New Orleans Pelicans: Breaking down Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s career night

Nickeil Alexander-Walker can be the shotmaker the New Orleans Pelicans need

At one point on the broadcast, Mark Jackson sniped that Lonzo Ball better heal up quickly or Alexander-Walker will take his spot. It was just a lighthearted jab, but I completely disagree. The New Orleans Pelicans’ long-term point guard is an entirely separate question because Alexander-Walker is at his best playing with at least one more player that can really handle the ball.

His fit with Brandon Ingram against the Clippers was snug. Their games complement each other nicely and they can share the scoring duties. Both men can shoot and drive. Having this offensive skillset on the floor makes it so that opponents cannot sag off their defensive matchups and, while neither Ingram nor Alexander-Walker is a pure guard, they can make the necessary reads to find their teammates.

I also think that Alexander-Walker is useful next to Ball or Bledsoe. At this point, he would rather score, and the latter two have no problem giving up the ball to someone else. Their defensive abilities should also come in handy, as Alexander-Walker is still learning on that end of the floor.

Finally, when you talk about the New Orleans Pelicans’ long-term future, you have to mention Zion Williamson. Thankfully, Alexander-Walker has the versatility to play with everyone already mentioned and also Williamson. We’ve seen glimpses of this already, particularly against the Hornets in what I like to call the Pelicans’ micro lineup.

Williamson plus four shooters equal more space that Alexander-Walker can thrive in. This might mean those floaters we saw against the Clippers, but also more easy threes and simple passes. Williamson missed the game against the Clippers because of health and safety protocols, but I’m eager to see more of this unit when he’s back.

The New Orleans Pelicans face the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers up next. It will be New Orleans’ toughest test of the season yet, but another good chance to see what Alexander-Walker can contribute.