New Orleans Pelicans: 3 positives from comeback win over the Cavaliers
New Orleans Pelicans: James Johnson and Naji Marshall
I wrote yesterday that Naji Marshall very well could be the replacement for Josh Hart if the Pelicans decide not to re-sign the shooting guard and I stand by it.
This is especially true if the Pels can also re-sign James Johnson, who has provided the exact type of defense, energy and toughness the Pels have lacked all season.
These two combined will likely make less than Josh Hart next season, so the injuries might actually have a silver lining.
Marshall had 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block against Cleveland, doing his best Hart impersonation by making hustle plays and running the floor well. His teammates took notice:
#Pelicans teammates gave Naji Marshall the game ball in Cleveland to acknowledge his valuable contributions to win. Marshall smiled when asked about the game ball, saying "I just went in the locker room and they brought it to me. I'll take it. I ain't going to give it back!" https://t.co/mXSSSkTF64
— Jim Eichenhofer (@Jim_Eichenhofer) April 12, 2021
Same with Johnson, who has been better than advertised since coming to the Pels via trade. He’s certainly been better for the Pelicans than that other J.J., who tried to throw the Pels’ under the bus on the way out the door.
Marshall also hit 2-of-4 from behind the arc, including one to tie the game late, and if he can continue to do that will almost definitely have a spot on next year’s team.
The play of Marshall and Johnson might have spelled the end of the Josh Hart era in New Orleans depending on what type of offers are out there in the offseason.