New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for blowout win vs. Magic
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Magic: Grades for the wings
NAJI MARSHALL. B. . Wing. New Orleans Pelicans
Naji Marshall only scored two points, but he played well once again.
Marshall had a bigger shooting role than usual in the New Orleans Pelicans’ last game, but I don’t think that suits him. Instead, the former Xavier man is at his best when his shooting accentuates everything else he brings to the table.
The Pels’ wing is a surprisingly great decision-maker. I’m a huge fan of when he gets rolling towards the basket and then makes the right read, which more often than not occurs. Marshall had four assists against the Magic and I hope to see his two-way contract converted to a regular one very soon.
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New Orleans Pelicans. WES IWUNDU. C-. . Wing
19 minutes for Wes Iwundu against the team that drafted him into the NBA and, unfortunately for him, the only Pelican with a negative plus-minus.
It’s harsh to give anyone a bad grade in a 35-point victory, but Iwundu just doesn’t add that much to the Pelicans. He has some potential as a long wing with a little bit of ballhandling ability and defensive versatility, but at some point, potential becomes a thing of the past.
Iwundu is already 26-years-old and, although he will have a year left on his Pels contract at the end of this season, I expect to see Naji Marshall and Didi Louzada prioritized over him. In my opinion, that is the right move.
I predict that Iwundu’s minutes will decrease once again when James Johnson is back from injury.
B. . Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. WENYEN GABRIEL
Wenyen Gabriel hive, stand up.
The South Sudan forward got about 19 minutes of court time against the Magic, his season-high. Gabriel did well in his cameo, adding tons of energy to the Pelicans and taking his offensive opportunities.
At one point, Gabriel made a three right after checking back into the game. I’m not sure what Gabriel’s future in New Orleans looks like, given the scarce playing time he has received this season, but I would rather see him than Iwundu until the end of the season at least.
. Wing. New Orleans Pelicans. JAMES NUNNALLY. B+
I don’t tend to give out grades for really short appearances, but I think James Nunnally deserves one.
The Pels’ new two-way signing played for less than ten minutes, but made an impact off the bench. New Orleans genuinely benefits from having a legitimate floor spacer, which is what the international basketball journeyman is.
Nunnally scored a couple of threes against Orlando.