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

Stan Van Gundy and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Stan Van Gundy and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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New Orleans Pelicans, Stan Van Gundy
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the New Orleans Pelicans looks on against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 25, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

New Orleans Pelicans: Grade for Stan Van Gundy after one month

The Coach

I have to give Stan Van Gundy some credit for the minor improvements we’ve seen on defense. He also deserves some credit for the improved play of Jaxson Hayes.

I would also add that he had a tough job. He took over a young team coming off a losing season and had basically two weeks to prepare.

He’s trying to adjust on the fly and has shown a willingness to try new things.

BUT…

SVG’s offense has been slow, boring and largely terrible. They rely far too much on isolation ball instead of the ball movement he normally preaches.

The defense has also been abysmal lately giving up 118 points over the last eight games.

SVG hasn’t figured out how to use Lonzo Ball and has had some questionable rotations and allocation of minutes.

I think Stan Van Gundy will get this team turned around, as he has been up against some pretty big challenges and a brutal schedule, but he needs to make some adjustments.

After one month we still don’t know what the New Orleans Pelicans can be, but what they are right now is a team that is not in the playoff picture.

We’ll check back in another month to see how things have progressed.