The New Orleans Pelicans have won three-and-a-row and we are seeing signs of the team we thought they could be entering the season.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have been stars all season and lately Lonzo Ball has emerged as the third scoring option.
When Lonzo plays well, the Pelicans are a dangerous team even though their bench has still been awful.
J.J. Redick has hit some shots in the last few games but Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaxson Hayes and Nicolo Melli have been benched in favor of Willy Hernangomez and Kira Lewis Jr.
The results have been mixed but the Pels’ bench is still a negative and needs to be upgraded if the Pelicans want to be in the chase for a playoff spot.
They are only 1.5 games behind the 8th-seed Warriors and that is with the worst bench in the NBA, so if the Pels can get some bench depth, they have a solid chance of moving up the ranks of the Western Conference.
Here is what they need.
New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels need wing depth
The New Orleans Pelicans do not have a backup for Brandon Ingram, as they don’t really have another small forward on the roster.
Josh Hart can play that role and he can defend multiple spots but it would be nice if the Pels could get a bigger wing who can defend to backup Ingram.
Quality wing players are not easy to come by, but the Pels have possible trade assets in Redick, Hayes and NAW who could be packaged with some picks to get some size on the wing.
If the Pels could get a 3-and-D type with some length, it would help balance the roster and give them a better chance against the huge teams in the West.