New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Pels who need to show more in the 2nd half
New Orleans Pelicans: Nickeil Alexander-Walker is the odd man out
It’s been quite an up and down season for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He started off hot and after a 37-point explosion it looked like he was ready to be part of the rotation.
Some fans of the New Orleans Pelicans even started calling for the team to trade Lonzo Ball (foolish) because of NAW’s apparent ascension. How is that take holding up?
NAW has essentially disappeared since, losing his spot in the rotation to a 19-year-old rookie, largely because of poor shot selection, decision making and inconsistent defense.
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NAW no longer looks like a part of the future, but if he wants to change that there is a way to do it and that is with defense.
NAW has the physical tools to be a plus defender at both guard spots and Stan Van Gundy will reward him with minutes if he sees consistent effort on that end.
NAW needs to forget about scoring for now and just take opportunities when they present themselves instead of forcing up bad 3-pointers, which he was doing regularly when he was still getting minutes.
NAW’s best chance to make this team is as a defender, as the Pels don’t have many of those and could really use a spark of energy and intensity from their bench.
If not, NAW’s future in New Orleans is uncertain and he too could be moved in a deal in the offseason.