Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for dominant win vs. Lakers

By Wilko Martinez Cachero

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 23: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on March 23, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Jaxson Hayes of the New Orleans Pelicans.
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Lakers: Grades for the centers

New Orleans Pelicans. STEVEN ADAMS. A-. . Center

Steven Adams went a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and got the Pelicans off to a great start.

The Kiwi center was unguardable for the Lakers early on in Tuesday’s game. His dives to the rim went undetected and Adams was able to feast in the paint. On top of that, he had seven rebounds and one block.

Some of the perceptions around Adams’ stint in New Orleans bother me. He doesn’t seem like the most natural frontcourt partner to this roster, but I think he’s played quite well. Adams helps the Pelicans a ton on defense and helps space the floor on offense with his screens and rebounds.

Adams cannot be traded prior to the trade deadline.

Related Story. Everything to know about the trade deadline. light

New Orleans Pelicans. JAXSON HAYES. A. . Center

Jaxson Hayes was my pick for player of the game behind Brandon Ingram.

Things are starting to come together for the big man in March. Hayes made a difference with his rim-running and ability to play above the rim. There are few centers in the NBA who possess Hayes’ blend of mobility and explosiveness, making him hard to guard when he’s locked in.

Hayes finished with 15 points in 19 minutes. His four fouls weren’t great, but I thought he was unlucky on a couple of them. There was also a curious moment in the first half when Hayes led the break himself and it ended up in a Pels bucket.

Something to note: Hayes made all seven of his attempted free throws. The former Texas big is shooting around 75 percent from the charity stripe. That bodes well for him being able to stretch the floor at some point.

New Orleans Pelicans. WILL MAGNAY. N/A. . Big

The wait is over… Will Magnay finally made it on an NBA court.

In all seriousness, it was nice to see the Australian big get some minutes. He played well for the Erie BayHawks in the shortened G League season and was yet to get any game time at all for Stan Van Gundy.

Magnay played in garbage time before Willy Hernangómez, which I like. I advocated for giving Magnay those minutes since it seems like the Spanish center has no future in New Orleans and, although I’m not going to pretend Stan Van Gundy reads my pieces, it’s worth pointing out.

Next. Four trades that would send Lonzo to the Clippers. dark

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