New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for undermanned loss vs. Hawks

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Hawks: Grades for the wings

Naji Marshall got his first start for the New Orleans Pelicans as a result of Josh Hart’s thumb ligament injury.

Until now, most of Marshall’s time on the court had been in the G League Bubble in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. He did well for the Erie BayHawks, but the step up from the developmental league to the big league is huge. Still, Marshall did not look overly fazed.

The former Xavier wing brought it on defense for sure. He was a whirlwind of activity on that end of the floor, getting three steals. Marshall was a little overeager at times, ending up with four fouls, but he’ll learn to rein it in if he accumulates more NBA experience.

It was on attack where I was pleasantly surprised by Marshall. He looked a willing contributor, handling the ball at times and shooting without trepidation. Still, the outside shot remains his swing skill. Marshall went 1-for-4 from three.

Overall, the grade is a bit harsh perhaps, but Marshall handled himself well.

James Johnson has impressed me so far.

The veteran wing flat-out knows how to ball. He can do a bit of everything on offense, handling the rock, making use of his spot-up shots, and doing the little things necessary to make an impact.

I mentioned earlier with Kira Lewis Jr. how the Pels need someone to consistently connect everyone on the floor together. Johnson has done well trying to do that. He overdoes it on occasion, but his point forward skills are valuable to this New Orleans team that is sorely missing its main creators.

Johnson has also shot the ball well in the big easy so far. In two games for the Pelicans, he is 6-of-9 from three. That’s certainly nice.

On defense, I didn’t think Johnson was tremendous or anything, but he was probably the Pels’ most active weakside defender.

Wes Iwundu fared better against the Hawks than he did against the Magic. He pitched in with ten points and was an active presence on both ends of the floor.

I think Iwundu can be a contributor on this Pels team with his effort level and willingness to cut and slash to the basket. His outside shot cannot be depended on at all—he once again missed all of his three-pointers—but Iwundu can still make himself a rotation player.

Despite that, I still feel uncomfortable giving Iwundu too big of a role on offense. I think his worth to the Pels will be on defense, as he seems insecure on the other end of the floor.

The Pels will require a lot from their new wing with Josh Hart out indefinitely. Right now, Iwundu and Naji Marshall are the Pels’ only totally natural fits in that position.