New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for the first month of the season

The first month of the season is in the books for the New Orleans Pelicans, who are 5-9 after the first 14 games.

On one hand, this was somewhat expected, as they are trying to adjust to a new coach, have several new players and have played a really tough schedule.

But it’s also fair to say that the Pelicans have been somewhat disappointing, as they have blown a bunch of winnable games and have quite frankly, been boring to watch.

The offense has slowed down, the defense has reverted to terrible, and the Pelicans look like a young team in need of a whole lot of practice time.

There is still plenty of season to turn things around, and the schedule will lighten up a bit, but the grades will reflect the Pels’ inconsistent and disappointing play so far.

New Orleans Pelicans: Point guard grades for the first month of the season

Point Guards

Lonzo Ball has been the most disappointing Pelican so far and the only reason I didn’t give him an “F” is that it’s not entirely his fault.

His role has been drastically changed in Stan Van Gundy’s offense, and since the Pels aren’t running as much, they aren’t taking advantage of Lonzo’s ability in the open floor.

But Lonzo has looked awful in the half-court, has shot poorly, been ineffective with the ball and reduced to a guy who mostly stands at the 3-point line.

He definitely doesn’t look like a max player.

Lonzo Ball is never going to dominate the ball as long as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are on his team, so Stan Van Gundy needs to find ways to take advantage of what Lonzo Ball does well.

But Lonzo can’t just stand around and watch either, if he wants to be part of the “Big 3” then he needs to find ways to be effective off the ball or I fear he may be traded before the deadline.

It’s too early to say what Kira Lewis Jr. can be, but I have liked what I’ve seen so far.

He has taken care of the ball, can get to his spots on the floor and has shown the ability to get he and his teammates shots off the dribble.

The way the Pelicans’ guards have been playing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get more minutes as the season goes on, but so far, so good for Kira.