New Orleans Pelicans News: Preseason performance and Lonzo rumors

This week’s New Orleans Pelicans is jam-packed with analysis from the team’s amazing preseason and the Lonzo Ball contract rumors

Hurray! The NBA regular season starts today, but unfortunately, the New Orleans Pelicans don’t tip off until tomorrow. In the meantime, there’s plenty of Pelicans news out there this week to keep you occupied before the season begins.

Most of that news dives deep into Lonzo Ball. After Ball looked spectacular in the preseason, it was announced that he and the organization did not agree to a rookie-deal extension. This has led many to believe that the Pelicans probably offered him an average deal, and he wants to play well this year and earn a max contract, just like Brandon Ingram did.

Of course, that’s sparked some people to wonder, if the Pelicans won’t pay him, will they trade him?

I can’t tell you that answer, but I can tell you there’s a lot of news about how the style of basketball the Pelicans are playing. Stan Van Gundy has caused this team to look different on both sides of the floor, and that’s left fans wanting to see more.

And, obviously, we can’t forget to mention Zion Williamson, his performance has been electric, but what about his defense? What does he do well, and where does he need to improve was a question on a lot of people’s minds, including ours.

Now that we gave you a little bit of what to expect, it’s time to hit the links!

New Orleans Pelicans News and Notes Around FanSided

New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball has everything to prove with no extension 

[Pelican Debrief – Aaron Kellerstrass]

"“If he didn’t already, Lonzo Ball should have plenty of motivation heading into 2020-21, which has some obvious positive benefits but could put the Pelicans in a difficult position at the end of the season.”"

New Orleans Pelicans: The offense is still potent under Stan Van Gundy

[Pelican Debrief – Nick Alvarez]

"“What Van Gundy has done, is turned this offense into an old-school wrecking crew. He’s made the New Orleans Pelicans shift from a team that plays with speed and finesse to a team that plays with physicality and attacks the paint with its frontcourt of Zion Williamson and Steven Adams.”"

New Orleans Pelicans: Breaking down Zion Williamson’s Defense

[Pelican Debrief – Wilko Martinez Cachero]

"“Williamson was and is expected to be the franchise cornerstone of a playoff-making team. It would be harsh to blame him for anything, but it is fair to demand more. The number one pick’s defense was rightfully lambasted during the Pelicans’ woeful run in the NBA bubble, but Williamson’s defensive struggles were percolating far before that.”"

Pelicans: 3 things to watch against the Toronto Raptors

[ Pelican Debrief – Aaron Kellerstrass]

The Whiteboard: 5 NBA studs ready to breakout in 2020-21

[The Stepback – Gerald Bourguet]

More Pelicans Content Around the Internet

Lonzo Ball: Durant sees Pelicans as a dangerous team with Ball as PG 

[ USA Today – Jacob Rude]

"“I think having Zo at the lead guard will make them a little faster and, obviously, having Zion (with) that athleticism. But having (Ingram), too, at the wing that can be that go-to scorer for them. I think they’re going to have a nice balance, you know I’m saying”"

Steven Adams Block- Pelicans-Bucks Preseason Highlights 

[NBA. com]

Van Gundy: Pelicans’ rotation could go 8 or 9 deep to begin the season

[NOLA.com – Christian Clark]

"“I’m pretty happy all-around with our guys,” Van Gundy said. “It’s a deep team. We’re probably not going to play 13 guys. We’ll probably play eight or nine. Other guys are going to get a look when there are injuries, foul trouble, things like that.”"

There it is for this week, some Pelicans news around the league to get you hyped up for tomorrow’s game, check back in for more of these posts later in the week!