New Orleans Pelicans: One thing for each player to prove this season
New Orleans Pelicans: Forwards
Brandon Ingram: Ingram does not have much to prove on the offensive end, as he is already very good there and has improved every season he’s been in the league. But if he is going to go from star to superstar, he needs to get better on defense.
Ingram is probably never going to be a lockdown defender and doesn’t need to be, but he needs to prove he can be a shot blocker, especially from the weak side. Ingram has the length to be disruptive in that regard and it would be great for him to show some improvement and get to over a block per game for the rest of the season.
James Johnson: In my opinion, James Johnson has already shown enough to warrant being re-signed in the offseason. The veteran has given the Pels some defense, toughness and rebounding off the bench and has actually shot over 42 percent from 3-point range on just under four attempts per game.
Is that sustainable? If Johnson can prove he is a true 3-and-D forward, then he will have future value for the New Orleans Pelicans, who need more of these types of players to put around Zion Williamson.
Wes Iwundu: Iwundu was seemed to be a throw-in in the J.J. Redick trade but he’s another guy who potentially has a skillset the Pelicans could use. Stan Van Gundy must feel the same because Iwundu has gotten minutes over guys like Wenyen Gabriel who have been with the team the entire season. Iwundu needs to prove that he has another level defensively, that he can provide the type of versatile defense and hustle the Pels usually only get from Josh Hart.
With Hart out with injury for the rest of the season, Iwundu will probably get some run. Can he prove to be a cheap replacement in case they lose Hart? He’ll have 21 games to do it.
Naji Marshall: All the same could be said about Naji Marshall, who has played decently after getting some unexpected minutes due to injuries. The Pels desperately need a long, defensive wing who can back up Brandon Ingram, so both Iwundu and Marshall need to prove they can be that guy.