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.
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.
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.
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.