The New Orleans Pelicans have a trio of talented guards fighting for minutes and it is time to give some of them to Kira Lewis Jr. instead of Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
After NAW had his 37-point game the narrative for the New Orleans Pelicans became about whether he should start over Lonzo Ball.
Since then, Alexander-Walker has come back to Earth. He has continued to do some things well but his shot has been off, especially from 3-point range.
NAW has not been terrible. His defense and passing have improved this season and he is not taking as many bad shots, though his shot selection still leaves plenty to be desired.
I’m not suggested NAW be benched but since his 37-point outburst, he has shot 40 three-pointers and made 10 of them.
NAW’s game should not be based around the 3-point line, and though he has done some other things well, his shooting is hurting the Pelicans’ already struggling offense.
It would be nice if Kira Lewis Jr. could get a chance to earn some of these minutes while NAW’s shot is not falling.
New Orleans Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. could be the playmaker the Pelicans lack
NAW has done a decent job setting up teammates, racking up five assists in the last game with a couple of slick passes.
But lately, he’s mostly just stood around the three-point line and the Pels already have guys who can do that and do it better.
The Pels need penetration and playmaking out of NAW, something he has not been doing much of in the last few games.
Part of the reason the Pels’ 3-point percentage has plummeted is that they don’t get enough open looks off dribble penetration and kick-outs.
Kira Lewis Jr. has shown the ability to get where he wants on the floor and set up teammates. He also makes correct reads and usually makes the right pass. He might not have the scoring chops NAW has but right now his playmaking could be more beneficial.
I’d love to see Kira Lewis Jr. get some run at the beginning of the second quarter to see if his playmaking can keep the offense from falling off when the starters sit.