The New Orleans Pelicans have been largely disappointing this season even though they are getting impressive contributions from Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Steven Adams.
The rest of the team has been inconsistent at best and absolutely terrible at worst, with the Pelicans’ bench among one of the worst in the NBA.
Part of the problem is that they are too young or too old. Three of the Pelicans’ bench players are 21 or under, while 36-year-old J.J. Redick looks like his best years are behind him.
The 2nd half of the season offers the Pels a chance at some redemption, as there is still time to turn things around.
The playoffs are looking unlikely without a big surge but there are still plenty of reasons for the Pels to compete in the 2nd half, especially certain players, who have a lot to gain or lose in this half season of basketball.
Here are three guys who need to show more in the 2nd half of the season to cement themselves as part of the New Orleans Pelicans moving forward.
New Orleans Pelicans: Jaxson Hayes needs to stay ready and bring energy
Jaxson Hayes has had a fairly disappointing season, as many expected him to seize the backup center position behind Steven Adams and take advantage of an expanded role.
Those things have not happened, largely because Hayes is still lost on defense and doesn’t bring much to the offensive end other than putbacks or dunks.
However, he has flashed a bit of what could make him a player in this league, which is energy, defense and shot blocking. Hayes was great in a recent loss to the Bulls.
Hayes was flying all over the place, blocking shots and showed how he can contribute to the New Orleans Pelicans, which is with his energy.
Hayes has the tools to be a plus shot blocker and he already runs the floor as well as any center in the league. But in the 2nd half he needs to show that he can do it consistently and not just in 10-minute spurts.
Hayes needs to stay ready to play even if he is not getting regular minutes and he needs to play with intensity and energy, things that will make Stan Van Gundy overlook some of his mistakes.
It’s way too early to give up on Hayes but he needs show that he can be a piece around Zion Williamson or he will be part of a trade package soon enough.