New Orleans Pelicans: It’s time for Kira Lewis to replace Eric Bledsoe
The New Orleans Pelicans had compelling reasons to play Eric Bledsoe over rookie Kira Lewis Jr. but those reasons are rapidly disappearing.
The Pels came into the season with playoff aspirations and still have them, though it is far more likely that they’ll end up in the lottery at this point, even after winning two in a row.
Bledsoe is a veteran with a proven track record, so it made sense for him to start and get most of the minutes as Kira Lewis Jr. learned how to play the game.
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As the season has worn on and it has become clear that Bledsoe is not part of the future, playing him extended minutes to showcase him for a trade made sense.
It also made sense to bring Lewis Jr. along slowly, as he was one of the youngest players in the draft and plays the NBA’s most difficult position to learn.
But all of these reasons are pretty much out the window at this point, so it is time to see Kira Lewis Jr. in an extended role. Here’s why.
New Orleans Pelicans: Why the Pels should play Kira Lewis Jr. over Eric Bledsoe
The first and most important reason is that Bledsoe has absolutely stunk lately. His defense has been inconsistent and he has averaged just 6.7 points, 4.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds in his last ten games while shooting 20 percent from 3-point range and 31.2 percent overall.
He had a whopping two points and two assists in the win over the Lakers in 33 minutes while the rookie dropped a career-high 16 points in just 20 minutes of action. Forget the other reasons, Lewis Jr. is simply better right now.
With the New Orleans Pelicans four games out of the final playoff spot, there is still time to make the playoffs, so why not play the guy who could actually help you get there?
Even if you don’t think the Pels will get into the playoff picture, why not start developing for the future? The Pels need to know more about Lewis Jr. as the potential future point guard of this team, especially if they have any intention of trading Lonzo Ball at the deadline.
There really isn’t an argument for continuing to play Eric Bledsoe over Kira Lewis Jr. and there will be even less of one after the trade deadline passes and Bledsoe hasn’t been moved.
The future is now and it’s time for the Pels to adjust their rotations and minutes.
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