New Orleans Pelicans: 3 Pels who need to show more in the 2nd half

New Orleans Pelicans: Is Josh Hart part of the core?

Pelicans’ fans were not happy about some of my assessments of Josh Hart.

Yes, Hart brings energy and hustle. Yes, he is one of the better defenders the New Orleans Pelicans have (not saying much), yes he rebounds and yes he is funny on social media.

But none of these are reasons to give Hart upwards of $15 million a year, which is what he will likely seek as a restricted free agent.

Hart is undersized for the role the Pelicans have him in (which is not his fault), doesn’t shoot the ball consistently and hasn’t shown that he can be more than what he currently is, a defense/hustle guy who rebounds.

These are definitely things the New Orleans Pelicans need but there are guys out there who can do what Josh Hart does for a fraction of what he is likely to cost, so he has to show that he can shoot more consistently.

Hart is shooting just 33 percent from long-range on 4.1 attempts, both down from last season, and though he is occasionally good on fast breaks, he doesn’t make plays for teammates or do much on offense but stand around the 3-point line.

The New Orleans Pelicans need 3-and-D players but preferably ones with more size than Josh Hart.

His future with the team will be one of the most interesting storylines of the second half and if the New Orleans Pelicans think he is not a part of it, then he could be shipped out before the deadline.