New Orleans Pelicans: Grades for loss vs. Grizzlies

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Grizzlies: Grades for the wings

Naji Marshall was very good for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Grizzlies.

Marshall’s emergence this season has been incredible to watch. He went from two-way player that seemingly did not have much of a future with the franchise to an indispensable rotation piece for Stan Van Gundy. His conversion to a guaranteed deal was beyond well-deserved.

The former Xavier man put in a fantastic shift in Memphis. Marshall typically added value with his strong drives to the rack, while also making a triple. His three-pointer will be key next season. However, it was Marshall’s rebounding that stood out the most.

Marshall has done a great job of filling in for Josh Hart after the latter’s injury. I hope that the Pelicans retain Hart’s services this offseason, but Marshall’s rise would assuage theoretically losing Hart. The Pels’ wing was tenacious on the glass against the Grizzlies, finishing with 11 rebounds—six of those were offensive boards.

On defense, Marshall was steady as always, finishing with three steals. He is one of the few Pelican players that I trust to bring the same level of intensity on this end of the floor every night.

James Johnson followed up a good performance against the Charlotte Hornets with another decent outing here.

Johnson has played well since coming into the starting lineup after Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram’s injuries. The veteran wing continues to fall short with his three-pointer, but constantly adds value with his drives to the basket.

Johnson is a very good ballhandler at his size. He isn’t explosive, but he is very astute. Johnson is wily with his dribble and then crafty with his final decision, which is either a creative finish or a good pass when he is at his best.

Against the Grizzlies, Johnson was definitely firing on all cylinders. He had 13 points, getting to the free throw line six times, and five assists to zero turnovers. I hope that he stays in New Orleans past this season.

Wes Iwundu got seven minutes off the bench after his ejection against the Hornets and did better, although the bar was really low.

Iwundu continues to have NBA size and defensive potential, but he is someone who really just doesn’t add a lot to this roster. The only reason he is playing right now is because of all the injuries and, really, I’d prefer to see James Nunnally get minutes over him.

Nunnally would at least potentially add three-point shooting, whereas Iwundu is an offensive non-factor. He missed both of his shots versus Memphis.