New Orleans Pelicans: Does Larry Nance Jr. fit on the Pels?

New Orleans Pelicans: How Larry Nance Jr. fits on defense

The Pels are currently eleventh in the east and I don’t think Nance puts them over the top. He would probably help in chasing the play-in tournament at the end of the regular season, but not be enough of a catalyst to qualify for the playoffs outright.

Nance’s fit in New Orleans isn’t snug either. The former Wyoming Cowboy is a do-it-all type of forward who can play anything from the 3 to the 5; yet, I don’t think he truly solves any of the Pels’ front court problems.

In terms of rim protection, I wouldn’t consider Nance a defensive force at the basket. He’s never averaged over a block per game in his career. This season, opponents are only shooting about two percent worse at the basket when defended by Nance. Surprisingly (or not, depending on who you ask), that figure would actually lead the Pelicans. But replacing bad with mediocre isn’t a long-term answer and New Orleans should be thinking about years down the line, not months.

What Nance does add is versatility but the Pels already have that with Josh Hart and, eventually, with Zion Williamson once his defense becomes passable enough to play him as the sole big on the floor for long stretches. I worry that Nance is ultimately a bit redundant.