using his big body to set screens with dribble handoffs.

The Pelicans have Zion and BI to handle the scoring load. I honestly don’t think there was a single play run for him. But, he is a monster on the offensive boards, grabbing five to give the Pelicans extra opportunities.

Steven Adams and Zion were setting tons of screens last night that ended up creating a lot of nice plays. The pick and roll potential for the Pelicans this year will be limitless. I can see this being their go-to on offense.

These two together down low will be a force to be reckoned with this season.