New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for win vs. Rockets
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Rockets: Grades for the wings
A. . Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. JAMES JOHNSON
James Johnson was my pick for player of the game behind Lonzo Ball, with the veteran forward putting up another quality game for the New Orleans Pelicans.
Getting Johnson in return for JJ Redick who did not figure in Stan Van Gundy’s plans, was injured, and is an unrestricted free agent in the summer looks like a steal by the Pels’ front office so far. It’s only a three-game sample for Johnson in New Orleans and things could always change, but I think it is safe to say that he has exceeded expectations so far.
Simply, Johnson is a great basketball player that has shown the ability to do a bit of everything. He’s unafraid handling the ball, even demanding it down the stretch of a close game such as this one. He can equally stretch the floor— 50 percent from three for the Pels—and forcefully attack the basket, something he did repeatedly versus Houston.
That’s without mentioning that Johnson has been genuinely good on defense over the past two games. Against the Rockets, I once again thought that he was probably the Pels’ most active help defender. He had two steals and four(!) blocks.
B. . Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. NAJI MARSHALL
After a nervy start during which he had two unforced travels, Naji Marshall picked it up in a big way and was a valuable contributor during his 24 minutes of action.
Marshall is getting more run with Josh Hart out, a logical move since he and Wes Iwundu are the only natural wings Stan Van Gundy has available.
Against the Rockets, Marshall had the best game of his NBA career. He did a little bit of everything, finishing with 12 points, five assists, four rebounds, and one block. Marshall took the three he was given, handled the ball a little, and earned his free throws.
The former Xavier man played intelligently and within himself. He did not try to do too much and made a good case to continue getting minutes. I like the former Marshall’s long-term potential as a role player in the league.
C. . Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. WES IWUNDU
Iwundu played 20 unremarkable minutes in which he didn’t do anything wrong, but didn’t do anything great either. That’s not necessarily a bad thing since he would probably just get spot minutes here and there for the Pelicans under normal circumstances.
One thing to note: Iwundu made his first three in a New Orleans uniform. The former Kansas State draftee had not scored a three since January 17.
On defense, he was okay if not too foul prone. Iwundu got five relative quick fouls and, given that his game time really hangs on his defense, he will need to cut those down going forward.