New Orleans Pelicans: Breaking down Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s improvement

New Orleans Pelicans: Looking to the future

It is imperative for the New Orleans Pelicans that Alexander-Walker continues on this upward trajectory for the rest of the season.

Unlike his earlier performances this year, he is showing legitimate consistency right now. He has settled into his new role and is making a great case to be a future starter if either Lonzo Ball or Eric Bledsoe departs.

It’s important to remember that the New Orleans Pelicans have a team option on Alexander-Walker next summer, which they will surely exercise. As I wrote after JJ Redick’s comments calling out the Pelicans’ front office, the best and maybe the only way forward for New Orleans is to truly cement the pieces they already have and make the most of them, such as what is currently happening with Alexander-Walker.

The Pelicans are not an attractive free agent destination. The front office doesn’t have a great reputation around the league. On top of that, the situation in terms of cap space is precarious. What that means is that the Pelicans have more of an obligation to develop their young talent and make good decisions in regards to roster moves than a lot of NBA franchises.

That cross to bear was further accelerated by the arrival of Zion Williamson two drafts ago, as well as the incorporation of Brandon Ingram. Timelines get moved around when you acquire a generational talent as the face of your franchise and the Pelicans need to ensure they don’t let this opportunity slip.