New Orleans Pelicans: Where the rotation stands after preseason

The New Orleans Pelicans roster has changed since last season. Here is where the rotation stands heading into 2020-21.

The New Orleans Pelicans looked sharp in their two preseason games, dispatching the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks and looking impressive in the process.

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram led the way in game one, then Lonzo Ball got his chance in game 2, controlling the offense and looking very comfortable in the role.

We also learned where the rotation stands heading into the regular season. With everyone available for last night’s finale, we know what Stan Van Gundy’s bench will look like, at least at the beginning of the regular season.

Here is what the rotation will look like for the Pelicans’ first game on December 22.

New Orleans Pelicans roster: Where the rotation stands as of now

Point Guard

Lonzo Ball

It appears as though the Pelicans will go with a “point guard by committee” approach when Lonzo Ball is not on the floor.

Brandon Ingram ran the second unit in the first game, and Eric Bledsoe took over those duties last night, though just about everyone, including Zion, brought the ball up at some point.

Lonzo ran the show last night and looked great doing it. Kira Lewis Jr. is likely to start in the G-League, and until he is ready, the Pels can continue to use just about everyone to initiate the offense when Lonzo is out.

Shooting Guard

Eric Bledsoe, J.J. Redick, Sindarius Thornwell

Some people were shocked that Nickeil Alexander-Walker didn’t get any playing time, but it doesn’t surprise me that SVG decided to go with the veteran Thornwell for the fourth guard spot.

At some point, NAW may earn those minutes, as he is the higher-ceiling talent, but Thornwell is stronger and can handle more defensive assignments.

Redick showed how valuable he still is last night, pouring in 18 off the bench and leading the Pelicans’ comeback.

Small Forward

Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart

Hart was actually the first guard off the bench last night, playing the two with Bledsoe and Ingram. But he did get some minutes at small forward and will probably play that role at times for the Pels.

This is their position of weakness, as they don’t really have another small forward after Ingram. Hart and Thornwell will play there some nights but they are going to struggle against big wings.

This will be something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Power Forward

Zion Williamson, Nicolo Melli

So far Melli is the only one to log minutes behind Zion, playing 17 minutes and once again going one of four from 3-point range.

Melli has gotten these minutes by default, and I for one am disappointed that there is not more competition here. If Wenyen Gabriel is not going to challenge Melli for minutes then they need to get someone who can because Melli is not the answer unless he suddenly remembers how to shoot.

Center

Steven Adams, Jaxson Hayes

Hayes solidified himself as the backup center, putting in 16 mostly-quality minutes against the Bucks.

Willy Hernangomez did see some mop-up action, but for now, it appears is it Hayes’ job to lose.

He looked better setting screens and picked up two blocks while affecting several other shots at the rim. Hayes hasn’t proven anything yet,  but it was encouraging to see him log some more effective minutes.

This is your New Orleans Pelicans team heading into the regular season. At some point they may need to make a trade to shore up the wing spot, but for now, the Pels will go to war with this group.

Let’s GOOOOOOOOOO!