How to breathe some life into the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have lost three in a row without putting up much of a fight.
This team has a lot of talent but lacks effort and focus, which is why they are one of the most frustrating teams in the league to watch.
They often put up a huge first quarter only to give up back in the second and sometimes look like they are drinking cough syrup at halftime after coming out sluggish.
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The New Orleans Pelicans need a spark, something to inspire them and get them going.
For a few seconds against Detroit, I thought the spark might come from Kira Lewis Jr. standing up for himself against Dennis Smith Jr. but it was short-lived and most of his teammates barely noticed.
It has to come from somewhere if the Pelicans want to turn the season around and we have a few ideas.
New Orleans Pelicans: Go deeper into the bench
Eric Bledsoe has been at the center of the Pelicans’ recent apathy, going through the motions, not playing much defense or hustling, so even though he is knocking down 3-point shots, he is hurting this team.
Why not see if you can get a spark from somewhere else?
If I were Stan Van Gundy, I’d be emptying my bench until I found someone who is going to play hard all of the time, give effort on the defensive end and maybe inspire this team.
I wouldn’t mind seeing some Naji Marshall or Wenyen Gabriel or maybe even some Sindarius Thornwell. If Nickeil Alexander-Walker got some or all of Bledsoe and Redick’s minutes, I’d be ok with it, as he has shot poorly but at least competes on the defensive end.
One thing is certain, you can’t have veteran players going through the motion on defense, as they suck the life out of the team and set a bad example for everyone.