New Orleans Pelicans: Naji Marshall could replace Josh Hart

New Orleans Pelicans: The Pels have too many shooting guards

The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot of guards and not enough forwards, which has been true going back to last season.

The Pelicans currently have six guards on their roster and at least four of them are shooting guards depending on how you view Isaiah Thomas.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has played well enough to be considered part of the future. Lonzo Ball has played more off the ball and Eric Bledsoe is still under contract for next season and one more.

If the Pels were to trade Bledsoe, then this logjam would be cleared somewhat, but as of right now the last thing they need is another shooting guard.

Brandon Ingram is the only real wing, so it would be nice to balance the roster a bit more with a forward like Naji Marshall, whose defense and hustle would be a nice complement to both Ingram and Zion Williamson.

The big X factor is whether Marshall can improve his long-range shooting and become a true 3-and-D forward, as that is precisely what the Pelicans need moving forward.

Josh Hart is a fan favorite and he’s been very good for the Pels, but he is expendable, especially if they can find a guy who does what he does, adds more size and does it for much less.